Traveling to Carnival 2009 and trying to pick a place. Any helpful advice from locals or seasoned travelers would be really helpful.
Hi!
A group of four girls (myself included) were planning on traveling to Carnival 2009 in Brazil. We have been doing our research and crossed out Rio because we heard about how dangerous it is. Right now we are trying to figure out if we should go to Salvador. From my understanding, its relatively non dangerous throughout the year - but we are concerned with the crime levels during Carnival. We all want to go to Brazil and experience Carnival - but do NOT want to be worrying/panicking 24/7 about being robbed/groped/god knows what else. We are fine with being cautious and dealing with minor theft and whatnot, but from what we heard about Rio, it was just HORRIBLE.
So basically what I would love to know is:
1. Is Salvador safe during Carnival?
2. If traveling to Brazil during Carnival, what other locations would you travel to other than Recife/Rio/Salvador?
3. Do you think that it is worth going to Carnival in Brazil if we do not go to Recife/Rio/Salvador?
Thanks SO much!
Reply to this I made the mistake of going to Salvador for Carnival a few years ago. It was much too crowded for us. Some people were urinating and vomiting on the streets. So the streets had a terrible smell. Some people were passed out on the street and we had to step over them. I would never go back.
If I ever decided to try again, I would go to Rio next time.
Reply to this Hi Ruby,
I went to Rio over the winter holidays about a year and a half ago. I wouldn't say it was HORIBBLE, and i wasn't worried non-stop, but i was also traveling with a male. I would probably not go by myself or with just other females, especially during a time as busy as Carnival. I was not impressed with Recife at all. I felt it was rather run down and dirty and definitely thought it could have been skipped on my trip. I spent New Years eve in the Costa de Saupe. They have a lot of all-inclusive or semi inclusive resorts and had a huge party with free food and drinks, music, fireworks, etc. You might want to check into something like this if you are interested in being there during the time of Carnival but not being in something too overwhelming. I think though, that to be honest part of going to Rio or one of the other cities during this time is the busy, crazy atmosphere, complete with crowds, lots of partying and unfortunately, you are going to get the negative affects as described in Salvador above. It's kind of like going to NY on New Years or New Orleans for Mardi Gras - it somewhat "comes with the territory". This is why we chose to do New Years Eve on the Costa de Saupe in the all-inclusive resorts instead of in one of the bigger cities. It was still a great party but a little tamer than what we'd get in the city. Hope this helps!
Maya
Reply to this I also had an awesome time at the Rio Carnival earlier this year - yes - in the street parties there are pickpockets - don't take anything you can't afford to lose, and you might get grabbed by an over-enthusiastic partier - but no worse than most clubs I've been to.
I've heard the carnival in Salvador is a whole different affair though - more or less a free love festival - with the street parties being roped off in areas close to the music, no where to use the bathroom, really high prices.
But in Rio - the Sambadrome is incredible can be expensive if you don't have a local friend (agencies inflate the tickets) - and during the rest of your time there the street parties "blocos" are free.
Accommodation is probably the biggest problem during the carnival period - book early with either a hostel or apartment. You'll pay 1400 BR (about $700) for a week in a hostel - or 4000 BR for an apartment.
Reply to this To add to what Ali said about hotels, they book quickly!!! I have a travel planning company and am already getting promo emails from the hotels and tour companies about booking Carnival. So if you are going to do it, wherever you go, I would book soon, or at least look into available hotels/accommodations so you can start planning and saving!
Ali, that picture is amazing!! I'm truly jealous! i have to say Rio was honestly not one of my favorite cities (in South America I liked Buenos Aires much better) but I still think Carnival would be fantastic to experience!
Reply to this Hi Ruby, I spent my time for carnaval in Rio 2007 and had an absolute ball. I would have to say that the sambadrome is unbelieveable and wouldn't change my decision for the world. I met up with some people who spend Carnaval in Salvador and said that they had hands in their pockets at least 3 times during the street parades, although they also had heaps of fun. It depends on what you are in to.
Safety is fine as long as you are smart, Keep an eye on your valuables, but I find most people get a bit excited over safety especially when a South American country is mentioned, and the fear just builds from there. I felt a bit like you before I went, but completely changed my mind when i got there, not everyone on the street is a drug dealing, knife yielding, gringo hater!
Loads of hostels have deals going on aroud carnaval time, so do some surfing! If u need any recomendations let me know.
If you want a fun/cultural Carnaval, try Olinda (near recife) If i went back, i'd go there for carnaval.
Im very jealous!!
(oh and if you do decide to go somewehre other than Rio for Carnaval and still want to experience the sambadrome, i think they have a winners parade the weekend after the competition, I dont think it would be as big, but you'll get the idea)
Reply to this Hi. i am traveller from south Africa. I will be travelling alone to Rio Carnival 2009 next year? Please can someone how to book accommodation, festival tickets and any street party to go? Where the places i could do...
I usually stay in backpackers when I travel? Is the language going to be problem? Is safe travelling alone? What are the things I must try out when I am in Brazil?
Is there a site where I can find out if anyone else is travelling to Carnival?
S.antony
Reply to this I lived in Rio in 2006. I went to both, and LOVED them! Re security: wear a money belt for your cash, like the locals do. Take R$50 emergency money for a cab home just in case in your bra or socks.
Leave digi cam at home, take a disposable instead.
I actually found Salvador carnaval safer than Rio- HEAPS of cops everywhere. In the whole week long period only one person died. In the same period in Rio, I read in the paper that over 24 hours 12 people died in shootouts and brawls.
But as a traveller you don't need to worry about that: the worst that would happen is that you'd be pickpocketed or snogged against your will.
Yes, Salvador is a kissing fest- my boyfriend's brother, who is from there, said he and his mates would have bets on the number of chicks they could kiss. They sell antibacterial mouthspray for that reason.
If you think that would bother you, don't go.
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