Brazil
 

Looking to travel to Brazil this December with kids- the US state.gov site makes it sound like it's fraught with danger - any recent travelers who can share your experience?

It's a big country, so conditions vary. And there's currently a deep economic crisis.
A great deal depends on your own planning, common sense and comportment.
I've been visiting regularly for long stays over the last 2 decades, as a solo woman traveler, and have had no problems.

Thanks @SambaChula! Makes sense. We are thinking of a few days in Rio, visit Iguazu falls, a sampling of Pantanal and the Amazon. In your experience, what are areas to avoid and any tips on safety? Any ideas on trustworthy tour companies to consider? Appreciate your help with this!

For Rio, if you don't want to DIY by taxi (no seat belts for kids), contact Rafa: http://donrafaguestsinrio.blogspot.com/
He's knowledgable, amusing, and has a reliable vehicle to efficiently see a lot in a short time.
The kids might like:
the train up to Corcovado with samba band playing,
the 2-stage tram up Sugarloaf and the little monkeys in the trees on top,
swan paddleboats in the Lagoa,
waterfalls in Tijuca park,
the Marapendi wetlands,
the Chinese gate at the vista point in Tijuca,
possible spider monkey sightings along the road through the park,
maybe the ferry to Niteroi (which passes the fairytale buildings on Ilha Fiscal, although the new ferry is more closed in),
the bonde (streetcar) up to Santa Teresa (nice restaurants http://www.10best.com/destinations/b...-teresas-best/ , kids welcome at all bars/restaurants in Brazil, but be careful wandering around up there),
the sand sculptures at the edge of the sand at the beach,
the zoo in Quinta de Boa Vista (not the best in parts, but an interesting bridge over one area) on a Sunday when Brazilian families are in the park and there are rides and food stands,
the busy shopping street in Copacabana with lots of food options,
the Sunday hippie fair (crafts and food) in Ipanema,
beaches of course, including sunset at Arpoador, and much more.
If you have more time, you might consider a few days in Ilha Grande.
There is crime in Rio, mostly pickpocketing, but the occasional grab and run (or by a kid on a bicycle going past). Areas to avoid are any that are empty of people, no matter if side streets in a more upscale neighborhood. Stay off the sand after dark.
Plan: Take nothing you can't afford to lose. Wear no jewelry. Small digital camera only, kept close to body when taking photos, unless with guide. Cross body bag with secure, un-cut-able strap for women or for men and women, a small waist pack you can keep a hand on. Keep track of your stuff at all times (harder I know when also keeping track of kids too).
IMO you're less of a target with kids. All Brazilian love kids and will go out of their way to interact with yours.
And most people have no problems (but those who do often post, so it seems worse than it is).

The falls at Iguacu are beautiful. See both sides; easy by taxi or local public bus. Smaller cities like Foz do Iguacu and Puerto Iguazu tend to be more tranquil (since the income differences aren't so wide and so much in everyone's face, much less crime). DIY or with taxi is fine; no guide needed. 3 hours for Brazilian side, 3 hours for the Bird Park near the entrance. Boat ride under the falls from either side (cheaper from Argentina?). And 3 main paths on the Argentine side.

For Pantanal it's south (cheaper, few jaguars, possible to include Bonito) through Campo Grande or north (more expensive, chance of jaguars, possible to include Nobres) through Cuiaba. That's the first choice.

The Amazon out of the huge city of Manaus is a pretty superficial look and has never interested me enough to spend the time, money and effort. Flights are very expensive and waste a whole day each way. Suggest doing it from Peru, in future.

If you have more questions, please post as they come up.

You're so very welcome, deeba.

I'm getting my trip report ready to post.

Rio--Ipanema seemed to have more people walking to/from beach, along shopping streets, so felt safer than the area between Ipanema and Copacabana as well as streets off of Copacabana. I liked that people were out along Rua Visconde de Pirajá until shops closed in the evening, so even after dark.

Metro in the tourist areas was well lit and organized, but the cars did get crowded, so I kept close tabs on my bag, but never felt uncomfortable.

My guide warned me when she saw a group of pre-teen to teenage boys running--saying they could be nice boys just having fun or trouble. She suggested if I saw a group running like that to just avoid, cross the street, or go in a building. She suggested I use taxis after dark and not go to the beach after dark.

I really enjoyed my guide in Rio--Meilin Mares Guia - TurisMares - she was very professional, easy to get along with, adjusted to my preferences, safe driver, reliable....she said she really enjoys families, so think of her for Rio. http://www.turismares.com.br/index.php?lang=en

We did the falls on our own. No need for tour guides for the parks. I'm not sure the best way to arrange transport. We got a good driver and rate from Brazil to Argentina, but the driver couldn't pick us up later because he was booked, so we hired a taxi from the stand--not as good a rate and not as safe a driver, but we made it. We spent 5 hours on Argentina side and could have spent more (no boat ride) just watching the falls and walking slower, but we didn't have children to keep entertained.
The Brazilian side was very crowded 10-3, so try to get in early or stay late (last bus at 6:30) or stay at the Belmond if you can afford--it was really nice.

Among the stops on Rio walking tour kids may like are the Eduardo Kobra murals and Real Gabinete Portugués de Lectura that looks like Harry Potter library.

Good suggestions for kids. Reasonable safety tips. Thanks.

Report posted October 3 on TA:
" We got around easily and saw all the sights - the troops were being withdrawn when we were leaving on Friday as the trouble in The Favela had calmed down a lot."

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...o_de_Jane.html
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