Paco

I will be travelling to Brazil in mid Feb., for around 15 days, I know that is a short time for such a big and interesting country.. but its better than nothing. I would like to receive advice about where to stay, are there any hotel company around Brazil, with fares around USD 80-100 per night for a double? Which are the must see places in the country? I think a very important thing on a travel is trying local food.... any nice restaurants and food I should try? Any local crafts to buy? Thanks a lot in advance, Paco <BR> <BR> <BR>

Viru

I was in Brazil for 15 days - just returned this past sunday. A good resource is the fodors book on latin america. <BR>Also, many brazilian chambers of commerce exist - that may help you for tourism. You will find many hotels in the price range you are looking for.

Paciano Diaz

I hope you have done research and know what you are getting into. A co-worker went to Rio de Janeiro last year. While on the beach in mid day his group of about six was surrounded and robbed. The thieves came from the water and some pretended to be tanning. The police were about 50 feet away. When this co-worker went to the police, they pretended as though they did not speak english. My coworker said that the was part of it all was that others around (primarily locals)laughed at what had happened to them. He plans to never return and frankly I don't see I will ever see Rio.

Edson

Hi Paco. I read the message above from Mr.Dias and I got very sad. Unfortunately, safety is a serious problem in my country, mainly in Rio. But if you take care, I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip. Visit this site to find your hotel in Rio: http://ipanema.com/rio/hotels. Don't miss "feijoada", delicious local food and "caipirinha", tradicional drink. For further information visit Embratur site. Have a nice trip.

Larry Whittington

Paco, <BR> <BR>I returned from a week in Rio yesterday. Loved it. Fascinating city and people. Stayed on Copacabana Beach. Moved out of Rio Othon Palace because it was a dump. Moved into the Sofitel Rio Palace. All you could want in a five-star hotel. Great establishment. <BR> <BR>Walked and bicycled Copacabana and had no problems. Learned to identify the types you want to avoid: unsavory loitering types around the Othon Palace and young kids on the beach. They are very willing to grab & run. My wife, daughter and I stayed alert, dressed down and had no problems. <BR> <BR>Best: Sugarloaf, Cristo Redentor, Tijuca forest. Monaco restaurant in Copacabana for fejoada and seafood. "Coco gelado" from beach vendors.. (coconuts with the tops chopped off and a straw to drink the milk.) Antartica beer. Cafe com leite (Brazilian coffee with warmed milk) from any of the sidewalk cafes. <BR> <BR>Great: Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra Tijuca shopping center <BR> <BR>avoid: any beach close to the favelas (slums), Rio Othon Palace, hustlers at the airport that charge more than 40 Reais (I paid 85 then tipped 15 - Dumb gringo). <BR> <BR>Exchange rate was 1.8 real to the dollar while we were there. Hotels paid 1.6. Street exchangers paid 1.75. American Express Office next to Copacabana Palace paid 1.8. <BR> <BR>Visa was the most wide accepted credit card. AX and MC were often taken. <BR> <BR>We got lucky bumping into a guide. Abel Goncalves. 21-273-8421 cell - 9999-6641. He spoke excellent English, drove an air-conditioned Chevrolet and is a 40 year resident that knows all about the area. He's the one that tipped us about who to watch out for on Copacabana. <BR> <BR>Beautiful city. Beautiful people. We're going back in Rio's wintertime.