Rio

I've always wanted to see Brazil and especially Rio. I was wondering if it was expensive to go down there and when the best time to go is. I would probably want to go when it is not too busy but then again when the weather is great. Also how much do tours on the amazon usually cost?

[d360]

hi mgervaci,

I've been to Rio in the fall (November) which is a great time to get out of Seattle. Rio is amazing the weather that time of year is perfect.Brazil Beaches are fantastic and if your a surfer the water and wave couldn't be finer. Of course you've heard of the women of Rio like nowhere else. Rio is Hot!!

Amazon River Tours can be had over the internet and through our tour friends at Peruforless who we would recommend. Shop around and find something thats suites your tastes. Tour prices vary depending on what your looking for and the services your expecting from Luxury to Budget. My last trip my impression was prices were about 20-30% less than in the states.

One thing I'd keep in mind is the country of Brazil ( Brazil Map ) is the size of the United States so keep in mind that it will take a day of travel to get from Rio to Manaus which is the most popular starting point for Amazon River Boat and Jungle Tours.

Flights to Brazil can be a bit expensive though so do your shopping and recently Varig was sold to avert bankruptcy so that may further complicate flights to Brazil but check with North American carries American, Northwest, and United.

[Richard Leon]

Hi folks,

Regarding how much it costs to go to Rio. www.peruforless.com has great deals. For example, you can stay an entire week in heavenly Rio at $505 total per person at 3star hotels just 2 blocks from the beach, including all hotel nights, roundtrip airport transfers, tours and all breakfasts. Try to avoid busy dates such as Carnaval or New Years as prices are sky high.

As d360 mentioned below, the most expensive part is getting to Rio and as for international fares, I’ve always found www.flycheapol.com to have excellent fares. Funny name but good prices. Of course it never hurts to check Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity.

PS. USA citizens need to pay a $100 when you apply for a Braazil tourist Visa.

Hope this helps. Enjoy Rio!

Hi mgervaci,

I am doing my research on tours in Rio as well as I am headed to Rio & Ilha Grande mid September --- which will be their Spring. I booked my flight two months ago and the cheapest I found was $750 round trip, with one lay-over in Atlanta. I have traveled extensively in Europe, and when I saw $750 airfare to South America, I was pleased! The hotels we booked on the beach in Impanema were very reasonable as well.

What I don't know is how much food & drinks will run us while there. I decided to order some currency before the trip and exchanged US $300, and received back $560 Brazilian Real. I am hoping this will last me the few days I will be in Rio before heading to the rainforest, where insect repellant awaits!

Happy travels!

[d360]

Hi Jeanie,

I would anticipate your Reals will go about twice as far as US currency. Cheaper than Europe but not as cheap as other parts of South or Central America.

Brazil has some yummy food and the Rio nightlife is great! Sounds like you have a great trip in the works. We would enjoy a trip report when you get back if you have the time to write.

Dan

Hey Dan.

Although I am not much of night-clubber anymore, what is the nightlife in Rio like? In addition, how do people dress in the evening, which includes dinner? The reason I ask is because I intend to dress -- well -- for lack of a better word -- like a poor tourist! I have read to dress down so no one tries to rob you! Is this true? Not only that, we will be heading to the Ilha Grande for a week and we will do nothing but yoga, hiking, kayaking, and swimming all day long, followed by a full body massage at night. (It's true, and I had to brag on that last one =). As you can see, I won't be needing any skirts or high heals in the rainforest, so in trying to pack light, I was planning on looking like some sort of cute yoga junkie the entire time I am in Brazil. Dan, I realize Brazil if full of beautiful people, but am I going to need dressier clothes in Rio?

Jeanie

[d360]

Hi Jeanie,

I like the street parties or samba rehearsal on a plaza somewhere. But you may favor the Cariocas! They are a festive breed, and seem to find a different thing to do every night of the week. If your into dancing visit a gafieira, Rio de Janeiro's famous samba halls.There's always movie in the original language, with Portuguese subtitles

As far as what to wear looking with a poor tourist won't put anyone off but if your a pretty fair skinned Anglo be prepared that the men are a bit more forward than you'll find in the US or Europe. A cute yoga thing would work just fine or maybe a a light skirt since you'll find the weather to be warm. If you have space bring oen nice outfit and that should do just fine. I personally wore Exoffico pants the entire time on my last trip and some shorts thats about it.

Always be careful if your traveling solo and make sure you don't get caught a situation where are alone, dark alley, alone on a bus, etc. The usual precautions apply. Petty theft is more typical like anywhere. The stealing of a purse or backpack. Don't wear flashy jewerly, carry a camera around your neck, or flash money about. I've always traveled with the motto of blending in rather than standing out. I wouldn't recommend you visit any favelas alone unless on a guided tour "yes there are guided tours" these are the poorest of the poor and it is rather scary there.

Have a great trip and write back if you have any questions or just want to share your travels! BTW. Where else have you traveled?

Hi Dan.

Well, I am traveling with a female friend, but I am a light skinned Anglo. Do you really think that the men in Brazil are more straight-forward than the men in Italy? I was hounded there, and never received so many whistles and "Bella's" in my life! I am not complaining, as I actually started thinking I was stunningly gorgeous = ), but to you really think Rio is worse than Italy? I sure would like to know what we can expect!

I had heard about the pick-pockets and crime in Rio, so that is why I intend to leave my jewelry at home and wear very casual clothes (aka the poor tourist!) The only thing I need to figure out is if I am going to carry my digital camera. I really want to bring it with me and cannot imagine going back to disposable cameras, but do not want to be robbed either. It is not small enough to carry in my pocket, but do you think it will be safe in my purse or back-pack?

BTW--since this is Brazil's Spring, do you really think it will be that hot? I figured I would need a light jacket at night while in Rio & Ilha Grande. What do you think?

As far as my travels, I have been all throughout the United States; Canada, Cozumel/Mexico several times; Jamaica; Bahamas; London; Belgium; Amsterdam, Holland; Germany (Rhineland & Munich); Innsbruck, Austria; Italy (Venice, Rome, Pisa, Siena & Florence); Lake Lucerne, Switzerland; Paris, France; Greece (Athens, Mikonos, Santorini). Not as many as you, but I hope to catch up with you one day. =)

Ok, Mr. 24 countries {{jealous}}, where have you traveled?

[d360]

I would have to say from what I hear only since I've not been to Italy, you have one on me!.
Probably about the same machismo. Bring your camera! its a must just don't blame me if someone takes it :) in all reality you need to be careful everywhere. I've found some rough spots in Amsterdam and London which you've been to.

I'm not sure on the weather specifically but take a look over at http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/BRXX_I.html . Looks pretty nice!

I've traveled most of central and south america, some asia, some europe, alot of the US.
I just returned from St. Louis yesterday. Not a place I'd add to my top 50..I'm excited about Asia this fall though.

[Richard Leon]

The trick on not being stolen you digital camera is to avoid having it visible as much as possible. For example, right after your done tacking a picture simply put it right back in your pocket (if you pocket has zipper, even better). Like cell phones, cameras are usually stolen our of your hands than from a pocket.

Hope this helps. Man, I am jealous of all your travels, I have only been over the Americas, never to the Old world. Hopefully next year.