Sweetness

My husband and I are trying to plan a trip this November/December(Thanksgiving) to South America. Pretty well traveled. We only have 11-12 days to be away, not included flight to/from US. We love beautiful beaches to relax, adventure, and a bit of culture and food. . Last year we did Hong Kong/Bangkok and Phuket Islands- a perfectly well balanced trip. Wondering if Argentina/ Brazil would give is a similar balanced trip? Not too into Macchu Pichu/Peru. Would consider Chile, though I don't know much about it. I know Brazil is huge, but would like some great beaches to end our trip? Heard Argentina has good food and culture. Pretty sure we won't have time for Iguazu Falls. Any trip advise ? Want to book flight ASAP but can't figure out where to fly in/out, etc...

avrooster

Since you "love beautiful beaches", I guess your choice should be Brazil.

Late November is too early for Argentine beaches. For "culture and food" Argentina would be perfect.

Have a wonderful time in South America with your DH, Sweetness.

Sweetness

when is good for Argentina beaches? Where do you recommend for beaches in Brazil?

avrooster

Sweetness: I hate to say so, but I know Brazilian beaches are better than ours (Argentina), particularly early in the season. However, I can't really recommend one in particular, as I have never been there.

The high season for Argentine beaches is from Xmas until late Feb., but they'll be crowded.

As said above, "for culture and food" BA would be great and our spring is wonderful.

SambaChula

Yes, all the Argentine folks head for Florianopolis in Santa Catarina state (Brazil).
:-0

If beaches and culture are what you're after, fly into Salvador, Bahia, see the city with its rich African culture and unique music (and many 'urban' beaches), then head for Morro do São Paulo, Boipeba or Barra Grande on Marau peninsula, just south of the city.

Or spend some time in and around Rio, then head for Buenos Aires via a couple of days at the falls.

Avrooster, please come and visit us in Salvador!

avrooster

Sure, SambaChula, do I have to make a proper reservation or do I just drop in on you??? Just kidding! LOL!!!

SambaChula

If I get advance notice, we can send the local fishermen out on the Bay the night before to catch something special for you!

avrooster

A mermaid, maybe? Just kidding!

carmenbona

With just 11 days, you should focus on one of the countries. Although I personally like Argentina's nature better, seems like Brazil would be a better choice for you. Definitely do Rio and Salvador de Bahia, skip Brasilia and Sao Paulo, and chose one of the beaches in the north (Fortaleza, Recife, or Jericoacoara + Lencois Maranheses). You won't get to experience the Amazon rainforest nor Pantanal, but it's impossible to get to everything in such short time, and you seem to prefer beaches.
Check out my blog for more inspiration and tips: http://bonatravels.com/2008/07/05/co...ummary-brazil/

SambaChula

avrooster, no kidding at all, Google "sereia Itapua" to see an image of our local mermaid, in the Itapua neighborhood, a neighborhood immortalized in song (search "Itapua" on YouTube).
She's described here:
"Sereia de Itapuã
Um dos principais símbolos do bairro, o monumento da sereia está localizado bem no centro de Itapuã, no cruzamento das principais avenidas que cortam o bairro. Criado pelo artista plástico Mario Cravo, em homenagem aos pescadores, o monumento foi instalado em 1958. Feito em ferro batido, pintado de prata, mede aproximadamente 1,5 m e está assentado em uma pedra de granito."
Everybody in the area gives directions like Turn right at the sereia.

avrooster

Thank you very much, SambaChula!

I'll let you know when I'm getting there, a few hours in advance, so you have that mermaid ready.