dendleju

Myself, husband, 2 girls (9+11)
Fly DFW to Sao Paulo arrivng a.m of June 2.
Husband has business there through Tues 5 then we plan is to fly to Cuiba,from where a collegue has suggested we can do some nice Pantanal visits.
We will come back from Rio June 13 so plan to spend maybe June 9-13 there

1. Ideas for 2 days in Sao Paulo for me and girls
2. Resorts accessible from Cuibia that are suited to having kids (a pool would be great!)
3. Things to do and see with 3+ days in Pantanal
4. Things to do see, where to stay with 3 days in Rio.

A Brazilian friend has mentioned cooler temps in June, as a Brit living in Dallas not sure what that means?
THANKS

susanrford

Did Sao Paulo, Rio and Minas Gerais with my family this October. Kids are the same ages as yours, but we have boys.

In Sao Paulo, we stayed in the Jardins district.
(1) The MASP art museum is a must-see. An incredible amount of art by the masters in there, plus a very fun, accessible public art exhibit in the basement. Entry is free one day of the week (maybe Tuesdays?), and I'd recommend going even if you have to pay.
(2) If you like soccer or Pele at all, head to the Futebol (soccer) museum at Pachemo Stadium. Incredible! Some fun interactive exhibits, and great videos of Pele and other Brazilian greats. They have a brochure in English, and we could've stayed 2 hours. Be sure to grab the pasteis in the parking lot (GREAT snack for locals and tourists alike - it's like fried empanadas - so yummy!)
(3) If you like to shop, spend an afternoon window shopping in Jardins (I couldn't get my crew to do this, but you may have more luck with your crew). Have an overpriced ice cream or cafe

Didn't get to Pantanal, maybe next time.

In Rio, we stayed in Ipanema. June is winter in Brazil, so I'm not sure it will be beach weather. Still, be sure to walk along la rambla.
(1) Pao do Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) was our favorite tourist site. They say it's fabulous at sunset. Take your time. Take pictures on the way up and down. We liked the video too.
(2) Cristo Redemptor (Corcovado) - the big Jesus statue. Nice, but we hit it on a foggy day. So, if I had to choose one, I'd pick Sugarloaf.
(3) Have picanha at Visuvius or Garota do Ipanema (owned by the same people, the locals go to Visuvius, the tourists go to la Garota)

We loved the beauty of the country and the people - enjoy!

Treepol

This is a good site for choosing Northern Pantanal accommodation,http://www.pantanal-pocone.net/en/pa...dges/index.php

I have stayed at Araras Eco-lodge, Pousada Piuval and Rio Clara all of which are on the 'top' part of the Transpantaneira. All have pools and offer a variety of activities - horse-riding, Araras and Piuval have game viewing towers, Rio Clara offers boat rides on the river whilst Piuval provides an half day activity combining a boat ride on the lake, and a short walk to a tower, some of which is on a raised walkway - easy for the girls.

For a short stay I'd lean towards Araras for overall comfort and amenities and land-based animal viewing opportunities. If you contact them (or any other lodge directly) they will arrange transfers from Cuiaba.

Photos from my 2010 trip are here, https://picasaweb.google.com/Treepol...ntanalJuly2010

Happy planning,


Pol

Equestrian

Cooler temps in Rio in June mean that it will be comfortable (shorts, T-shirt, maybe light sweater for the breezy heights)for touring (not 40 degrees C and humid, as in February), but maybe not weather for more than sitting out in the sun in the afternoon at thebeach (not swimming).

1)Ideas for 2 days in Sao Paulo for me and girls
Spend a day going to the craft village of Embu, not too far.
Explore the neighborhoods and the art museums.

2. Resorts accessible from Cuibia that are suited to having kids (a pool would be great!)
Do not expect "resorts". This is a wild area of working cattle ranches, some of which have accomodations for tourists, which *may* be of hotel comfort level.

3. Things to do and see with 3+ days in Pantanal
Hire a guide, who will arrange accomodations at the fazendas, and show you the wildlife. Alternatively, some of the fazendaas offer activities such as horseback riding and boat excursions to try to see wildlife.

4. Things to do see, where to stay with 3 days in Rio.
Lots of info at www.ipanema.com about neighborhoods, sights, museums, etc., more than enough to fill 3 days. Stay in Copacabana, Arpoador or Ipanema.

dendleju

This is all great, thanks so much!
Anyone have any prefered hotels in Sao Paulo/Rio in those areas?
We are fine with basic accomodation, but were concerned some places in the Pantanal may not accept kids as guests..we do not want somewhere for super serious eco warriors who may not aapreciate 2 kids running around blowing off steam, we respect that there will be places less appropriate for us at this point while we are traveling with kids!!