Thanks for those good tips !

Yes, a rental car sounds pricey,
but might actually be worthwhile.....
Cost is about the same as an airpass
(no longer a good idea on RG -
any *A pass option yet? I think not !
Does the TAM pass work with a UA flight into Brazil?).

I like to get to know one area for a longer term
rather than bouncing around to a new city every week
as I have done on previous trips.

Thanks again. ^ :-: ^