Questions about Sao Paulo and Olinda, Recife...?

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RibeiroWorld

I will make general recommendations only, as I don't recall at this time, names of hotels and can't be very specific.

Your choice of itinerary is a little odd but good. Most people will do Rio, Sao Paulo, and then the upper northeast. if you have time, I recommend that you go to Natal and Fortaleza. I cannot recommend these two states enough. They are north of Recife. Olinda is known for the old city, and for the coral reefs. Unfortunately, the reefs are dead and the historical city is rundown and unappealing. I am not sure if this is still the case, there are dozen of tour boys who will follow you begging you to hire their services.. They will pester you to the point where you will simply leave before the time planned. The city of Recife had its beauty in the past, but for the most part, I found it to be poluted and lackluster. The resorts outside of the downtown area are indeed very pretty, if you can stay there. So, take the extra time and go to Natal,where the beaches and sand dunes will floor you. Rent a sand buggy and a kid guide. He will take you as far as the islands, and you will never forget the beauty and the gentleness of the people.
I haven't been to Salvador, Bahia. It is historical in the sense that it was the place the Portuguese arrived and settled. The African influence is very strong here, and people combine catholicism with African beliefs. The food is amazing, so enjoy yourself. Try to go on a trip to Itapuam Beach.
As far as Rio: it is a long, narrow state and it can be dangerous, so don't venture outside the tourist path. Stay along the beaches. The choices are numerous: beaches, hiking, hang glide, people watching, and many night clubs. Stay in Copacabana where the hotel rates are more affordable, and then go to Ipanema and Conrado for fun. Of course, you cannot miss going to the top of the Christ in Corcovado. The trip that takes you up there alone is an adventure. Be aware that Rio caters to tourists and the sight seeings may seem a little too structured. In Rio, unlike any state, people in commerce will actually speak a little English.

Sao Paulo is my favorite: the fourth largest city in the world: skycrapers and a frenetic pace. You will find whatever you need 24 hours a day. The night life is excellent, but because the night clubs change so fast, ask someone at the hotel for recommendation. Go see the old downtown, then the new, and don't forget to stroll along Avenida Paulista, so that you can enjoy the architecture. There are many wonderful neighborhoods, but because Sao Paulo city is so large, don't expect to see it all in a couple of days. You will need to know the public transportation system, so spend some time studying the Metro system. You will fare better if you find a Brazilian person willing to show you a good time; otherwise you will feel lost. Most tourists find everything they need downtown Sao Paulo, and most go to the top of the Italia Building, and take your camera with you, because you will be mesmerized by the 360 view of a stone jungle - the tall buildings go as far as the eyes can see. Huge city and very grey!

You didn't say how long you will be staying. March is the rainy season in Brazil, but lately the seasons have shifted a bit, and you will most likely enjoy dry and hot weather.

And even though the temperature may be in the 100's, most brazilians don't go to beach in non-summer months.

Be careful, be wise, and enjoy yourself.

SchÃ¶ff.

I try to help you;
In Olinda we have "frevo", they have espetacular carnival! Beautiful beautiful and graet historical places, and people are receptive and fun!
The North East state of Pernambuco has a unique Carnival in its present capital Recife and in its colonial capital next door, Olinda. Their main rhythms are the frevo and the maracatu. Galo da Madrugada is the biggest carnival parade in the world considering the number of participants, according The Guinness Book of World Records. It means "early morning rooster" and parades, as the name suggests, in the morning only. Frevo is Pernambucan style dance with African and acrobatic influences, as it is fast and electrifying often using an open umbrella and frequent legs & arms movements.
Unlike Salvador and Rio, the festivities in Recife, Olinda and Itamaraca' do not include groups competition. Instead, they dance and play instruments side by side. TroÃ§as and maracatus, mostly of African influence, begin one week before Carnival and end a week later. There are well-known groups with funny names such as: Tell me you love me, damn it, The Midnight Man (with a famous giant dancing doll that leads the group), Crazy Lover, Olinda's Underpants and The Door.

In SÃ£o Paulo you will have a lot things to do, it's the biggest city in Brazil, have a lot of all culture, and have Samba schools !
Won't' miss things to you do, I guarantee!!
Good travel, we will waiting you!
=**

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nelsonbrazil1962

well , you should try to find a guide . I lived in the states 24 yrs and now in Brazil for 18 yrs ..theres so much things to do. for example the beaches are fantastic especially Fortaleza and for god sakes eat feijoada .man i love this country ... get a guide ..I don't know what you like to do so its a little difficult to suggest things ,,but there everything in Sao Paulo.. oh go to the central market.fantastic...iparanga museum .Avenida Paulista . find a way to go to the beaches . fantastic. have good beaches near Sao Paulo..like peruibe, monagua,inthaem, I have a house there 40 feet from the ocean..well good luck and enjoy

zsevilla

So i imagine your asking because you havent found too much to do in Sao Paulo with guides and all. The brazilian saying is that Rio is for the day, and Sao Paulo is for the night. Sao Paulo has a great night life with some descent bands playing a lot of flashback 80s and 90s.

Here are some night time hot spots. (I lived there for a while, and never found much to do during the day)

Vila Madalena is a cool place with a lot bars and a few night clubs. Vila Olimpia has a bunch of bars and clubs too.

If you give me the type of place you're into i can possibly give you some recommendations.

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