Time: 13 days (18-30 Jan 2012)
Budget: $93.11 (per day for two people)
Itinerary: Sao Paulo 3 days, Paraty 3 days, Rio de Janeiro 5 days, Foz do Iguaçu 2 days.
Such a short time in such a big country…we barely scratched the surface of Brazil. Part of it was our desire to head south to Patagonia before summer ended, part of it was the sheer expense of the country. However, doing it all again I’d spare a few more days for Paraty which is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I also wouldn’t spend as long in Rio, mostly because of the cost of accommodation (probably one of the worst dorms we’ve unfortunately had to sleep in) and activities.
We did strike lucky when we met up with one of my Dad’s friends who treated us to a wonderful lunch and drove us around the city and its suburbs, showing us ‘his Rio’. Thank you so much Gil!
Recommendations:
Backpackers House, Paraty – super breakfast, small and cosy size, nice owner
SuperNova Hostal, Foz do Iguaçu – prettily decorated, nice double rooms, pool
Bacalaõ balls – these salted cod fish balls were one of the best things we ate in Brazil, try them at Bar Urca in Rio
Museum of Portuguese Language and Afro-Brazil Museum – cool ways to escape the rain in Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo
Photo Essay
Rio de Janeiro
Photo Essay
Paraty
Three ways to experience Paraty
Foz do Iguaçu
Iguazu Falls – movie
Strolling South America 
Wish I had stopped by Paraty during my trip! Thanks for the awesome tips/photos
I always get excited when I see someone writing about my country!! Im glad you liked it… and I often hear people say what you said: short time for such a big country, its true 😀
Yes, you could spend years and not have enough time. There’s so much to explore!
Yes 😀