Originally Posted by
BayAreaTraveler
I'm most likely going to the Carnaval next year in Rio (tentatively arriving on 2/28). How many days do you guys recommend? I'm trying not to shell out too much cash but hotel rooms are pretty expensive. I've never been to Rio before so I would also like to do a tour and visit Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, etc. I am assuming these can be done in a day?
Somewhat OT - I'll be connecting from GRU. How many days would you recommend in São Paulo?
Usually in Brazil, Carnaval accommodations are sold in multi-night packages (for dates mentioned above), fully paid upon booking. So it is not about how many days we recommend. (Due to high demand, accommodations willing to bargain about this, esp. in Rio, are likely to be of inferior quality or very inconveniently located.) And it is getting very late to have much of a choice, so book ASAP.
The iconic parades of the top samba schools in the Sambodromo are on the Sunday and Monday, a must do IMO. Otherwise, you can go be with some of the blocks, do your sightseeing and go to the beach.
The two "heights" take a couple of hours each, if you get a sunny day ( not guaranteed at that time of year), and are about a 30 minute taxi or bus ride apart.
I am not a big fan of S.P. but how long depends somewhat on your interests. A couple of days would do it for me, to explore some of the neighborhoods and museums.