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 land in São Paulo on February 12th.
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On February 14 - Official Carnaval Parade.
From 9pm until sunrise on the 15th, with all-inclusive dinner/lunches and drinks.
Tickets will be released here on 29 July 2025, 12pm (Brazilian time).
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:
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Museu do Ipiranga
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Ibirapuera (park).
Recommended areas to stay
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Pinheiros (epic street)
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Campo Belo (quieter)
Tips
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Use Uber to get around
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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 Chao, a bohemian town at a beach on the river, from which there are options for day trips.
A similar itinerary!
https://www.thesmoothescape.com/visiting-alter-do-chao-brazil/
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://sevennaturalwonders.org/
Beaches galore, rainforest hikes, bohemian suburbs, samba.
Recommended areas to stay
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Ipanema (close to Copacabana)
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Botafogo (less hectic)
Tips
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Rio is a common stopover option if you are arriving directly from Australia (via Santiago)
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SDU is the most convenient airport
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Use Uber to get around
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Carefully consider the options of a favela tour (if you want to go)
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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
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Moinhos de Vento (a bit posh)
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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 state 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 Bodega Pizza entre Vinhos. 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
1. Medication for seasickness
2. Expect enthusiastic street vendors offering bracelets, souvenirs, or “free” gifts (which often aren’t free!). Just smile and say “Não obrigado(a)”.
3. Keep an eye on your belongings.
4. Take a painting home.
