TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO RIO DE JANEIRO and IGUACU (IGUASSU)
RIO
WHERE TO STAY - The majority of people stay in the Copacabana area, followed by Ipanema. Ipanema is a more chic area, with a boutiquey feel to it, and has fewer hotels, they therefore cost a bit more. Copacabana has more nightlife. In fact, in the evening, Ipanema has no nightlife on the beach, Copacabana has plenty. But, if you do end up in Ipanema it is a short drive by taxi to Copacabana. Many prefer Ipanema, because it is so pleasant during the day.
BOOKING THE HOTEL - Research your hotels on the net but book by calling the hotel directly. Ask for a discount – start by asking for at least 25 percent off. Ask for a double room, usually the price is the same. If you meet the love of your life in Rio she (or he) can stay with you if have a double room, and you won’t have to pay a surcharge. 2005 ADDENDUM: Internet sites are beginning to give better rates. So, while you must still call the hotel directly, you may run across a hotel that offers a better rate if you go through an Internet agent.
APARTMENT: Apartment stays are becoming more common. However, these are frequently NOT a better deal than a hotel, and often they are crap. So, always follow these two basic rules: 1) Never give more than a day's rent in advance. 2) Never hand over the rest of the money as soon as you get there. Tell the agent you will pay the rest the next day. This gives you time to evaluate your apartment and the surroundings, not have to make a decision immediately after a long flight. If you don't like the place, mention it to the agent, they may have a better place available. And if there isn't, you have time to find a hotel.
BUYING A TICKET - Similarly, do not assume a ticket will be cheaper on the Internet – although this becoming the norm. Check with consolidators also. If your city is too small to have consolidators then get hold of the Sunday Travel section from a bigger city. As the Internet has evolved, it is no longer true that consolidators provide the lowest fares. Some airline sites can be lower. However, you should always check consolidators, especially the "ethnic" ones. These are agents who cater to the needs of specific communities, like Thais or Chinese, but sell tickets to everyone.
AIRPORT TO HOTEL - When you arrive at Rio airport you will be greeted by official-looking people who claim to be there to help you. All they are trying to do is sell you a pricey ride. If you have much luggage you will need a taxi, and the best thing to do is walk outside and look to your right. You will usually see metered (yellow) taxis parked, or one will show up soon. A ride to Copacabana or Ipanema will cost you 30 real, give or take a few. If you only have a backpack or carry-on luggage, then take the bus. The air conditioned REAL bus runs every half hour and, after going through the town center, takes the beach road. Your hotel is likely to be within a few block of the beach, and the conductor will show you which way to go. The cost is 5 real. The bus stop is within a few yards of the arrival hall exit – look for the words REAL or ONIBUS.
GETTING AROUND - Don’t be afraid to use buses for transport, despite what people tell you. They are plentiful, usually not crowded, clean and fairly quick. And you should not feel threatened – but don’t keep your wallet hanging out of your back pocket either. Once you know where to go buses are easy to use. On a 10-day trip you can save at least US $100 by using buses instead of taxis. You may want to use taxis late in the evening, however, or when you are not sure of the location of your destination.
MONEY MATTERS - Take cash with you, unless you are sure you will be able to withdraw money from ATMs. ATMs are common. However, the cash rate is better after you factor in the fees that are charged. The difference is not large though, and ATMs offer convenience that is worth the fee. You get a much better rate for cash than traveler’s checks in Brazil, unlike most of the world. Credit cards are extensively used, and you will get good rates there too (unfortunately these days most charge an extra 2 or 3 percent surcharge, on top of VISA’s 1 %, for foreign transactions. American Express is particularly bad. Check with your company). Cambios offer the best rates, followed by banks. Keep in mind that on weekends and holidays you may not be able to change money as these are closed. If you are arriving on a Sunday or holiday then take some reals with you, even though you may get a bad rate in your own country. Take $20 worth for the taxi ride into town anyway. Keep your stash of cash in the hotel safe, not on you. Also, keep in mind that cambios in or next to hotels may not give you a good rate.
SHOPPING – Brazilians have an eye for beauty and proportion. This translates into some very interesting handicraft, although you also run into the usual crop of extremely ugly stuff. There is good framed stuff in stores that sell home decorating items – there’s usually one in a gallery, sometimes more. If you like this kind of thing then browse around. The A & Z store on the second floor of the Rio Design Center in Leblon has good stuff. There are others. You will also enjoy going through the Sunday Hippie Fair in Ipanema. There are hand-painted t-shirts here (that’s what they claim anyway) that are not available elsewhere in Rio. Other interesting stuff too. It is more expensive than the night street markets opposite the Help disco and near the Copacabana Palace hotel – but the Hippie Fair has items these latter do not.
IGUACU
BUYING A PACKAGE - If possible, buy a package or ticket in Rio, as opposed to in the US. Some travel agencies may actually have a poster advertising packages to Iguacu. In any case, check with at least three agencies. You may save up to $200 to $300 by buying a package in Rio (or Buenos Aires) instead of from so-called South American specialists in the US. You may want to do some checking before you leave to make sure this is the case.
HOW LONG -
If you are short of time then a one-night trip may be enough, if you leave
fairly early in the morning and take a late flight back the next day. Check out
the Brazilian side the day you arrive, and leave early for the Argentinian side
the next morning. You must be ready to leave for the airport by about 4:30 p.m.
– there were no flights later than that from the Brazilian side (2002).A
minimum
WHICH TOUR - The tour of the Argentinian side is much more extensive and takes 4-6 hours, plus the transfer time. The Brazilian side tour is much shorter. So, if the package offers a choice, you know what to choose. It’s good to do both but if you only have time for one definitely go to the Argentinian side.
BIRD PARK - Most agents will try to sell you a tour of the bird park. If you love birds go for it – but major zoos have the same birds and for many it will be a waste of time and money.
SOUVENIRS - If you want souvenirs buy them at the park stores!
PUERTU IGUASSU: Puertu Iguassu is on the Argentinian side. This a smaller city, but a pleasant one. The river tour that they offer the evening of the day you get there is enjoyable. A fairly large catamaran takes you in the evening to the confluence of the Iguassu and Parana rivers, where three countries converge, and then to a pretty lame Indian evening ceremony. But the whole thing is pleasant and costs US 20 or 25. And it is something to do. The Hotel Cataratas is a very nice hotel, though some may prefer to pay much more and stay near the falls.