I am planning my first trip to Brazil in mid-April of next year. I have only 10 days and I would love some input:

Days 1, 2 & 3 : Rio

Days 4 & 5: Salvador

Days 6, 7 & 8: Igazu falls

Day 9: Sao Paolo

Day 10: Departure

Originally, I wanted to be in Salvador for one night and then head to the beach at Trancoso for two nights. But it seems that it will take a good part of a day to get to the beach and I am not spending enough time in Salvador (??). Also, am I spending too many nights in Igazu? I realize that I can fly from Igazu, to Sao Paolo or Rio, and then fly home, but I thought it was a long day (and night, back to the U.S.) for flying and thought it might be better to break it up with a day in Sao Paolo. Any thoughts? thanks so much.

2 days plenty for Iguazu

add a day at Salvador...

Another vote for adding a day in Salvador.

Thanks. I am going to do that. Do you know of any "side trips" in Salvador? Is there a particular hotel you like?

I stayed at the Convento do Carmo which as the name suggests is a converted convent right near the historical centre of Salvador, Pelhourino. Using Expedia it was about $170 AUD per night, that was April last year.

You could make a side trip up the coast to the beach areas, but there's easily enough to do in Salvador for three days: the Afro Brasilian museum, Baroque churches, Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia, Museum of Modern Art and Sculpture garden.