Hello! I am a young guy from the United States who is planning a two-week trip in February to South America for the first time. I want to visit Rio de Janeiro for at least 3-4 days (maybe hit Carnival if I can fit it in to schedule) and then head down the Southern coast of Brazil along the costa verde (Ilha Grande, Paraty, anything else?). Then I’m thinking of heading down to Buenos Aires for about a week and maybe stopping along the way in Iguazu Falls (I was thinking of skipping it because I’m not sure if it’s worth making the extra stop for the extra cost... Is there enough to do there to spend 2-3 days? Or is it just a one day trip? I’m willing to reconsider if it’s worth it...). Also - is spending one week in Buenos Aires too much? I am totally up for exploring another area in Argentina (any suggestions?), I just like how affordable Buenos Aires seems in comparison to Rio.
I would really appreciate any suggestions on my itinerary to make it the most efficient. I love cities, good food, language (been studying Portuguese and Spanish), culture, and of course nature and mountains, some beaches, etc - so I figured this kind of trip would hit all my interests in a manageable route. That being said, I’m totally open to suggestions and would greatly appreciate any ideas on activities/accommodations (I prefer hotels - $75-130/night to hostels). Thank you so much!!
My itinerary Idea:
2-Feb Saturday Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
3-Feb Sunday Rio de Janeiro
4-Feb Monday Costa Verde
5-Feb Tuesday Costa Verde
6-Feb Wednesday Costa Verde
7-Feb Thursday Costa Verde
8-Feb Friday Rio de Janeiro (Carnival)
9-Feb Saturday Rio de Janeiro (Carnival)
10-Feb Sunday Buenos Aires (Or Maybe Iguazu Falls)
11-Feb Monday Buenos Aires (Or Maybe Iguazu Falls)
12-Feb Tuesday Buenos Aires
13-Feb Wednesday Buenos Aires
14-Feb Thursday Buenos Aires
15-Feb Friday Buenos Aires
16-Feb Saturday Fly back
Itinerary Advice Rio De Janeiro, Costa Verde and Buenos Aires
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There's a lot to see and do in Rio, if it's your first trip I would give it a week. It's one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to and each time I return it takes my breath away anew.
I liked Buenos Aires a lot and depending on your interests there's quite a lot to see. There are interesting galleries such as Proa Foundation, MALBA and others. In addition you can take one of the fast ferries to Colonia or Montevideo for a day trip.
Whereas I found Rio disappointing. BUT if you're going for the beach and the parties, and especially for Carnaval, you'll probably love it. I thought Iguazu was fantastic, see the post on my TR.
The things I would recommend doing in Rio are as follows:
The Botanical Garden is often listed in best gardens of the world and deservedly so. We saw monkeys and a toucan, in addition to an amazing range of botanical specimens (chocolate bushes, Amazon lily pads).
MAC Niteroi--a short ferry trip from the historical centre is this amazing museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The cafe/restaurant has an amazing view back to Rio.
Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf--both of these touristy activities are really worth doing. You can walk down the second part of sugar loaf--we saw lots of marmosets on the way down.
Museum of Modern Art--they usually have really interesting shows.
Oiticica Cultural Centre--in the historical centre there are often interesting exhibitions here.
Cathedral--an interesting modern building. While in the historical centre visit Confeiteria Colombo for amazing pastries and great strong coffee.
Santa Teresa--this is a neighbourhood near to downtown. There are some great bars and restaurants.