I'm going to Brazil and Argentina. Any tips?

Question

I am going on a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, and Buenos Aires in May. If you have been to any of these, could you suggest places I should see or visit? Also, might you happen to know of any good restaurants/local foods that I should try? Your input is appreciated.

Answer 1

Iguazu Falls: I don't know where you will be staying, but you should know that the town Iguazu in Argentina is hardly a town. So do not plan a time for sightseeing. The Falls, though, they are absolutely wonderful!!!  I suggest that you visit both the Brazilian and the Argentinian side of the park, it's really worth it. You can take a helicopter ride in Brazil; I haven't done it but the people who did came back happy-but you must know that it's expensive and takes a very short time- like 10-15 mins. I strongly recommend the boat tour on the Argentinian side. Anyway these are things you can decide when you're there. What I'd also recommend is to visit the falls on your own if you can- I was with a small tour group and could not help envying the people who spent all the time they wanted wherever they wanted. Sunblock is essential, insect repellent would be nice.

Buenos Aires: I recommend the Evita Museum strongly. Recoleta Cemetery is a popular tourist attraction- it's worth having a look. If you're into art, MNBA (Museo Nacionale de Bellas Artes) and MALBA , Museum of Latin fine arts something, are very interesting. You have to go to the La Boca district- it is a 1st degree must- preferably on a weekend, you'll fall in love with the liveliness. I also enjoyed Palermo Viejo (another district) a lot, it is a very hippi sort of place.Near Casa Rosada is an Ethnographic Museum and a city museum , interesting but very little in English.

Food, well, Argentina is supposed to have really good steaks and other meat. I'm just not a meat person, so I cannot recommend a good restaurant for that. Ask the locals. But the beer and the wine are usually very good.

Other things to keep in mind are; you need your passport every time you want to exchange money, and you should not expect to come across many english speakers but all argentinians are ready to help and communicate as much as they can.

Enjoy your trip, lucky!!!

(also get hold of a guide book, I used a lonely planet)

Answer 2

Check the site www.brazil4you.com .  You will get all the infos you need. Have a good time !

Answer 3

OH MY GOSH! You're going to LOVE Foz de Iguasu!!! It's gorgeous!!! Make sure you take tons of pics cuz they all turn out perfect...cheap camera or not!!!

And definitely eat at the restaurant located at the top of the falls....SOOOOO good!!! Don't forget to try Guarana (the soda there)! Mmmm....

Sorry I can't help with the other 2...I've not been yet. But hey chica? Don't be afraid to try to learn the language...the locals love to teach...and! Make a fool out of yourself and learn to dance....Brasileros can DANCE!!!

Answer 4

I have been to all three.  I am originally from Buenos Aires, and I go every year.  In Argentina, I would try Empanadas, Milanezas, and Sanwhiches de Miga.  If you go to the Iguassu Falls, definatly go to La Garganta Del Diablo.

Answer 5

Without a doubt go hang-gliding over Rio.  It is fantastic and I would love to do it again.  This is the number one essential recommendation.  

As for food- in Brazil go regularly to a churrascaria.  This is a place where you have a buffet laid out and they bring large kebabs of different meats round to your table.  When I went in 2001 you could get them for about 4 quid and they were lovely.  

Nightlife - when I was in Rio I went to a samba club in Lapa one night.  Unfortunately I can't remember the name but what I would say is Lapa is very dodgy at night.  It is the financial district.  I stayed there on my first trip and a few on my trip got mugged.  On my second trip we stayed in Copacabana and got a cab to the samba club in Lapa and a cab back home.  But anyway, definitely go to a Samba club.  The one we went to was absolutely brilliant.

Argentina - got to see Evita's grave and a good bar I went to was the Sports Bar.  Apparently you should definitely go to see a Tango show.

Other than that enjoy you lucky thing! Wish I was going again. I love Latin America.

PS - if you are planning to go to Uruguay between Brazil and Argentina don't bother.  Its c**p!  The thing that did me was when I went to an exchange bureau to change one of their local currency into small denominations and they charged me commission.  Because I was ignorant and didn't speak Spanish I couldn't argue so I got ripped off.  Scenery wise there's nothing worth seeing.  Give that and Paraguay a miss even though they are conveniently situated to visit on your travels.

When you go somewhere as fabulous as that just do everything you can possibly do because if you come back home and you haven't done stuff you will regret it cos going back to do things is so expensive.