Rio de Janeiro

[kovac]

Hi I'm considering a trip to Rio De Janeiro, but would also like to visit Iguassu Falls. Can anyone advise how many days I should spend visiting the falls and the surrounding area?...........and how many days would I need to fully appreciate Rio and all of its attractions?

[dzug]

You want 2 days at the falls - there's nothing much in the surrounding area. If you arrive in the middle of the day one day and leave at the same sort of time 48 hours later you should see everything on both sides - Brazil and Argentine - without either rushing too much or getting bored.

I know nothing of Rio

[jno]

I prefer the view from the Argentine side. As for Rio, depends what sort of thing you want to do. If you want beaches, there are lots; plenty of music and futbol; but there aren't that many conventional sights - Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, a few colonial churches, botanical gardens; you could do most of it in 2-3 days if you wanted.

[SteveD]

We went to Argentina a year ago. On the first day in Iguaz� we "did" the Argentine side - it's absolutely amazing. We "did" the Brazilian side the next day and found it as good, if not better. On both sides, the paths and walkways allow you to get really close to the water (above, below and in the middle of the cascades).

Take a boat trip (they give you plastic bags to put your cameras and belongings in (you WILL get very wet).

Don't go all that way and only visit half the site!

[bongerman]

Depends if you're a beach bum or an adrenalin junkie!

Rio can be "done" in a 3 days but is a great place to spend 2 weeks in - great beaches, restaurants, bars etc.

Things to do though: Sugar Loaf, Corcovado (big Jesus statues) and you should do a favella tour - just to remind yourself how half of Rio live. Also see a match at the Maracana stadium if that's your thing.

I'd take 3-4 days at Iguacu - a full day for Argentinian side, full day for Brazilian side (include a boat trip on Brazilian side). Other things to do in the area include quick trip to Paraguay to Cidade del Este for cheap cameras etc and the Itaipu dam.

Have fun.