2 weeks in Brazil, May 09

Hello,

This is my preliminary research for a possible trip to Brazil in May. I hope to fly into Rio and I will be on a budget. First question, what are you suggestions for two weeks in Brazil? And after airfare, can I manage to have a nice time for USD$500 (post airfare)?...Some background info, I will hope to stay at Youth Hostels, I want to enjoy the beach and would love to make it to the Amazon, although i bet this is far fetched. Any suggestions would be great!

You really need to do some research, and also say what interests you and what types of activities you like.
It's a very big country with lots to see and do.
In May, it might already be getting a little cool in the south, esp. for the beach.
Flying to Manaus is likely to be expensive and a short Amazon tourist trip is pretty superficial.
Other places you might research are the Salvador area and the Colonial historic cities in the mountains of Minas Gerais (Ouro Preto, Congonhas, Tiradentes).

It's also not as cheap as some other countiries in South America. With U$35/R$78 per day, you're going to have to be VERY careful about spending, watching every centavo, esp. in the larger cities and particularly in Rio. For example, entry to Corcovado is about R$40, a taxi home from Lapa at night is R$25-30 and entry to a club is R$20-40.

Good informational sites:
www.bahia-online.net
www.ipanema.com