Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 6/30/2009

Question
Hello Ken,

I wonder if you can guide me to the rite area/hotel, for my first trip to Brazil Carnival and beach.

You may think me a bit premature, however i've always wanted to come to Rio to celebrate carnival, beach, nightlife and culture, but i have always left it to late to find decent/affordable accommodation. So i'm starting early this time.

I am 35 years old and i will be travelling alone, I will prefer street parties and paredes rather than the sambodrome option, so maybe Salvador, Olinda, Recife maybe a better option than Rio... What do you think? because i have know idea other than the stuff i have read on the internet.

I am looking at 7 nights from Friday 12th February 2010, somewhere relatively close to all the street parades and parties.  

Is it important to book hotels as early as Aug/Sept 2009?
can you recommend any hotels options which are not too expensive? or should i be looking at a package deal? if so, who?

Any tips will be helpful.

Many Thanks

Mark from London, England.

Answer
Ipanema or Copa would be great, tho Ipanema is more for the gay crowd. The northeastern states have a very different carnaval. Id say stick to Rio, as it is more tourist friendly for a first timer.

The street parades in Ipanema and Copa will be everywhere so you will have no problem finding them. There will also be some in the hills, but I dont recommend them unless you are speaking Portuguese or with locals or a massof other tourists being led by a local so you know the area is safe. You dont want to get your trip ruined in a good mugging now, do ya?

Yes, book early. Why not?

Do a package deal. Check out Brazil Nuts.com.