Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 5/5/2004

Question
Ken -

We're planning a trip to Brazil which will coincide with New Year's and were wondering if you had any specific thoughts/suggestions about the following tentative itinerary...

5 nights in Costa do Sauipe - we wanted something in the vicinity of Salvador, but some what 'resort' like for the beginning of the trip to recover from the flight, etc.  Any thoughts on the hotels there?

3 Nights in Manaus at the Tropical - we're thinking day trips into the Amazon - any thoughts? (we don't want to do the jungle hut thing though...)

5 nights in Rio - for which New Year's will be included...ideally we want something on the beach - but we'd probably lean towards Ipanema or Leblon over Copa (in other words not too touristy)...something 4 or 5 'star' - and ideally w/ a balcony to watch the fireworks, etc. from!

Thanks - can't wait to hear your thoughts...

Answer
Hi guys...first of all, excellent choice on Costa do Sauipe. I have never been there unfortunately, but my sister in law's husband is a resort hotel manager and used to work in Bahia and in Pernambuco.  Long story short...he loved Costa do Sauipe.  One of the best resorts in Brazil, I have heard.

Youre picking all of these places I have never been to yet.  Like the Torpical.  I dont know that place, tho you will probably need a Yellow Fever shot to go there.  I think it is mandatory.  

Rio I know.  New Years Eve will be a great time to be in Rio. Generally calmer than Carnivale, but very very festive and packed.  You will be lucky to find a spot on the beaches on NY Eve.  Ipanema is also very touristy, but during NY Eve, even LEBLON will be touristy.  I would absolutely recommend Ipanema over Leblon.  Stay away from teh Aporador chain of hotels.  Most of the hotels on teh beach in Ipanema will have balconies.  Let me get back to you on a recommendation for a hotel in Ipanema, if you havent found one yet.

Sorry, Im a reporter here and have been very busy, that is why I didnt get back to you asap. Feel free to email me directly from herein: rapoza@igc.org.

Also, do check out this website: www.brazilmax.com.  The owner, Bill Hinchberger, knows Rio well too.  You can email him for rec's on Ipanema.  He might be faster than I am.

Oh, one more very important thing...I cant believe I almost forgot to tell you this. The fireworks are launched from Ipanema. So if you absolutely want to stay there, the milliondollar question is, which hotel will have views of the fireworks?  In this case, Leblon might be best.

I prefer the Sofitel Rio Palace Hotel, actually.  It's at the very end of Copacabana, a 6 min walk to Ipanema, in a less crowded area of the beach -- opposed to where the Copa Palace and Othon chain of hotels are -- dead center.

You are going to love Rio. It is beautiful, but also sad and dangerous. Like a beautiful woman (or dashing man), it is bound to break your heart somehow.  Take it at that.

Read this before you go:

www.boston.com/travel/articles/2003/09/ 28/savvy_is_key_to_safety_in_rio/