My wife and I will be flying to Rio for 8 days in March 2003 after Carnaval.

We would like to fly to another area in Brasil for 2 or 3 day stay. We would appreciate your suggestions as to areas, resorts, hotels, etc. Thanks.

Consider Foz de Iguazu. The falls are spectacular, an incredible geographic marvel. We stayed on the Brazilian side at the hotel overlooking the falls. We rented a car so that we could visit the Argentinian side as well. There is a Sheraton on the Argentinian side. It is well worth walking the falls on both sides; the views are dramatic and different. You can also take a boat trip to the base of the falls.

They took the words out of my mouth. By all means, take this trip! And, yes, be sure to visit the Argentine side, whether by renting a car, or going with a tour.

We did a jungle tour and boat ride that was just incredible. Saw a fair amount of cool stuff like a toucan and big blue butterflys.

Note that the town is Foz de Iguacu, which means (I think) "the end of the Iguacu river". The falls are Iguacu Falls. Find it on a map where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet.

You can get a preview of the falls by watching "The Mission" with Robert deNiro.

There is also a large dam nearby that is apparently quite something. Bypass offers to go shopping in Paraguay.

JP

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Yes, Ciudad del Este, besides being a dump, has lately been in the news as an Al-Qaeda haven...

If short on time, the jungle tour is better than the rather time-consuming dam visit.


I personally enjoy travelling by bus in Brazil, as a way of catching glimpses of daily life in this beautiful country.

The train ride from Curitiba to Paranagua, while no match for Iguaçu, is spectacular in its own right.

Keep in mind the popular beach resorts between Rio and Sao Paolo will be very crowded at that time of the year, if considering them.

Another vote for Iguazu.

The waterfalls within the rainforrest are great. 2-3 days are perfect: there's so much too see. The waterfalls look different from the Brasilian or the Argentinian site.

The hotel Das Cataratas is a first class hotel and located next to the falls.

Iguazu is awesome, i've been there twice. both sides are very worth it-- I'd recommend staying on the Brazil side, but spending the majority of your time on the Argentine side-- the falls are actually on the Argentine side, so there you're actually IN the falls. you feel it, it's an amazing experience. plus, the boat ride to the garganta del diablo is on the argentine side. you take a short boat ride to this platform located in the middle of the river. there you walk out and you're literally sitting on top of the largest section of falls in the area. it's quite spectacular.
Brazil side is good for the panoramic view of the falls. youll enjoy both, but really take the time to spend on the Argentine side.
Also, avoid the dam-- it's a waste of time, and dont go into Paraguay, it's nasty (ciudad del este is especially a dump). I've walked over the bridge between foz de iguacu and ciudad del este-- and it's scary.
rent a car and drive through the Brazilian countryside, lots of nice places to see, and it's beautiful there.
also, besides Iguazu, I'd recommend going to Parati, which is along the Brazilian coast, a 2-3 hour drive from Rio. it's incredible-- a little colonial town-- the whole town is preserved by order of UNESCO. all portuguese colonial town surrounded by mountains and incredible beaches and islands nearby. we did an all day sailing excursion that took us to many beaches and islands. so unbelieveable. Brazil is incredible, I love it and want to go back. you'll have an amazing time no matter what you do.

Another vote for Parati. Agree that the surrounding isles are fantastic.

Thanks for the info.

Has anyone been to Costa do Sauipe and Salvador?

I've been to Salvador-- was there for carnival in 2000. it's a beautiful town-- all the architecture is amazing, the music is great, food is good, and the people are warm. definite thumbs up,

I got back last week from Brazil. I agree w/ the positive comments about Iguacu and Parati. I didn't stay at Parati, but rather I stayed further north near Angra. The schooner tour was fabulous and inexpensive. i swam more in one day in Angra than during the last ten years in the midwest. one warning about schooner operators - some may not offer inflatable rafts as a mean to get ashore when visiting beaches (if you are not a strong swimmer - ask first or prepare to swim 100 ft. to shore).

I've also visit Ouro Preto, which is not worth the trip from Rio...yes it is historic and pretty...the day I visited, only one museum was open...they warned me about daytime robberies by drug addicts if you stray from the center of town.