Going to Brazil - Have a free weekend - what to do?

[fizz47]

As per title...


I just found out I am going to Sao Paulo next month for some work - I will have the weekend free (Friday evening to Sunday evening). I dont want to stay in Sao Paulo but want to go somewhere else so happy to fly somewhere..


Any recommendations? Im open to all ideas but preferably want to go somewhere that has the 'wow' factor.

I think the onlky thing I wouldnt be willing to try is to trek through the rainforest..

Any recommedations fro a weekend tour company? (I'm in my early 30s so no old people walking tours please)

[The jiffle king]

If you've never been to Rio, it's worth a look. Christ the Redeemer, Sugar loaf, the beaches, the Maracana and it should be easy enough to find a tour for a couple of days.

The only other place I have been to was Salvador and it was great (The best bus journey I've ever been on) - The hotel said we could not take the local bus, so we walked outside and flagged down a bus who charged us 2 reals and we were seated. I say bus... it was more like a transit with benches and you sat 5-6 across. When a woman got on, the men were moved until you were basically hanging out of the doors. As we travelled along, the scenery was amazing and we got to the place we wanted in about an hour and it was exactly the same on the way back. It was cramped, unsafe, but full of atmosphere. The bench on a bus hierarchy will stay with me for a long time as it was great to watch people being moved like chess pieces

[Easty-5]

It purely depends on what tickles your fancy. I have been working in Brazil for the last 3 1/2 years. I am currently here just now. If it's your first time in Brazil then considering you only have a weekend free then I'd suggest staying in São Paulo. If you must, then hop on a flight to Rio. You can do the usual attractions in Rio - Christ of redeemer, sugarloaf, Copocabana etc. If in Rio then I would recommend Ipanema beach, it's much better than Copocabana and it's also a great night out. Bare in mind the safety aspect of things. If travelling alone then be sure to keep your wits about you. No flashy watches, keep your phone out of sight and don't carry too much money. Brazil is a nice enough place. I certainly wouldn't come back here for anything other than work though, but it's definetly a place worth seeing in your life time. Enjoy it

[recordman]

Iguazu Falls - spectacular