Brazil - Trip to Rio

Ok i randomly booked a trip to rio mid june for a week. I need you guys to help me plan it, as in what to do and where to go. I come in to Rio and fly out of Rio and have a week. Appreciate if you guys helped plan what to do and where to stay. Up for everything i guess its just a case of making the best use of time.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

hmmm no one has anything to suggest...

It is not that anyone has nothing to suggest, it is just hard to make suggestions to a question that contains very little specifics. What would be the point of suggesting things to do if they all turned out to be things you didn't care for? We don't even know if you plan to stay in Rio the entire week or are willing to make excursions elsewhere. And for hotels, we have no idea of your price range, so should high end establishments be suggested or low end or something in-between? Before making your next post I would suggest you look at other threads in the Brazil forum which contain a lot of information about places to go, places to stay, things to do, and things to be careful about. When the Brazil forum was recently created, a lot of older threads concerning Brazil were moved into it. Then, if certain items strike your fancy, come back and ask questions that are more focused and that provide the readers with a better idea of your likes and dislikes, price range, whether you are traveling alone or with others, etc..

And one other point. If you are a US Citizen and do not currently have a visa for Brazil, you will need to obtain one. There are threads about that as well in the Brazil forum.

It is not that anyone has nothing to suggest, it is just hard to make suggestions to a question that contains very little specifics. What would be the point of suggesting things to do if they all turned out to be things you didn't care for? We don't even know if you plan to stay in Rio the entire week or are willing to make excursions elsewhere. And for hotels, we have no idea of your price range, so should high end establishments be suggested or low end or something in-between? Before making your next post I would suggest you look at other threads in the Brazil forum which contain a lot of information about places to go, places to stay, things to do, and things to be careful about. When the Brazil forum was recently created, a lot of older threads concerning Brazil were moved into it. Then, if certain items strike your fancy, come back and ask questions that are more focused and that provide the readers with a better idea of your likes and dislikes, price range, whether you are traveling alone or with others, etc..

And one other point. If you are a US Citizen and do not currently have a visa for Brazil, you will need to obtain one. There are threads about that as well in the Brazil forum.

Also what are your interest-beach, museums, hiking, etc. Also, you should read the various Brasil threads for tips on personal safety. You may want to do some online research and then come back here for specific questions. A good website is ipanema.com.

Thanks guys. Well a few specifics. I would like to do the Amazon subject to i have the time to do it. I am open to travel around. Hotel would range anything between $100-200. Would like some beach time. I would want to do some museums. Unless its a brilliant hike i could skip it. Basically try to cover the maximum i can within a week.

I guess i was trying the easier way of having people suggest what to do rather than look up older threads.

Thanks for the website.

I guess i need to try and read the brazil forum in more depth and take it from there. Once again thanks guys.

I used this outfit to do a 5-Day venture on the Amazon. I believe they had day trips as well and can tailor a trip to your needs. http://swallowsandamazonstours.com/

Depending on where you want to travel you might look into the Brazil airpass, details here: http://www.staralliance.com/en/press/brazilairpass-prp/

But remember, Brazil is pretty big and a week isn't much time. If you want to see more than Rio and its surrounding areas, consider picking perhaps two places to go and then plan on coming back to see more. :-)

For the Amazon you'd need about 3-4 days, unless you just want to arrive there and go back.
It's quite a long flight from Rio to Manaus, and then you need to take a boat or something to go out of the city.

Thanks qfrodo and neuromancer. I guess 7-8 days surely not enough but thats about all i can manage now. I guess i would have to settle with Rio and the Amazon and leave the rest for later.

You will want to see the Cristo and Pao de Acucar. Do both on a clear day. You can hike in the Tijuca forest, walk around the botanical gardens, take the bonde up to Santa Teresa. There are a bunch of museums, though I think the only one I actually made it to was the Carmen Miranda. Enjoy the beaches in Copacabana and Ipanema, or further out in Barra or Sao Conrado. The Parque do Flamengo is also nice, with great views of Sugarloaf and you can watch the Brazilian boys playing soccer, volleyball and lifting weights. Try to see a football game at the Maracana, take a tour of the favelas and go to Lapa on Friday night.

You can do day trips to Petropolis and Teresopolis, though this area was hard hit by recent floods so I don't know what their status is at the moment. Outside of Rio, there is Parati and Ilha Grande to the west or Buzios, Saquarema and Arraial do Cabo to the east. June is off season, so you should have these areas largely to yourself.

I had plans to do lots of sightseeing, but the beaches are addicting so I spent much of my time there.

Thanks trebex. I guess will have to pick the sightseeing or the amazon. Cant be doing both else i end up with 0 beach time. Thanks for the advice.

Well, you could do both. A few days in Rio and then a few days in the Amazon. If you're heading to the Amazon, you can certainly skip the Tijuca forest and the botanical gardens in Rio. It may be a bit rushed, but if you have a short time and you don't think you'll get back to Brazil for a while, then go for it.

You can easily spend a week in Rio, maybe with side trips to Buzios, Paraty, Angra dos Reis, Petropolis, Niteroi, e.g.
Rio itself has so much to offer when it comes to sights, beaches, restaurants, nightlife, activities and cultural stuff.
My personal favorite guidebook to Rio is "Rio for Partiers". Excellent guide to restaurants, nightlife and beyond, all written in an informal language.

Trebex - that is something that i could do or just entirely skip the amazon as jeffi suggested. I am not so big on the amazon but since i will be there and not sure when next i thought i might as well go for it.

Just do Rio and neighbhours wise or do Rio and Amazon ??

I don't think you'd go wrong either way. If the Amazon is something you really want to do, then go for it. If you can take it or leave it, then leave it. Or why not look into flight costs from Rio to Manaus. If the price is good, that's an incentive to go.

Its more a case of take it or leave it i would think, let me figure out the cost to fly and take it from there.

To be honest with you I'd skip trying to do Rio and Amazon in one short trip. As a previous poster suggested, there is absolutely loads to do in and around Rio and certainly enough to keep you occupied and give you a taste of Brazilian life.

If you do choose to go to Amazon, keep in mind that it is around a 5 hour flight from Rio, so both the flight there and the flight back will effectively knock the best part of a day from your time in Brazil - after taking into account the time it takes to get to the airport, hanging around at the airport, flight and then luggage collection and taxi at the other end etc.

5 hour flight from Rio to Manaus??

Lets say if i wanted a couple of days of beach time and couple of days doing the touristy thing and surely the night life which is the best area to stay in Rio. I would not mind mind paying anything between $100-200/night. Priority being safety and then the proximity of things.

5 hour flight from Rio to Manaus??

It's the same distance as Chicago to LAX.

http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=gig-mao%2Clax-ord&PM=b%3Adisc7%2B%25N&MS=wls&DU=mi&SG=450&SU=kts

David

Guess David has convinced me to drop Amazon and just stick to Rio.

Part 1 Achieved where i am going to be now part 2 is to figure a tentative itinerary for the 7-8 days in Rio and a hotel.

Guess David has convinced me to drop Amazon and just stick to Rio.

Part 1 Achieved where i am going to be now part 2 is to figure a tentative itinerary for the 7-8 days in Rio and a hotel.



Another factor not discussed is if you go to the Amazon/Manaus, you will need a Yellow Fever shot. It takes a while before the shot becomes effective.
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Another factor not discussed is if you go to the Amazon/Manaus, you will need a Yellow Fever shot. It takes a while before the shot becomes effective.
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Time would not be a factor considering i am looking to travel in June but it is too much of a bother and with time constraints will just have to pass Amazon. Thanks for the heads up though about the yellow fever shots.

Getting JW Marriott for $200/night (cos i know someone) in mid june..what do you guys suggest take it or there is better for that price??

Thanks

Getting JW Marriott for $200/night (cos i know someone) in mid june..what do you guys suggest take it or there is better for that price??

Thanks

Who do you know? :D

Who do you know? :D

Lets say i just pulled a few strings :D question being is should i take it or get something else.

Getting JW Marriott for $200/night (cos i know someone) in mid june..what do you guys suggest take it or there is better for that price??

Thanks

$200/night is a steal for the JW Marriott. Go for it! The Marrriott is a nice hotel with a nice executive lounge which has a great view of the beach. The rooftop pool is small but nice - not usually crowded as the hotel is mainly a business hotel, though it does get its share of tourists.

I agree with previous posters that Amazonia would be a stretch. I'd definitely give it at least 3 days (with departure the evening before and arrival to Rio next day). As far as Rio, in June it could be hit or miss, depending on the weather. Remember, it will be winter in the Southern hemisphere.

I agree with previous posters that Amazonia would be a stretch. I'd definitely give it at least 3 days (with departure the evening before and arrival to Rio next day). As far as Rio, in June it could be hit or miss, depending on the weather. Remember, it will be winter in the Southern hemisphere.

I guess i decided to pass on Amazonia. Well the weather in june is something that i will have to take a chance with and just hope its a good 8 days weather during my stay.

How is Florence?? is it worth going at that time of the year?? How far is it from Rio?

Considering that your initial post just asked about Rio and then you added that you wanted to see the Amazon, it struck me as soeone saying they wanted to know what to see in New York City and then said, oh, yeah, by the way, they'd like to see Yosemite.

In all seriousness, have you considered scanning a guide book? You may want to see the Amazon, but you need to take that into account in calculating air fares (and domestic flights are not inexpensive in Brazil unless you can get a sale, or maybe a Brazil air pass). It's basically a full-day trip, flying, each way (unless you could arrange to fly home from Manaus; TAM flies non-stop to Miami). If your flights to/from Rio are set, you will use up a fair amount of time, and money, getting to Manaus (and then exploring from there, as there's not much of interst in Manaus itself). BTW, although it would be "winter" in Brazil, the Amazon is along the equator, and the seasonal differences are more wet vs. dry than hot vs. cold. June would generally be drier than, say, December, but you can get showers at any time.

Brazil is the size of the continental U.S., so you have lots of choices; not simply Rio-and-Amazon vs. just Rio. There's lots to see in the general area around Rio, including historic colonial towns in Minas Gerais (e.g., Tiradentes and Ouro Preto), and on the coast (Paraty) and Ilha Grande. If time and money permit, you could consider flying to the city of Salvador, or Iguaçu Falls (both are worth seeing, and a lot closer than Manaus). I'm not very familiar with Sao Paulo, but some people like vistiing there, for shopping, restaurants, museums, etc.

Brazil is not a cheap country to visit, but you're spending a lot for your flight, etc., so make the best of it. Hence my suggestion to get a guide book. I reside in the Northeast of the country.

Don't forget your visa and, if you do decide to go to the Amazon (or the Pantanal, which is better for wildlife viewing) anti-malarial prophylaxis.

How is Florence?? is it worth going at that time of the year?? How far is it from Rio?
You mean Florianopolis? It's a fairly short flight from Rio (under two hours). It depends on what you want to see there. As you can probably guess, its not going to be the best season to hit the beach, but if you are interested in sightseeing, it's probably ok.

Considering that your initial post just asked about Rio and then you added that you wanted to see the Amazon, it struck me as soeone saying they wanted to know what to see in New York City and then said, oh, yeah, by the way, they'd like to see Yosemite.

In all seriousness, have you considered scanning a guide book? You may want to see the Amazon, but you need to take that into account in calculating air fares (and domestic flights are not inexpensive in Brazil unless you can get a sale, or maybe a Brazil air pass). It's basically a full-day trip, flying, each way (unless you could arrange to fly home from Manaus; TAM flies non-stop to Miami). If your flights to/from Rio are set, you will use up a fair amount of time, and money, getting to Manaus (and then exploring from there, as there's not much of interst in Manaus itself). BTW, although it would be "winter" in Brazil, the Amazon is along the equator, and the seasonal differences are more wet vs. dry than hot vs. cold. June would generally be drier than, say, December, but you can get showers at any time.

Brazil is the size of the continental U.S., so you have lots of choices; not simply Rio-and-Amazon vs. just Rio. There's lots to see in the general area around Rio, including historic colonial towns in Minas Gerais (e.g., Tiradentes and Ouro Preto), and on the coast (Paraty) and Ilha Grande. If time and money permit, you could consider flying to the city of Salvador, or Iguaçu Falls (both are worth seeing, and a lot closer than Manaus). I'm not very familiar with Sao Paulo, but some people like vistiing there, for shopping, restaurants, museums, etc.

Brazil is not a cheap country to visit, but you're spending a lot for your flight, etc., so make the best of it. Hence my suggestion to get a guide book. I reside in the Northeast of the country.

Don't forget your visa and, if you do decide to go to the Amazon (or the Pantanal, which is better for wildlife viewing) anti-malarial prophylaxis.


I have a week's time and thats about all i got. Yes i did not look at a guide book and chose to ask and get a more personal feel than read a book. I know i am doing Rio and generally the $4 would not be such a major issue but it should be worth it. Hence asked about Amazon and dropped the idea since would not be worth it. I just came out and asked about Brazil in general and Rio without really doing any research, sorry if that offended anyone.

You mean Florianopolis? It's a fairly short flight from Rio (under two hours). It depends on what you want to see there. As you can probably guess, its not going to be the best season to hit the beach, but if you are interested in sightseeing, it's probably ok.

To be honest i would have no clue, someone just mentioned it to me so i asked you guys, yet again the easier way out. sorry. If it is just about ok then i could pass. Thanks.

I have a week's time and thats about all i got. Yes i did not look at a guide book and chose to ask and get a more personal feel than read a book.
No worries, the Flyertalk community is always here to help you.

No worries, the Flyertalk community is always here to help you.

Thanks.

After Time Travellers comments about the marriott ("not usually crowded as the hotel is mainly a business hotel, though it does get its share of tourists.") i am reconsidering staying there. We are 2 guys coming there for a holiday and some fun. I assume staying in Copacabana is the best option considering ease and proximity to things. Any suggestion as to a decent hotel ?? i am getting marriott at 220 so obviously looking at something cheaper. Do you guys suggest just stay the marriott itself or something. Priority is need something clean and central and more a local feel.

Thanks.

After Time Travellers comments about the marriott ("not usually crowded as the hotel is mainly a business hotel, though it does get its share of tourists.") i am reconsidering staying there. We are 2 guys coming there for a holiday and some fun. I assume staying in Copacabana is the best option considering ease and proximity to things. Any suggestion as to a decent hotel ?? i am getting marriott at 220 so obviously looking at something cheaper. Do you guys suggest just stay the marriott itself or something. Priority is need something clean and central and more a local feel.
If you insist on staying at Copacabana, JW Marriott is second only to the Copacabana Palace. Some would rate Sofitel up there as well...

I always recommend Ipanema. It is a much nicer area, and unless you are looking for "red light" fun, also the better area for nightlife.

For "2 guys coming there for a holiday and some fun", I would highly recommend the Rio for Partiers guide book.

If you insist on staying at Copacabana, JW Marriott is second only to the Copacabana Palace. Some would rate Sofitel up there as well...

I always recommend Ipanema. It is a much nicer area, and unless you are looking for "red light" fun, also the better area for nightlife.

For "2 guys coming there for a holiday and some fun", I would highly recommend the Rio for Partiers guide book.

Looking for good clean fun and probably where things are easier. Ipanema or Copa do not matter, i have no clue hence asking. Do not need a top rated hotel, like i said need something where probably more tourist and fun rather than a business hotel.

Looking for good clean fun and probably where things are easier. Ipanema or Copa do not matter, i have no clue hence asking. Do not need a top rated hotel, like i said need something where probably more tourist and fun rather than a business hotel.

Well, as mentioned, JW Marriott @ US$200 is a good deal. Even two star hotels are almost US$200, at least in Ipanema. You might be able to get a good deal with a three or four star at Copa at maybe US$100-150, since it is off peak season.
An alternative could be to rent an apartment?

Well, as mentioned, JW Marriott @ US$200 is a good deal. Even two star hotels are almost US$200, at least in Ipanema. You might be able to get a good deal with a three or four star at Copa at maybe US$100-150, since it is off peak season.
An alternative could be to rent an apartment?

Now you have me all confused, you first said Ipanema is better choice than Copa and when i ask for few hotels in Ipanema or Copa your telling me Marriott is good. I know how business hotels can be and may not be a bad idea to avoid them on a holiday, that is if Marriott is more a business hotel.

Now you have me all confused, you first said Ipanema is better choice than Copa and when i ask for few hotels in Ipanema or Copa your telling me Marriott is good. I know how business hotels can be and may not be a bad idea to avoid them on a holiday, that is if Marriott is more a business hotel.

Marriott might have a business image, but it is located right on the middle of Copacabana beach, one of the world's most famous beaches; very much a tourist area!

The best hotels in Ipanema would be Fasano and Caeser Park, but they would set you back way more than $200 a night. Even crappy two stars hotels in Ipanema, such as San Marco or Vermont starts at US$130+/170+.
Private double rooms at hostels would start at around R$80 (US$50) with shared bath.

If you want a true ocean front hotel, I suggest you take a look at Arpoador Inn. It is the only hotel in the Copa/Ipa area without a road between the property and the ocean. The hotel is located in Arpoador, the beach at the end of Ipanema, close to Copacabana.

For the price, I would stick with JW. You can walk to Ipanema in 20 minutes, or you can take a cab for maybe US$ 6.

Alternatively, I know that RioCharm (info@riocharm.com.br) has consolidated fares at Southamerican Copacabana Hotel at around US$110; a decent bargain. It is located two blocks from Ipanema. You get room upgrades if you have the Rio for Partiers Guide book.

Wrt trips out of Rio I would echo avoiding the Amazon as it's too far. I would go to Iguacu Falls which can be done in 2 days and is definitely worth seeing.

The Marriott is fine albeit a little sterile. I preferred the atrium view to the ocean view as the windows and rooms are quite small. I don't think it's worth US$220 never mind the regular rates but I would agree with the others that compared to what else you'll get for the money in Rio it's a good deal. Plus it's guest friendly. ;)

I wouldn't get too hung up on the Ipanema is better than Copa issue. I tend to go out more in Leblon than Ipanema but both are less than a US$10 cab ride away. Also safety and nightlife in Copa has improved in recent years e.g. 10 years ago where Domingos Ferreira meets Bolivar was pretty dodgy. Now there are chain bars such as Belmonte and Devassa there that are busy most nights of the week. Also bars such as Mud Bug where you can have a wider variety of beers and check out the local scenery. Having said that I'm often just as happy a busy neighbourhood botequim with a nice cold bottle of Skol in front of me.

I always recommend Ipanema. It is a much nicer area, and unless you are looking for "red light" fun, also the better area for nightlife.
A word about meeting the fairer sex. Like everywhere else communication is key. Without Portuguese you're restricted to meeting those who speak English and someone who's educated enough to speak English to a decent level may not have getting close to gringo who's in town for a week top of their list. Blue or green eyes and blonde hair will help though. :)

Copa is still edgier than Ipanema and with the closure of Help most of the red light night life is now restricted to the area from Balcony up to Princess Isabel and there are far fewer streetwalkers on Ave. Atlantica than in the past. However just because you're in Ipanema not Copa in bars like Shenanigans or Emporio or on the beach in front of Caesar Park don't assume that the attractive girl who's started talking to you is just interested in your vibrant personality. ;)

jefi99 - so your final call would be just stick with Marriott.

oiRRio - the areas and bars you mentioned just bounced right over my head but its good to know. My main criteria would be safety and having a good time with some nice night life, not bothered about the women (not gay lol). Considering my priority Copa or Ipanema.

jefi99 - so your final call would be just stick with Marriott.

oiRRio - the areas and bars you mentioned just bounced right over my head but its good to know. My main criteria would be safety and having a good time with some nice night life, not bothered about the women (not gay lol). Considering my priority Copa or Ipanema.

Yes, I would take the Marriott offer.

When it comes to nightlife, I more or less agree with oiRRio. However, don't forget that Barra and especially Lapa has splendid nightlife as well.

Yes, I would take the Marriott offer.

When it comes to nightlife, I more or less agree with oiRRio. However, don't forget that Barra and especially Lapa has splendid nightlife as well.

Well Marriott it is then. Now just need to figure out what i need to do in Rio. Managed to look up some on the Iguazu Falls and figured its a 2 hour flight from Rio and cost around $200. Is it just the falls that are there or is there more to see there?? How long would one ideally spend there.

Well Marriott it is then. Now just need to figure out what i need to do in Rio. Managed to look up some on the Iguazu Falls and figured its a 2 hour flight from Rio and cost around $200. Is it just the falls that are there or is there more to see there?? How long would one ideally spend there.
Not a lot to see apart from the Falls. I would say a half a day on the Brazilian side (panoramic) and a full day on the Argentinian side (more visceral). So 2/2.5 days is fine depending on flight times. I'm normally a bit "Meh" on touristy things but it's easily up there in my top ten.

Iguacu is definitely worth a visit. If you catch a morning flight, you can do the brazilian side in the afternoon, and then the argentinian side the next day, and leave in the evening. But that is absolutely minimum. There is also a bird park on the brazilian side.

If you have extra time, you might want to check out the contraband capital of Ciudad del Este in Paraguay (15 minutes from Iguacu), or the Itapua Dam.

The city of Iguacu itself is nothing to write home about.

Is it worth doing it without going to the Argentina side so maybe just do the Brazil side and the bird park.

Is it worth doing it without going to the Argentina side so maybe just do the Brazil side and the bird park.

Short answer: no!

You don't need a visa for day trips, BTW, if that's the issue...

Short Sweet and Simple always good :)

Short answer: no!

You don't need a visa for day trips, BTW, if that's the issue...

Would you mind clarifying which country/countries you are referring to - Paraguay, Argentina or Brasil? Thanks

Would you mind clarifying which country/countries you are referring to - Paraguay, Argentina or Brasil? Thanks

If you have a visa for Brazil, you do not need a visa to enter Paraguay or Argentina, when you just go there on day trips. As a matter of fact, there is practically no border or immigration control.
The same should be valid if you have a visa for Argentina.

However, this is just based on my experience (and I do not need visa for either country), and what I have read and heard. I am not issuing any guarantees. I suggest you double check with consulates and/or people who has crossed the border recently, and has US/AUS/CAN passports.

The other guy i am travelling with has an Indian Passport. Now in general Indian passport holders require a visa for Brazil and Argentina. Not sure if you already have a Brazil visa can you do the day trip to Argentina without the visa.

The other guy i am travelling with has an Indian Passport. Now in general Indian passport holders require a visa for Brazil and Argentina. Not sure if you already have a Brazil visa can you do the day trip to Argentina without the visa.

Well, I understand that India passport holders needs a visa for Argentina, and even though no real immigration procedure is done (no entry/exit stamps), he might not be able to enter Argentina.
I did say that a visit to the falls are not worth it, if you do not go to both sides. This is still my general opinion. Going to Iguacu and not visiting the Argentinian side, just because you are too lazy, is stupid. Going to Iguacu and not visiting the Argentinian side is like looking a beautiful girl in the eyes, and not kissing her.
However, under these circumstances, I would still recommend going. But make sure you have a whole day at the Brazilian side, and take the boat tour and as many the options you might usually want to do from the Argentinian side.

I am pretty sure you can enter Paraguay without visa, if you want want to. Please be aware that Ciudad del Este is very dodgy after dark!

If you have a visa for Brazil, you do not need a visa to enter Paraguay or Argentina, when you just go there on day trips. As a matter of fact, there is practically no border or immigration control.
The same should be valid if you have a visa for Argentina.

I went for a day trip to Argentina from Foz do Iguacu in December of 2010. My impression is that border control is very much there. My passport was inspected and stamped by both countries on each way (entry and exit 4 stamps total on this day). I was traveling with a passport that don't require visa for both Brazil and Argentina.

Will find out and let you guys know. I reckon a visa is required.

Experts on tripadvisor claims your friend does not need a visa:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g303444-i4551-k4468365-Passport_control_between_Brazil_Argentina_Where-Foz_do_Iguacu_State_of_Parana.html

If i read it correctly a US passport does not require a visa but it does not say anything about a non US passport. I checked with the Consulate and they said an Indian passport requires a visa.

I hope you have figured out a basic plan for Rio by now. If not, I'm willing to help as a former resident of Ipanema. But to put your requests in perspective, it's kind of like a Brazilian who says "I want to see Miami Beach, New York City and the Grand Canyon in one week" Of course it's possible. But, you'll need a vacation when it's over.

Let me know if I can help you with specifics in Rio. I'll be there right after you arrive.

Rio Rob

Riorob...not planned out anything yet. All that i have till now is a confirmation for Marriott which my mate is contemplating and wants to consider an apartment. Guess once i know for sure will ask you and the rest for some advice. Thanks.

Short answer: no!

You don't need a visa for day trips, BTW, if that's the issue...

That is risky advice. Countries that require visa do generally also require one at land crossings, including Fox de iguassu. The Paraguay side is pretty lax but neither the Brazil nor Argentine side are so, IME. I have traveled with people who have been rejected for day trip entry without visa for Brazil. Argentine Visa on arrival can be done and you might even get by without it.

IME, counting on lax enforcement is dangerous. It might work, but might not...

Either way I'd give Ciudad del Este a miss although it's ten years since I was there. I was in Foz de Iguacu and decided to "visit" another country. I strolled over no problem but there was frankly little to see. There were lengthy queues at the PF checkpoint to get back into Brasil and I ended up nearly missing my bus that evening. Not worth the hassle IMO.

I could only do the falls with these flight timings. Does it give me sufficient time to see the falls from both sides??
GIG 10:22a IGU 12:35p
IGU 3:45p GIG 5:43p

Basically reach one day and leave the next.

Where are you planning on spending the night?

With that short trip I would get a taxi from IGU to the Sheraton, have a couple of hours in the afternoon to explore the falls/do the boat trip to the base. Then I would do another early morning wander round the Argentinian side and at around 10am negotiate with a taxi to take you to take you back to the airport and check in before taking you to and waiting at the Brazilian Park for about 2 hours before heading back to the airport. In fact I would try to arrange both trips with the one taxi driver at IGU.

I could only do the falls with these flight timings. Does it give me sufficient time to see the falls from both sides??
GIG 10:22a IGU 12:35p
IGU 3:45p GIG 5:43p

Basically reach one day and leave the next.

That will give you just barely enough time to see the highlights. The Itaipu hydroelectric power station is an incredible thing to see if you are at all enamored of mechanical things. The tours there from the Brazil side takes about two hours.

The best water views of the falls are on the Brazil side. if you stay at the Hotel das Cataratas you can wander around after the park itself closes and see everything you want to. It is also the best hotel on either side IMO. The Sheraton on the Argentine side is #2 but it less scenic, but is part of Starwood, after all. The Argentine side will take several hours because you must walk on a long, but scenic, walkway to reach the main falls view.

Were I doing it in your schedule I would go to see the Argentine side immediately on arrival at IGU, stay on the Brazil side and see the Brazil side the following day until I had to get back to the airport. That will be less hectic because you will be a half hour from IGU with no immigration to slow you down. Arrival an hour before departure is plenty of time there.

Have a great trip.

Not looked into where to stay. Need to decide if it is worth doing it and can do it or no.

Thanks for the input.

Were I doing it in your schedule I would go to see the Argentine side immediately on arrival at IGU, stay on the Brazil side and see the Brazil side the following day until I had to get back to the airport. That will be less hectic because you will be a half hour from IGU with no immigration to slow you down. Arrival an hour before departure is plenty of time there.
Good advice, a morning is enough to do the Brazilian side. Interesting tip re the power station, may well do that when I revisit the falls.

The best water views of the falls are on the Brazil side. if you stay at the Hotel das Cataratas you can wander around after the park itself closes and see everything you want to. It is also the best hotel on either side IMO. The Sheraton on the Argentine side is #2 but it less scenic, but is part of Starwood, after all. The Argentine side will take several hours because you must walk on a long, but scenic, walkway to reach the main falls view.


jbcarioca While I know the procedure for the Sheraton I am not familiar with that at the Hotel das Cataratas. At the Sheraton you pay for entry to the National Park and can come and go at your will while a guest at the hotel but you are still governed by the National Park hours for your visits to the trails to the Falls unless your stay coincides with a full moon and can go on one of the night tours. Is the Hotel das Cataratas within the Brasilian Park and are you able to wander freely even when the park is not open? Maybe you could post any info regarding this in this thread : http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/brazil/1181384-new-more-luxurious-hotel-das-cataratas.html

Thanks

BTW rocket69 if you have had sufficient time in Rio then even a couple of hours at Iguacu is worth the effort especially if you may not pass that way again.

Got confirmation from the Consulate that if the travel is upto 12 hours transit then do not need a visa.

jbcarioca...good suggestion. I might as well get done with that side first then do the Brazilian side the next day and straight head to the airport.

Any particular day of the week better to go??

I guess 2 days out of 7 sorted. Rest of the 5 days in Rio i guess will just have to take it as it comes.

Any of you guys fancy suggesting some apartments if i provide you with the links?

Thanks.

jbcarioca...good suggestion. I might as well get done with that side first then do the Brazilian side the next day and straight head to the airport.

Any particular day of the week better to go??

Any of you guys fancy suggesting some apartments if i provide you with the links?



I have never stayed in an apartment in Rio but if you have a link I can certainly tell you about the area around the ones you select. Several other posters here know more about that than I do.

As for day of week to go to FOZ I don't think it makes a great difference. I would probably try to avoid the weekends because things are a bit more crowded then and many shops are closed on Sunday and Saturday afternoon.

Any of you guys fancy suggesting some apartments if i provide you with the links?
I'll try and help particularly if it's in Copa as I've been renting apts in Rio for 10 years. My info may be out of date as I've been renting from the same person for the last 2-3 years.

Still worth showing the links (hopefully with pics) as I may have stayed in an apt. in the past using a different broker.

Like jbcarioca I can tell you which areas/streets I would prefer to stay in or not to stay in. However bear in mind 4 things
1) Two apts. on the same street may differ greatly in desirability (furnishing aside) simply by virtue of the building they're in e.g. I prefer smaller buildings with a 24 hour porteiro (doorman) rather than one with dozens and only a daytime porteiro.
2) The pool of available apts. has decreased as real estate values have increased and the US$ becomes less valuable but OTOH there are less tourists visiting.
3) They never look quite as nice as in the photos but they're still the best value option IMO.
4) Most require a 5 day minimum but if you feel more comfortable you could book the first night in a hotel you can always do a walk in when you get there and get something for 4 days even if the cost per day goes up slightly.

Took the liberty to PM jbcarioca and oiRRio. Thanks guys.

oiRRio if you know of a particular one that is good and comfortable sharing it, then it may just be easier you could advice me which one you normally use and i could probably use the same.

Thanks !!

Hello,

For those traveling to Brazil and planning to fly to more than one destination, you should consider the Brazil Air Pass, which can save you a lot of money, compared to individual flights.

More details and an online booking tool can be found at:

http://www.brol.com/air%20passes/

Have a good time in Brazil!

Hello,

For those traveling to Brazil and planning to fly to more than one destination, you should consider the Brazil Air Pass, which can save you a lot of money, compared to individual flights.

More details and an online booking tool can be found at:

http://www.brol.com/air%20passes/

Have a good time in Brazil!

Thanks but will not need it.

Just a quick update. Got into Rio and took an apartment. Apartment is decent just could do with some less noise on the street. Did not book a ticket to Igazu back then and now struggling to find something cheap to travel in the next 1-2 days. Any suggestions for a quick last minute deal locally??

Did not book a ticket to Igazu back then and now struggling to find something cheap to travel in the next 1-2 days. Any suggestions for a quick last minute deal locally??

What on earth were you thinking :eek::eek:?

Best price I can see going is R220 on Azul on 21/6,24/6+25/6 and returning R220 on Azul on 24/6 or Webjet on 23/6 for R245. Don't know how this sits with your plans

What on earth were you thinking :eek::eek:?

Best price I can see going is R220 on Azul on 21/6,24/6+25/6 and returning R220 on Azul on 24/6 or Webjet on 23/6 for R245. Don't know how this sits with your plans


Thanks managed to find a perfect fit for R235. Worked out ideal. Guess i had too much planning (unlike me) and decided to leave this one open. I guess all is well that ends well. Thanks for the help.