Wedding Trip

This will be our travel itinerary to Brazil.
We're making it available in case you decide to join us.

February 12th to 17th

Carnaval in São Paulo

We recommend booking your flight with the airline LATAM

(via Santiago in Chile).

We landed in São Paulo on February 12th.

On February 14 - Official Carnival Parade.

From 9pm until sunrise on the 15th, with all-inclusive dinner/lunches and drinks.
Tickets will be released at

https://www.camarotebarbrahma.com.br/home.html

It's best to buy as soon as they are released, as prices go up.

The following days, street Carnaval and time to explore São Paulo.

Worth visiting:

Museu do Ipiranga
Ibirapuera (park).

Recommended areas to stay

Pinheiros (epic street)
Campo Belo (quieter)

Tips

Use Uber to get around
It's worth visiting Liberdade (the largest Japanese community outside Japan)

February 18th to 26th

The Amazon

Early flight from São Paulo (Guarulhos)

to Manaus airport

Transfer from the airport to the TBC Jungle Hotel
Two nights in a jungle hotel (food and tours included)

February 20th return to Manaus

February 21 from Manaus to Santarém,

on the noon ferry approximately 30 hours
Overnight in a hammock or cabin on the Amazon River.

Some information
https://www.thesmoothescape.com/visit-the-amazon-rainforest-in-brazil/
Transfer to Alter do Chão, a bohemian town on a beach on the river, from where there are

options for day trips.

https://www.amazoncruise.net/how-to-get-to-santarem-from-manaus-what-to-see-are-there-cruises-from-manaus/

February 27th to March 3rd

Rio de Janeiro

On February 27, I flew from Santarém, in the state of Pará, to Rio de Janeiro (SDU airport), arriving late at night.

Two wonders of the world in one place:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-new-7-wonders-of-the-world-and-where-you-can-visit-them

https://sevennaturalwonders.org/

Beaches galore, rainforest hikes, bohemian suburbs, samba.

Recommended areas to stay

Ipanema (close to Copacabana)
Botafogo (less hectic)

Tips

Rio is a common stopover option if you are arriving directly from Australia (via Santiago)
SDU is the most convenient airport
Use Uber to get around
Carefully consider the options of a favela tour (if you want to go)
Get a drink from a kiosk on the sand and then take it to the next one.

The flight from Rio to Porto Alegre is direct.

March 4th

Porto Alegre

The capital of the gauchos - people born in Rio Grande do Sul (state).
It is also a thriving craft beer center.
Nightlife in Porto Alegre.

Recommended areas to stay

Moinhos de Vento (a bit posh)
Cidade Baixa (hipster)

Tips
1.Use Uber to get around
2.Take a sunset cruise at Usina do Gasômetro [no need to book in advance]
3.Tell Quelen that her condition is the best

March 05 to 09

Serra Gaúcha

Thursday 05
Morning - bus to Bento Gonçalves
https://rodoviariaportoalegre.com.br/

(tickets available a few weeks in advance, some buses leave from Porto Alegre airport)

Afternoon - wine tour of Vale dos Vinhedos. Details to be confirmed.

Evening - pre-wedding dinner at Botega among wines. Confirm your attendance here by December 7th.

Friday 06
Exploring the Serra Gaúcha
You can take an excursion to Gramado to learn all about "Brazilian Europe" (private excursions are very good value)
... Or join us on a steam train at 3pm: https://giordaniturismo.com.br/passeios/nossos-horarios/

Saturday 07
Our big day!

Sunday 08
Late afternoon - Brazilian barbecue. Details to be confirmed.

Monday 09
Early bus back to Porto Alegre and then lunchtime flight to Salvador (for those who are still with us)
Latam, Azul and GOL airlines offer flights there. There is a short stopover in São Paulo.

March 09 to 14

"Afrobrazil"

March 09

Disembark in Salvador, the first capital of Brazil.

Recommended area for accommodation
Pelourinho

Pelourinho is a tourist center, close to the pier (opposite the Mercado Modelo).

March 10

Morning ferry to Morro de São Paulo (2.5 hours).

Some links:
https://www.morrodesaopaulocatamara.com/en
https://ingressos.biotur.tur.br/Reservas/Nova

Cars are not allowed on the island. Beach walks and caipirinhas.

Snorkeling and scuba diving options. Zip line:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt7AUkoStj0

Ferry back to Salvador, probably on March 13 (morning)
Sunset at Farol da Barra, night out

March 14 - we leave Brazil (flight at 20h55).

We'll have a northeastern feast before we go.

If you can, stay longer in Salvador! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u4m0wqLAtI

Tips

Motion sickness medication
Expect enthusiastic street vendors offering “free” bracelets, souvenirs or gifts (which are often not free!). Just smile and say “No thanks”.
Keep an eye on your belongings.
Take a painting home.