Hi! I am off to Brazil in August for the 1st time in my life, anyone there to talk from experience?

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gabrielsaraiva

Hello. I'm from south Brazil, but I have been to north-northeast Brazil several times, so I may give you some tips. I hope they help you out.

- Vaccinate against yellow fever, and hepatite;
- It's always very hot all around the year in these two regions. Drink lots of liquids during the day, at least 3 liter, but not only water: I reccomend coconut water (agua de coco), and juices, like mango juice (suco de manga) and cashew juice (suco de caju). Try to only drink mineral water.
- Eating lots of fruits is also a good idea.
- Avoid eating in the streets. People are not really higienic in these places. Eat in your restaurant.
- Using a hat or a cap is indicated in the beginning, when you will still be too pale. And also a sun protector. Here there are several available, like from Nivea (some even with insect repelent) and sundown. The sun is really strong near the ecuator line. Try to stay in the shade between 11 am and 2 pm.
- Learn some basics in Portuguese. North and Northeast are the poorest regions of Brazil, so you will hardly find someone that speaks English, or even Spanish.
- I recommend that you buy the following travel guides: 'Guia Brasil 2006', 'Praias', 'Viajar Bem e Barato', and 'Guia Rodoviario 2006' all from Quatro Rodas, a Brazilian magazine (http://guia4rodas.abril.com.br/loja/index.shtml). The best places to stay and to go are on 'Guia Brasil 2006'. 'Praias' have sattelite maps from all beaches of Brazil, with tips about all them. 'Viajar Bem e Barato' shows nice cheap places to stay, with tips too.
'Guia Rodoviario 2006' are road maps on all Brazilian states. Very handy if you travel by car.
To stay in a good place is important, and also to eat in good restaurants. Hard to find good restaurants in some places of north and northeast Brazil, except in hotels, hostels or inns.
- Do not wear jewels, specially in larger cities.
- Don't be so showy
- People is generally very warm; they like dancing a lot, specially 'forro'.

Anyway, if you have some more specific question, feel free to contact me.
gabrielsaraiva@yahoo.com

nola_cajun

you must visit Salvador, Bahia .... its amazing !

tosirdanny

you are flying in to rio

go to amazon.com and get the pocketbook guide from frommers
for 1.50 used*
then get brazil complete for 9.00 used
then you own the guide business*
cheapest fare 504. rt...sao paolo

carlos_frohlich

Ok. I'm from Brazil.
Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are dangerous places. All other cities are quite cool. South are more secure;

Beware with pickpockets and always be ONwithin the Rio and Sao Paulo airports. They are quite smart and fast there.

AS a traveler, you must now (everywhere you go)
Never put all your money toghtther; You must have local money in cash; Have a copy of all your documents and your air ticket; Have Embassy phone number and hints about how to call to your home using public phones.

My friend was stoles in Spain and it was a little nightmare. It can happens everywhere.

North there is not so many things to do. Only Amazonas and Belem. Tipical. Forest and rivers. Few tourist companies. People quite friendly and helpfull

Northeast: Most beautiful Brazilian beaches. You must try it.

Center: Matogrosso - Pantanal - you must know it

Vacines in north. Bring with you some medice (until you learn the right names) Do a list if you have any kind of alergy.

Try to avoid personal conflits in Brazil, but alaways fight for your rights. You can find everything there. You are in North, so pay atention, they can think that you are ingenuous. Manage your money. Cheap can be more cheaper. Pay atention to prices.

North has not so much infrastructure, but you will love it. BRazil is a country of many cultures. Enjoy it.

Jay T

The north of Brazil is so beautiful. I lived in Brazil for 5 years and I think you should visit these cities in the north:

Sao Luis, Maranhao
Salvador, Bahia
Pernambuco, Recife
Fortaleza, Ceara

Don't wear alot of Jewelery. Don't venture outside alone. Do see those cities I listed above and fall in love for Brasil!!

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