obersee1

First-time visitor needs some quick help with itinerary. My dates are set as well as my arrival and departure points. I have 5 full days after being in Sao Paulo on business for a few days and I fly out from Rio. What is the best use of my time there to see Brazil and relax? I'm planning 1 full day to explore Sao Paulo and fly to Rio on day 2 and have 4 full days there, but I am open to suggestions. I have a hotel in Jardins in Sao Paulo and am considering a hotel in Ipanema once in Rio, but can't find anything that modern under $200USD.

If anyone can advise in the next couple days on a good itinerary, where to stay in Rio, and the best way to get from Sao Paulo to Rio (bus or flight, which airlines), I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you.

Franto

I would fly from Sao Paulo to Rio. It is easier and more convenient. You may depart from Congonhas (CGH), the downtown airport in Sao Paulo, and fly to Santos Dumont (SDU) the downtown airport in Rio. Sofitel and Mariott, both on Copacabana beach are good picke with good views. In Sao Paulo, I would visit Liberdade, the Japanese-Brasilian neighborhood. In Rio, of course, the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Sugar Loaf are a must. Long lunch or dinner at the Porcao Restaurant in Flamengo--great view. Please, no bus--unless you are truly adventurous. If so, let me know.

Susan7

For airlines try GOL or TAM. In Sao Paulo try to visit: the lookout at Banespa for a great view of the city, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Sao Paulo. The central market is fantastic, great place for a meal as well as an extraordinary range of fruit and nuts. If you can, catch a samba school rehearsal in either city.

In Rio, take the bonde (tram) up to St Teresa, there a number of interesting bars and restaurants up there. The Museum of Contemporary Art in Niteroi is worth visiting, the restaurant has good views back to Rio. Take the local ferry across, there's a bus from there. The Botanical Garden has a great range of habitats and exotic plants: from chocolate through to those huge lily pads.

Both cities have small and useful guidebooks in the Wallpaper series--they are ideal for short stays.

Eddwarm

The preceding suggestions are great, but check www.concierge.com/travelguide/riodejaneiro for additional suggestions. Sugar Loaf and "the Christ" are musts. I hope you're in both places when it's not too crowded and when the weather is supreme.

A helicopter tour over this magnificent city is tremendous. If you do this, go when the weather is conducive to this type of adventure, and board the helicopter in the Flamengo area. There's a lovely restaurant there.

My friend and I dined for lunch, took in the magnificent sites from afar, took lovely photographs before boarding, and had an outstanding afternoon in general.

I'll never forget this. Within a few days, I'll write more after getting out my guide books; I don't want to misspell the names of places, including "Must restaurants."

katrinab

For a hotel in Rio I can recommend the Praia Ipanema, which is right on the beach and all rooms have balconies (which is surprisingly rare in Rio). Our room was very modern, comfortable, clean. Nothing too fancy but very nice. Definitely in the budget range you are looking.

More info and pics at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/