2 weeks only...Rio and Salvador or Rio and Manaus?

Hi all,
Looking to take advantage of LAN's airfare sale in Australia at the moment. Maybe in September.Because of work commitments it will only be only just over 2 weeks in Brazil.
I'm thinking half the time in Rio and half somewhere else.
The else looks to be Salvador or Manaus (Amazon experience in some form).
I realise they are are quite different but both appeal to me from either a cultural urban context (Salvador) or a more nature based experience ex Manaus. I'd be flying to either place.
Probably be my only time in Brazil as I'm nearing 60 so don't tend to go to countries more than once these days.
So just interested in peoples opinions on the either / or.
Cheers.

That's an easy choice. Salvador is one of the world's cultural and architectual treasures. Rich in history, music, cuisine and cultural diversity. There's enough there to easily absorb a week, not including the various day trips and nearby beaches. It's also a short and cheap flight from Rio.

Manaus,on the other hand, is an unmitigated shitehole. If it's not the actual rectum of the universe, then it's certainly visible from there. Dirty, chaotic and really not much to see. Meeting of the waters and a visit to the opera house should fill the better part of a day. It's a long and expensive flight. You will kill the best part of two days just getting there and back. Unless you are planning a sojourn in some jungle lodge and have more time I wouldn't bother and even then, I'd still suggest Salvador wins hands down.

haha...I enjoyed that frank reply!

On the two cities...completely agree with #1.Salvador is far,far more interesting.

Of course if you want to head straight out into the jungle then it is easier from Manaus.....

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