Brazil - Salvador & Rio recommendations

[Sandpaper]

Hi am off to Brazil - Salvador & Rio in a few weeks - with a few other 50 somethings. Has been on my bucket list to be in the country for Carnival. It looks tricky to get around (roads and general safety). Just wondering if anyone has been there and has any tips / advice / recommendations of places to visit / areas to stay etc. Thanks

 

[donnie_arko]

Calling @Mike Smart ...
He's been to that part of the world before.

I went to Rio well over 20 years ago, so I can't imagine much of it is the same now but what an incredible place. You'll have a fantastic time out there.

 

[Mike Smart]

Hi am off to Brazil - Salvador & Rio in a few weeks - with a few other 50 somethings. Has been on my bucket list to be in the country for Carnival. It looks tricky to get around (roads and general safety). Just wondering if anyone has been there and has any tips / advice / recommendations of places to visit / areas to stay etc. Thanks

Alright mate i was there in October through to November for 3 weeks but previously worked there for 13 months between 2022 & 23.
Don’t go anywhere on your own would be my advice, Don’t go walking on your own and stay in well lit areas.
It’s a dangerous place for sure so keep your wits about you.
There’s been a resent spate of Alcohol getting poisoned with drugs. sorry i can’t remember the drug but it’s been rife recently especially in Rio & São Paulo.
If your having beer always drink bottles if possible it’s the only thing they can’t tamper with and i’m not talking about backstreet bars i’m talking hotels, nightclubs and so on. Draughtcis the easiest for them to tamper with but they can also do it with cans.
Watch the woman as well,
as you know some are very attractive and they’ll want to buy you drinks then the next thing your back in your hotel room they’ve slipped something in your beer & cleared you out this has happened regular to colleagues of mine.
You will have a great time it’s some place but just don’t get taken in.

 

[SeanC]

A few more bits to add:

A strong mosquito repellent is essential. Either DEET or Picaridin (I prefer the latter as it doesn't damage some plastics, unlike DEET)

Major highways are of an equivalent standard to the UK, but the driving isn't.

Long distance buses are cheap, but often subject to delays. I recommend Executive Class as there is much more space and better air-conditioning

Internal lights are safe and reliable and cheap if booked in advance

Foz do Iguaçu is spectacular. I managed to pick up two-leg return flights for about £70pp

Yes, there are definitely issues with crime in Brazil, but it is not completely lawless like some parts of Mexico and Columbia

Cahacha, the local fire water brewed from sugar cane, is surprisingly good and dirt cheap at about £5 per litre from supermarkets (check the seal on the cap)

Vapes are illegal, yet cigarettes are about £1.20 a packet. Illogical

 

[Mike Smart]

Brazil: Third person dies from methanol poisoning in São Paulo

Authorities are investigating the source of the tainted drinks, which have affected more than 200 people.

www.bbc.com

 

[Johnny Bravo]

Alright mate i was there in October through to November for 3 weeks but previously worked there for 13 months between 2022 & 23.
Don’t go anywhere on your own would be my advice, Don’t go walking on your own and stay in well lit areas.
It’s a dangerous place for sure so keep your wits about you.
There’s been a resent spate of Alcohol getting poisoned with drugs. sorry i can’t remember the drug but it’s been rife recently especially in Rio & São Paulo.
If your having beer always drink bottles if possible it’s the only thing they can’t tamper with and i’m not talking about backstreet bars i’m talking hotels, nightclubs and so on. Draughtcis the easiest for them to tamper with but they can also do it with cans.
Watch the woman as well,
as you know some are very attractive and they’ll want to buy you drinks then the next thing your back in your hotel room they’ve slipped something in your beer & cleared you out this has happened regular to colleagues of mine.
You will have a great time it’s some place but just don’t get taken in.

Sounds like my wife is from there Mike.

 

[Mike Smart]

Sounds like my wife is from there Mike.

Fair play to her she’s got a grip like a jockeys right hand

 

[Pelada]

Hi am off to Brazil - Salvador & Rio in a few weeks - with a few other 50 somethings. Has been on my bucket list to be in the country for Carnival. It looks tricky to get around (roads and general safety). Just wondering if anyone has been there and has any tips / advice / recommendations of places to visit / areas to stay etc. Than

More than violence and safety, be careful with prices! They go crazy during Carnaval time (carioca* here who hates — believe it or not — Carnaval!).


* Carioca = Rio de Janeiro city native.