Brazil holiday

[Chez]

Considering booking a holiday in Brazil. Was thinking along the lines of Rio, Iguazu Falls, Salvador. From my research this seems to offer what I am after, but am I missing a trick? I'd appreciate any advice. We're going this year as I imagine the World cup will send prices sky high.

 

The strife is pestering me about safety. She has an apple white tan, so will stick out like a sore thumb. We're not daft, but at the same time we usually like strolling around cities. This seems like not the place to do that. Any advice, tips?

[Joneth]

I'm off to Rio for the carnival, Iguazu and then Manaus next year. Never been before so can't really advise on safety beyond my own research but usual rules apply I guess, no flashing cash, cameras, phones, keep bags close, don't get ****ed up and cause trouble, learn some lingo and you'll be fine. I have noticed that a lot of the websites for internal flights have often been displaying outdated prices, the only way to get the actual cost is to check with the actual airline either TAM or GOL.

[swannymere]

My SIL is Brasilian, we visited about 4 years ago and stayed in Brasilia and Natal. The country is fantastic, the people friendly and the food is eclectic but generally good (best steak you'll ever have!), great seafood and sweet pizza - strawberry & chocolate and cinnamon which are actually alot better than they sound. Beer comes almost frozen, the local spirit is Cachaca (sugar-cane rum) and is minging. Great for Sushi as Brasil has the largest Japanese population outside Japan.

Salvador is the originator of Carnival in Brasil and considered to be better than Rio by the natives. As has been said usual rules apply, no expensive looking cameras, phones or jewellery or watches to be on the safe side. Learn some phrases, although a lot of people speak a little english, don't get hammered and act like an arse. The airlines are decent with mostly modern aircraft, clothing is expensive although Havaianas (flip-flops) are fantastic and cheap in the supermarkets. The rich and poor live side by side and you may see some sights which don't sit well but nothing too bad, although i felt perfectly safe the in-laws didn't really like us being out on our own, as we apparently didn't have a sixth sense for potential problems. Generally be nice, polite and not flash and you'll have a fantastic time.

[lifeintheslowlane]

Iguacu is a wonderful place...make sure you do the inflatable rib ride up to the falls...but don't sit in the front row.

 

Bit difficult to advise on safety as we were visiting in 2004 and my mate who is a cop ferried us around most of the time. Up country like Iguacu seems to be safer...big cities is where you have to be wary as the difference between the haves and the have nots is more obvious. If you spend some time in Rio and your wife is a little wary take an organised bus tour...they take you to all the tourist spots and your misses (like mine) will be more relaxed.

 

Picture from the front row of the rib ride:

 

Edited 2 September, 2013 by lifeintheslowlane
adding photo

[Gemmel]

Half my family are Brasilian and it its a wonderful country, but not without risk.

 

The advice about being polite and not flash is spot on. You will be fine, but limit the amount of cash and jewelry you carry.

[Chez]

cheers, all advice much appreciated

[LVSaint]

mmmm...caipirinhas...

[lifeintheslowlane]

mmmm...caipirinhas...

 

Ahhh yes indeed. If you think cocktails are gay...you've not had a real Caipirinha.

 

Caipirinha

The Caipirinha is a blend of Cachaça, sugar, lime and ice.

 

1 lime

2 ounces of cachaça

Sugar to taste

Ice cubes

 

Wash the lime and roll it on the board to loosen the juices. Cut the lime into pieces and place them in a glass. Sprinkle with the sugar and crush the pieces (pulp side up) with a pestle. Just enough to release the juice, otherwise it'll get bitter.

 

Add the Cachaça and stir to mix. Add the ice and stir again. It is delicious and potent!

You can also make a pitcher of Caipirinha. Figure out how many people and multiply amounts. If you can't find Cachaça where you live, use a good vodka. The drink will then be called Caipiroshka. No vodka? Use White Rum and you will have a Caipiríssima.

 

Caipirinhas made with Sake are all the rage in Rio now! Try one...

[belgrave]

Sao paulo is up there with jo'berg in the "dangerous to wander round" league.

 

People are generally great.

 

Cashasha (?) and beers are good.

 

Very lively.

[oracle saint]

Somebody pulled a gun on me in Rio - many years ago though but apart from that I had a good time. Whilst there I watched possibly the dullest cup final match ever at the Maracana stadium - pretty lively pre kick-off and then 120,000 people pretty much went to sleep. Also safety-related my niece and her new husband were mugged there last year; had passports, money, etc. stolen. British embassy was useless; fortunately he's Italian and the Italian authorities got them back home. I guess the local hoodlums are really looking forward to the Olympics!

 

Probably just luck of the draw; stay in a hotel with a safe and don't carry passports, too much money and bling - try and look really poor!