Whats the best of Brazil?

Question

I'll be in Brazil for 4 weeks in December, the place is so huge I am having difficulty deciding what to see... Anyone been recently that can suggest a good 4 week itinerary?

Answer 1

What is best for you may not only depend on your taste, but also on your budget. Brazil is a huge place, and the highlights are not lined up next to each other. You should buy a Varig Brazil Airpass, which gives you 5 domestic flights at a fairly reasonable price, to any destination in Brasil. It can only be bought before you go to Brazil, and requires that you show an international ticket, preferably with Varig or one of its Star Alliance partners.

Definite highlights:

* Pantanal. Amazingly intense and varied animal life. It's what you probably expect of the Amazon, except in the Amazon you won't see much of it, as the jungle is so dense there. But in the Pantanal the spaces are wide open, and you'll get to see a lot.

* Fernando de Noronha. Perfect island paradise, to cliché it. It's far out in the ocean, some 400 kilometres, and there are only allowed a few visitors at the time there, mainly regulated by there being so few flights available. It's a rare chance to have world class beaches to yourself, swim with giant turtles, snorkel in crystal clear tidal pools AND ocean, and just a peaceful place on Earth. Leave your stuff on the beach for hours, and it will NOT be stolen. That doesn't happen elsewhere in Brazil.

* Foz do Iguazu. Second best waterfall experience in the world, after Victoria Falls and way ahead of Niagara. Do the Argentinian side as well!

* Amazon experience, out of Manaus. Spend a few days in the jungle. You won't see many animals, but you'll get a feeling for the rainforest way of life. If possible, fly as far away from Manaus as possible in a seaplane, and get into the REAL, undisturbed jungle.

* Another Amazon experience, on the river itself. You can take the boat from Manaus to either Santarem or the whole way to Belem. It's interesting to see how human existence in the Amazon is so tightly bound to travel and transport on the river. Plus it's very relaxing, with a nice mood on board. Get a cabin and keep your stuff safely inside there, but spend most of your time out with the other passengers. Bring a dictionary, you'll have ample time to use it.

* Chapada Diamantina, the most pleasant hiking you can imagine. It's usually hot and sunny there, but they get enough rain for it to look like a green, lush version of Monument Valley in Arizona. And wherever you go, and no matter how sweaty you get, you'll never be far away from the most satisfactory river pool, most often with a small waterfall you can have a perfect temperature shower in. Chances are you'll spend more time relaxing in the water than actually walking, but that's ok. You'll enjoy both. And the town you'll do this out of, Lencois, is very rural, very slow-motion, and very hard to leave.

* Rio. I guess. If you must. Don't bring any valuables.

* Beaches, beaches, everywhere. Does not matter much which ones you choose. They'll all pale when compared to Fernando de Noronha. Yet they are all very nice when compared to most other beaches in the world. Try the selection available on Ilha Catarina, near Florianopolis/Floripa.

Answer 2

I just got back from living there for almost 6 mnths and while the north is beautiful it has it's disadvantages.. (i.e.. poorer, dirtier, and less convient).  I suuggest going to Rio and Sao Paulo at least a week for each and headin to florinapolis and porto alegre for the rest.  The south is full of beautiful people and lots of culture as well as a number of bands to see.  You might want to check out Bahia as well, it's wonderful.  if you haven't bought your tickets yet, ask your agent for an air pass when you go to buy the flight there and back.  This will save you lots of cash.  It allows 4 flights in the country for about $500.  It's the best way to go.

Answer 3

the s*x appeal of the people

Answer 4

It really depends on your tastes. I lived in Rio for 5 months from October to March and I loved it. The place is amazing and the geography is out of this world. I used to take a bus from where the beaches are to two hours inland and I'd travel along the beaches and through an amazing mountain range (onibus #1134 in from downtown to Campo Grande). Lets just say I took that ride roughly 75 times and I never got sick of it.

Seriously though, I wouldn't travel all around the country with a timetable of only 4 weeks. Take it from me, even if you live for a while  in any major Brazilian city, you'll never see everything. My advice...stay in one place.

Salvador in the North has the African influences and a lot of history behind it, as it was the first capital of Brazil.

Sao Paulo is 5 hours by bus from Rio and is quite New York-ish.

Rio is more Southern California-like, with great beaches and people who love to look good.

If you go further South, like Florianapolis (an island in and connected to the state of Santa Catarina), you'll find 27 beaches and a lot of blonde hair/blue or green eyed people due to the influx of Polish, German and Italian immigrants that settled there.

Answer 5

the mayan ruins

Answer 6

Since it is going to be summer in Brazil during December it is going to be alot more fun.  The beaches are beautiful, the Brazilian people are amazing to be around with, and while on vacation just sit back and relax listening to the wonderful sounds of Brazil.  Brazil is a superb country with alot of its colorful music, traditions, and cultures.  I am sure you will enjoy your trip.

Answer 7

i was in Manaus and Belem 100 years ago, and Belem may have some cool places to see, but go to Rio, it is supposed to be great there. go on a favela tour (from the awesome movie Cidade de Deus).  by the way, i am jealous you were able to leave the states and go live in..south america, i assume(?). tell me how i can leave this cruel country!

Answer 8

i went on a Brazilian tour last spring.. and it was FANTASTIC...

well you MUST see the Iguacu Falls !  270 water falls .. on the argentina and brazilian border.  was amazing. its only good for 2 days though.  Just enough time to see both the brazilian side and the argentin side.

  

Then you must go to Rio .. and Salvador !!

Answer 9

Best? There is no best.

Answer 10

best of brazil: rio de janeiro, salvador and fortaleza... dont miss the last one.....

Answer 11

Amazon.. Pantanal.. surely it wud be amazing

Answer 12

I agree with many answers to this question. However, I miss citations of Minas Gerais State. Although there is no beaches, it's rich in another touristic attractions, good hotels and food in a low price and friendly people.