Is a week to long to spend in Rio?? Are there some awesome day trips to go ?? For those of you who have been to Rio what advice would you give for this??

We are planning a trip in early October of this year, going first to Peru for a week and then Brazil unless there is somewhere else one recommends ??

First time in South America with limited time and looking for some advice??

DeBrew

You could spend a lifetime in Rio. Day trips? Head out to the beach at Grumari or take the ferry over to Niteroi. Have lunch in Guarajuba. Head up to Petropolis. Plenty of things to do.

latinamericaforless.com

kuodatours.com

Peru/MP for 7-10 days Cusco/MP magical

Rio for 5 on the beach to finish

if budget is good... brazil.nuts

gotmyfare.com good multicountry budget tour values

if budget not too good.

See a lot at great value.

Rio is ok if you just wannt to veg out beach and party

not my cup of tea...

GalapagosXpeditions.com

consider adding Galapagos EcoAventura cruise

to Peru for total awesomeness white beaches adventure

and natural beauty skip Rio save expensive visa/flight costs.

We didn't have any problems spending a week in Rio. Great food, interesting sights (no beaches or parties!). For more details see:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-to-brazil.cfm

Are you sure you only want to spend a day in Rio? It's a huge city, many things to see and do... I would give it 2 or 3 days, at least.

Dear Qwovadis,

Have you actually been to Rio? Have you ever been to Brazil? I ask merely because what little you offer in the way of advice, part from 'helpful' links to consolidators, travel agencies etc tends to be pretty much off the mark or wildly ill-informed. I've also noticed that if you are asked a follow up question requiring some level of detail or actual knowledge you never reply.

I spent 2 weeks in Rio and vicinity this past summer (their winter) and certainly did not have any trouble passing the time! Spent several days on the beach, walking the beaches, checking out the sights for a bit of history, plus time to see the "biggies" - Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ Statue. Spent a day in Petropolis which was a nice change from bustling Rio. Took a bus to Paraty where we spent 4 nights. It has the old world charm, great hiking, you can tour the islands by boat, relax on the beach, take in the nightlife which is a late dinner, walk the cobblestone streets. There are these street vendors that come out in the evening selling their desserts which were scrumptious. I couldn't get enough of these deep-fried pockets of goodness (meat filled or cheese) that some of the stands were selling during the day. Even did a highly touristy jeep tour which was excellent.

Enjoy your trip!

I've been to Rio de janeiro 7Xs during the 2000's and plan to return this October for at least 9 days. There's a lot to do; thus you'll definitely need more than the number of days cited. But, in all fairness, it depends on your interests.

Most of the preceding writers gave you advice regarding day trips: Santa Teresa is a barrio in Rio which is very well worth visiting. Read about its offerings. Barra is a modern village/barrio which would take half a day to experience. The cariocas call it "Little Miami." Do a helicopter ride over the city, and take it from Flamengo, not from the "Christ" area. Do a favela tour with Marcelo Armstrong's company, the man who began them. Do travel to Petropolis and Niteroi and do as recommended. Go to a samba school to watch the preparations for 2012. The botanical gardens are wonderful along with the Tijuca (sp) Forest. Take some tours of these, and do some on your own.

I'll get back to you after consulting my guide books which I've packed. My memory is not as great as it once was....