Interested in a Second Destination with Rio on a Short Trip
Replies: 14 - Last Post: Sep 7, 2012 8:55 PM Last Post By: tonytk
jump to
Interested in a Second Destination with Rio on a Short Trip
Hello,I am planning on vacationing in Brazil the weekend before through the weekend after Thanksgiving (November 16-25). This is 10 days but with the two days dedicated to traveling, this really leaves me 8 days in Brazil. I live in Minnesota.
I plan on flying into and out of Rio and will be spending a good portion of my trip there.
I would like a second destination and am torn as to where I should go. I am very intrigued by Florianopolis, Iguazu Falls, or Salvador. Of course there are many places in Brazil I would like to go, but given my limited amount of time I can probably only choose one place.
My itinerary will be something like:
Rio: 3-4 days
2nd Stop: 2-3 days
Rio: 3 days
Or perhaps I should just plan on staying in Rio the entire time since it is so full of things to do?
I am traveling with another person and we would prefer not to spend a lot of time in Brazilian airports and flying so that's where I came up with those 3 destinations. I noticed that all 3 of these destinations are short flights from Rio.
My travel partner and myself are both single males and nightlife, beach time, a futbol match,and sight seeing are what we plan on doing in Rio. Looking for a slight change of pace perhaps in a second destination or something that is feasible for our short trip.
Thanks for your help!
1
Personally I like Salvador a lot...more interesting culturally than Rio,and there are good beaches nearby.Great food too.You could just about fit in both in an 8 day trip...especially if you fly open-jaw (say into Rio and out of Salvador).2
I'd vote Iguazu, but Salvador is great as well. Ouro Preto (or another colonial town) is good for a couple of days. Definitely get out of Rio for a bit.4
I respectfully disagree. I think the best part of leaving Rio is that there are a lot of wondrous places to see and experience out there. Brazil is not Rio, and Rio is not Brazil. Give yourselves a taste of the rest of the country. You might find yourselves not so eager to return to Rio for those last few days, who knows?Hope that's helpful.
Mark
5
Brazil is not Rio but Rio rewards a longer stay. I never tire of the city. For variety, indeed contrast I would recommend you visit Salvador for three or four days, the culture,history and cuisine is unique. Iguaçu is a magnificent spectacle but at the end of the day it's a big waterfall. Cheaper and quicker to fly to Salvador and much more on offer.6
What about Florianopolis? Is that a good spot to head to for 3 or 4 days? I know the flight from Rio is just a few hours.8
If you want to get out of the city, you could maybe visit some towns near Rio? I really liked Paraty, which is about 4 hours west of Rio by bus. I've heard places like Ilha Grande and Buzios (I believe within a few hours east and north of Rio, respectively) are also beautiful.9
Thanks for all the advice! I still have almost 3 months before the trip...so I have time.Why is Sao Paulo not nearly as poplular as Rio, Salvador, Florianopolis, etc with tourists? Just a thought...Rio will probably be enough urban liefestyle for us.
10
Because São Paulo is a sprawling megacity, with little in the way of natural attractions and mostly known for commerce. That said it does have it's attractions, is well known for dining options and nightlife. I don't mind the place myself but with so little time, I really wouldn't be putting on your list.Florianopolis will give you beaches and some nightlife. A trip to Salvador will give you something far more unique in terms of cultural experience and you can also enjoy the beaches in and around the city. If asked to choose between the two it would be an easy choice for me.
11
I am also from Minnesota and have been to the places you ask about. What I can say is Brazil is huge and a mistake would be to try to do too much. Salvador is amazing and has both beaches and culture/food. Foz is the nature option and 10 times bigger than Niagra. Floripa is very chill and I am going back there for 10 days in Nov. Rio has so much to offer it will be great every day. I can say get your taste of this amazing country and then go back to the north and amazon for a totally different trip. Travel takes a lot of time in Brazil it's worth it not to try to go really far cuz your trip is so short13
I would say Rio with side trips to Saquarema and Paraty and you will have enough fun to want to come back. I keep going and seeing new things but there is plenty for 8 days
