Well, now I am considering Sao Paulo, probably the Jardim (n?---seen both spellings), area, for my starting point, then to Iguasu and Manaus (instead of Rio). I don't see much about Sao Paulo in the discussions. I am pretty sure I wouldn't really like the beach scene in Rio though the overall city looks really beautiful. Anyone know much about that area of Sao Paulo? Would I be making a mistake not to see Rio? I am a bit older than middle age female traveling alone. Thanks for suggestions, comments.

If you like New York you will like SP

the NY of SA...

Most prefer Rio as it is prettier and beachier

Prefer that but to each his own.

I've been to Sao Paulo 3Xs and to Rio de janeiro 7Xs during the 2000's. I'll take Rio any day due to its somewhat relaxed attitude and that expansive beauty. I found it much easier to navigate on foot and in taxis and buses than I did while in Sao Paulo. I also found it having much more to do than in the 3rd largest city in the world.

I'd go to both places if you can. Sao Paulo has amazing museums and great food. Rio is breath-takingly beautiful and there's also lots to see and do besides the beach.

The shift in spelling for the Jardins area is probably from singular to plural: Jardim is the singular, Jardins is the plural.

well, I would go both! São Paulo is big and complicated to walk alone, but there is nightlife, good restaurant and so on. Rio is beautifull, funny, hot and tehre are much things to do during all teh day... It depends of what you like

Both are great. And though the Copacabana scene is obviously a big part of Rio, there is definitely more to it than the beach...Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, samba dancing! Info and pics from trips to both cities at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/