Need help making decisions on destination- solo woman

Hi everyone,

Have been reading through the posts for Peru, Brazil, and Argentina and I still cannot make up my mind - AURGH!! I am a late 20s professional (but backpacker-minded!) who just found out she can take a weeks vacation Aug 31 - Sept 9. Since it is so last minute, I will be traveling alone. I generally like beaches and adverture/activity - like hiking and rafting

Can you weigh in on the best option for such a short trip and the ease of meeting other to do fun things with? I have three tickets on hold - Denver to Buenos Aires, Lima, or Rio.

Thanks in advance!!

Lima is pretty dull in comparison to BA and Rio, so I wouldn't go there. Also lots of garua then in Lima (ie, mist which provides permanent cloud cover for about 6 months of the year). BA will probably be a bit chilly at that time of year so I would opt for Rio, if I was you. In Rio you have of course the great beaches. Also for adventure you can hang-glide at Pedro Bonita. And hike in the Tijuca National Park nearby.

If beach is a consideration then it has to be Rio.

This is a good time to head to Brazil as the rains will be stopping and the high season on its way. The weather may be even better in Salvador de Bahia...

Agree Rio is the way to go. Also can visit ilha grande & Paraty 2-3 hrs away. Can do rock climbing in Rio, and do some hiking in Petropolis outside of Rio about 1.5 or so by bus. ENJOY

Great! Thanks for the advice guys

I booked a ticket to Rio, with a 2 day stopover in Sao Paolo (sp?)

Yeah! I cant wait!

Do not bank on any quick connections between flights, since the country is still in a bit of confusion from the closing of Congonhas Airport in Sao Paulo (you are probably just using Gaurulhos International Airport, at least for arrival and departure; if you are booked to use Congonhas for your flight to or from Rio, check with the airline in advance) and other factors. Ilha Grande sounds like an excellent idea. São Paulo is supposed to be great for shopping and restaurants. There are some nice hiking trails just outside of Rio in Tijuca Forest, but I would go with a group (Ilha Grande probably much safer). You can find details on busses from Rio to Paraty and Ilha Grande (obviously requires taking a ferry in addition to the bus) in the LP Brazil guide or other guide books, or other TT postings (you can search). Enjoy.