NEED TRAVEL HELP/TIPS WITHIN BRAZIL!

Hi,

I am going to be travelling to Brazil and I would like to visit Rio, Sao Paolo, Iguazu, the Amazon, and then end up in Salvador at the end. Im having trouble figuring out how to get around, as I would like to do what's cheaper. I've done long bus rides in Argentina, so I can deal with it, however I know some distances can be longer taking almost a day or longer, in that case I would just fly.

Im thinking of busing it between Rio, Sao Paolo, and Iguazu, but from there I was wondering if it is possible to bus from the falls to Manaus, and then later from Manaus to Salvador. Are there buses that will go to and from those locations. If so how long would the travel time be? Or should I just opt for the sky pass?

Since I can't really understand Portugese I'm having trouble understanding the bus site. If anyone is able to help me with this info I would REALLY appreciate it!

Thanks!

You can not travel by bus to Manaus from the eastern or southern parts of Brazil. The Transamazonia highway, thank god, is not completed. Parts are even gone or impassable, even in the dry season. No plan whatsoever to try to complete this ridiculous road, which was only meant for economical perposes of some larger timber companies.

However, you can travel up north from Iguazu Falls towards the Pantanal first for example (Campo Grande and Cuiaba are the gateways) and spend some time there.

From Cuiaba you can travel to Porto Velho in the west (about 24 hours) and from there boats ply the river to Manaus (4 days or so). It is probably cheaper and you will see something of the country, although I don't know how much time you have. Still, if you can find good deals on the internet (try GOL and TAM for example, although there are more airlines) that might not be much more money.
In general though, flying is expensive in Brazil and an airpass will definately be good value, especially if planning to visit the Amazon.

I am not familiar with the coastal parts of Brazil, but regarding the Amazon I can advice you to spend your time as far away from Manaus as possible and travel either west or north(west) from Manaus as there you will find the more pristine and protected areas.

Cheers!

[ Edit: Edited on 28-Jan-2009, at 02:34 by Utrecht ]

Moderator Comment: Kanchi - you have accidentally posted your thread twice so I have deleted the duplicate. Because a member also replied in the duplicate thread, I have quoted their response to you here so the information is not lost. I have also contacted Fernanda so she knows her efforts didn't disappear along with the duplicate thread.

Quoting fernanda.k

Hello!
So, where are you coming from? If you´re in argentina, get to Foz and take a bus either to São Paulo or to Rio. To Sao Paulo it will take around 16 hours and to Rio 6 hours more. From Rio you can take a bus to Salvador, but it wil take around 30 hours. From Sao Paulo to Rio takes around 6 hours, and you´ll find buses almost every hour. From anywhere to Manaus you´ll have to fly.
If you´re starting in Rio, take a bus to São Paulo and then to Foz do Iguaçu. Fly from Foz to Manaus and from there to Salvador.

São Paulo - Rio:
Auto Viação 1001: http://www.autoviacao1001.com.br/en/
Expresso do Sul: http://www.expressodosul.com.br/pt/pt.html
origem = from
destino = to
Expresso Brasileiro: web site not available
Viação Itapemirim: http://www.itapemirim.com.br/vendas_passagens.html
select "passagem on line"

São Paulo - Foz or Rio - Foz do Iguaçu
Pluma Conforto e Turismo: http://www.pluma.com.br/engli/main.htm
Expresso Kaiowa: web site not available

Also check air fares:
www.voegol.com.br
www.tam.com.br
www.oceanair.com.br
www.voeazul.com.br

Note that TAM is the most reliable followed by GOL.

I live in São Paulo, if you need anything, let me know!

All the best!

Fernanda

Kanchi,

Everything Fernanda told you is right! They are the best info you will ever get to fullfill your trip!

Great topic Fernanda! Congratulations!

I am Brazilian, used to work at a travel agency in Peru, and I am now living in Bilbao/Spain!
I still do some part-time jobs as traval agent and in case anyone needs help to travel all over South America and/or Europe, get in touch and I´ll be really glad to help!

Take care and have fun!

Isabel

if you are looking for some cool things to do in rio, iguazu and sao paulo, have a look at my TP blog. http://playnowworklater.travellerspoint.com. I mention several hostels an several tours to do that will save you some time and money. I have spent a lot of time in brazil so feel free to send me any questions.

You dont need to know portuguese on this website but as long as you put Sao Paulo or Rio as your starting point or ending, you can see the times and prices.

http://www.passagem-em-domicilio.com.br/index.asp?w_cc=&w_referrer=/terminal-tiete.asp