15

I've done some searching on Ouro Preto. I think it's great! I've changed my itinerary. your Comments are appreciated!
Day 1: Rio
Day2 : Rio
Day 3: Rio to Ouro Preto
Day4:Ouro Preto
Day 5:Mariana
Day 6:Ouro Preto to Belo Horizonte to Salvador (by flight)
Day7: Salvador
Day 8:Salvador
Day 9: Salvador to Iguacu (by flight)
Day 10: Iguacu
Day11: Iguacu
Day 12:Iguacu to Rio ( by flight)
Day 13:Rio
Day14:Rio

Question again,
I would have arrived Rio in Day 1, 2.30pm. Would it be enough to just spend 3 and half days in Rio? I probably don't have enough time to do anything in my first day in Rio...

Thanks again!

16

I would suggest 4-5 days is a good introduction. Others will say 3. I stayed 7 days for my first time.

I would say its overall ok and not a bad itinerary for the time. 3 nights in most places is good mix.

I would just suggest, staying in Ouro Preto and do Mariana as a day trip.

17

" I probably don't have enough time to do anything in my first day in Rio..."

Why not? Life in Brazilian cities doesn't stop at the end of the work day. People are out and about until the early hours of the morning, having a beer, going out to dinner, listening to music, shopping, etc.
If you are staying in Coapacabana (or Ipanema), you could probably still get to the top of Sugarloaf for sunset and all the twinkling city lights below (great photo op) if customs/immigration, traffic and accomodation check-in go smoothly. Or you can walk around in Coapacabana, Ipanema, etc on the main shopping street(s) to eat and get a feel for life in Rio. But you need to decide which places are your personal must-sees. One could spend weeks in Rio and not see "everything". Have you looked at the site www.ipanema.com to check out sights, parks, museums, historic architecture, music venues, neighborhoods, etc. to help you plan?

If you have a morning flight to Iguacu and an afternoon flight back, with one full day between, that would be sufficient to see both sides of the park, the Bird Park and take a boat ride under the Devil's throat falls--the basics IMO. You could add one more day to Rio or Salvador or Minas.
Also, see if there is an overnight bus from Rio to Ouro Preto. the semi-leito sleeper class are pretty comfortable. Just bring something warm for the overactive air conditioning (on all long-distance buses). That way you might gain another Rio day.

18

I think i would finalize my itinerary as above. I think it's time for me to book domestic flight since the price is getting higher day by day!
I'm looking at a flight from Salvador to Iguacu. The flight will depart from Salvador at 2.30am. i probably will reach Salvador Airport before dark. Would it be safe for staying Salvador airport for 6 hours before check in???

19

My dear, whilst it is safe enough, I really can't understand your fetish for spending unnecessary amounts of time in airports. Salvador's airport isn't exactly a thrilling place to be. Why not make the most of your trip? Secure your luggage at your hotel, most places will do this for departing guests and head out on the town. Go to Rio Vermelho eat and drink. Go to Mouraria, sit out on the street and eat lambreta. Do something, awful waste of limited time otherwise. Then get a taxi, pick up your bags and get yourself to the airport by say 1.30.

20

You don't have to stay inside after dark in Salvador to be safe. There will be Brazilians out and about until the early morning doing what #19 describes above; being out at 1:30 am is NOT unusual in Salvador, not even for tourists. There will be music in various venues and places to eat and drink.
Get the hotel to book a taxi for you in advance (arrange for about 30 minutes before you actually need it to arrive, because Brazilians do arrive late, even taxi drivers---but you need to arrive only an hour ahead at the airport, and at that hour, it won't take more than 30 minutes from any tourist area in town)
From the way you are thinking, maybe you should change your trip to well-regulated Singapore to be more comfortable.

21

Personally, I liked your itinerary. I would go to Paraty - colonial city, lots of history; not the best beaches, but very close to them. There are a number of hotels and resorts on the way (near Paraty, Angra dos Reis...) afordable and inside the nature. For tickets, I usually take a look on decolar.com or the specific airlines www.voegol.com.br, www.tam.com.br, www.avianca.com.br www.azul.com.br are the best options. It is safe to travel, just take usual precautions (talking to strangers, late at night on unknown places, etc.). I would not sleep in the airport, you may find a reasonable hotel/hostel nearby.

Have a nice trip

22

I really have to admit that I'm a worrier. With all those suggestions, I think i should give it a try.
thanks for all your advices!!!!

23

Hi puipui1986,

When will you be in Rio?

I'm from Singapore and am Asian and will travel solo to Rio from 27 Nov to 12 Dec. If you want, we can meet up and "protect each other" while roaming around (LOL).

My itinerary is pretty flexi.

Cheers,

24

Hi puipui1986

How did your Brazil trip go after? Did this itineray work out in practice?

Am investigating my own at the moment so trying to see what can be done in reality etc?

Thanks

James