Roula

A group of us are heading off to Brazil in Febuary. Will stop in Rio for a few days first and then off to Bahia for carnavale. After a week here we have another week in Fortaleza. <BR>Looking for tips on 3 -4 Star accommodation close to action and beach in all 3 cities. Also things that we must see and do. Is safety an issue during carnavale, do we need tickets or can we just turn up? If so where do we get the tickets from and for how much? Does Carnavale run day and night? <BR>What is the temp. like, and how do people dress? ( we are Australians and used to dressing fairly casually ). <BR>Let us know if you have had any unique or interesting experiences. <BR>Cheers <BR>

formiga

Dress ? What for ? It is Carnival !<BR>Seriously in Salvador you need something called an ADABA, which is a kind of t-shirt that allows you to follow the trio eletrico - the big trucks that have the bands on it, plus bar and toilets. How to find them ? I am sure they are on the web, but don't know where. Buy in advance or pay a fortune... <BR>In Rio they have the big parade but the good days are Sunday and Monday nights, so there is no way you can see that and get to the carnival in Bahia. Which one is best ? Depends... Rio is somthing to see and shake a little, Bahia is full participation. <BR>As for hotels, I am not sure, I am local and have friends all around, so I never stayed in one. You may want to try the Meridien in Salvador... a little pricy. In Rio, stay in Ipanema or Leblon, NOT Copacabana, which was famous on the 50's but is now decadent. Enjoy it, I will envy you from New York, where I leave now.

dick

You may have already have your cities determined but I've been going to Brasil for 10 years - about 12 times total and would HIGHLY suggest Maceio for Carnaval instead of Salvador. The music would probably be better there but the crowds are huge and the safety is a concern. Maceio throws a great party, with the trios going down the street in front of the beach with a nice breeze to cool you off. As the Brasilians love to party, it is the week preceding carnaval when lots of the action happens - at least in Maceio. I wasn't that impressed with Fortaleza after traveling in Alagoas and Rio Grande do Norte. Beautiful beaches, friendly people, great food, cheaper and IMO safer - never a problem. If you want a great beach and fun people, try Ponta Negra that is close to Natal. Visual Praia Hotel is beautiful with a pool right on the beach ~50 usd off season for 2 with full Brasilian breakfast. In Rio, I'd definetly suggest the Ipanema Inn. The rooms are a bit small but the location is right behind Ceaser Park Hotel and has great beach access (the best beach I think), close to the night spots, places to eat and shop. <BR> <BR>Ah, Brasil - muito bem. <BR>Have fun.

juha

Oi, <BR> <BR>Casual dress is more than fine ! <BR> <BR>Carnaval runs from afternoons to late late night (morning . <BR>Tickets for Carnaval. It depends where and how you want to spend carnaval in Salvador Bahia. Its safe here too <BR> <BR>a) street <BR>this option is free, but maybe not so nice for first timers. <BR> <BR>b) bloco <BR>Bloco, take part of the one of the tens Carnaval parades. Tickets (100-300 usd) for three days, include some beers, clothes (abada) etc....... <BR> <BR>c) Arquibancada <BR>Kind of stands with restaurant services, right to go and come to streets, security.... this is nice option. <BR>Rates: 15 - 50,00 usd per day per person. <BR> <BR>Accomodation <BR> <BR>Our house is still available. 5 bedrooms, garden, security etc... pictures available. Its located at the best beach of Salvador. <BR> <BR>We do also represent hotels, guesthouses at Rio, Salvador and Fortaleza. There is some photos at my site. <BR> <BR>If you are intresting to get knwo more write me, so I could give you more info and rates of the accomodations (not available yet for carnaval). <BR> <BR>Best regards <BR>Juha <BR> <BR>homepage: www.tripbrasil.com

Surlok

In Rio, I recommend you to stay in Ipnema or Leblon, as stated a few posts above. <BR> <BR>There are nice hotels in Ipanema, as the Everest, but it's a bit pricey. Everest chain has a smaller hotel, just over the corner, at Rua Garcia D'Avila, where the Ceasar Park Hotel stands ( kind of 100 yards, at the corner of Vieira Souto Av.). It's quite close to the beach, you'll have everything you might need one or two blocks away, as drugstores, supermarket, newstands, the nicest jelwelry stores like H.Stern ( and its factory), and the most exclusive boutiques, all within (very short) walking distance. <BR> <BR>Besides, the Ceasar Park hotel hires its own safety guards to stay at the beach, watching over their guests. This can be quite useful to the nearby hotels' guests, without the extra costs. <BR> <BR>Surlok

Tania

The temperature in Bahia, Rio, etc. in February is around 30-40°C and sunny all days ! Safety - if you buy the "ABADA" is safer, because you can party in a restricted area, but if you prefer to save money (since things are expensive this period of the year) you can stay in the free area, where you need to have the basic tourist cares, no watches, money(except for the Beer!), etc..because there will be a big crowd - you enjoy also, but it will be not selected people. People dress 100% casual ! It is carnival, beach cities and summer ! If you buy the ABADA you get a T-shirt that is the "ticket". Fortaleza is great (small fishing village and big dunes) and you must visit Jericoacara, little far from capital, but worth it. You will love it !

Tania

I am going to Carnival in Salvador this week. To buy the kit for carnival (abada) is around US$ 100-200 for 3 days party. I bought my abada from Central do Carnaval, phone (71) 372-6000. Feel free to email me if you go. Enjoy !