Brazil

[Applejack87]

Hi , has anytime been to Brazil in July ? We’re thinking of a couple of weeks with a teen , would you recommend it ?

I have. twice. Which part are you thinking of?

Been to Rio and Paraty about 10 years ago pre kids in March.

Paraty was lovely - rainforest though didn't see animals, cobbled streets, horse and carriage and fisherman's boats you could go round on. Rio was scenic but lots of crime / sleaze - we could hear people being shot, prostitutes on beach and prostitutes being bought by businessmen at breakfast at hotel. Driver between Paraty and Rio kept closing his eyes. Interesting holiday but not a place would take my children to but it's a big country and if you take precautions and follow FCO travel advice can do safely and beautiful scenery.

We went with Audley Travel and you would get reputable local operatives. Pay a bit more for peace of mind. We went to Rio and stayed on Copacabana Beach. It’s huge! There was an underground station for getting out a bit. Ipanema is a good place to stay too. We had trips with tour guides as well. I never felt unsafe but I would say do not ever go to a favella or some districts. Keep aware of, and abide by, safety recommendations.

We also went to Salvador. Praia Do Forte, Iguazzu Falls, and Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais. We followed the Gold Road back to Rio. The churches in this area are stupendous! Amazing towns. You could also consider the Amazon.

Decent holiday companies will put an itinerary together for you and it’s wonderful - and safe!!! Do it.

We went to Rio and then flew to Iguassa and stayed on the Argentine side with our young/mid teens. It was a great holiday, we even popped to Paraguay for a morning!