Hi all I´d been planning my trip to Brazil and Argentina for some time, then due to work problems it all looked like it would be off. Luckily at the last minute everything sorted itself out and my big adventure has gone ahead. 

Unfortunately, it also means that I am nowhere near as organized as I should be, and as Drey has shown me this is not the right time of year to be making last minute plans in Brazil - as everyone has been on holidays for Carnaval. 

Anyway, I arrived in Sao Paulo yesterday and will be moving on to Florianopolis on Friday the 26th for 4-5 days then Porto Alegre for 2-3 days before heading further South to Montevideo BA and other parts of Argentina. I'll be back in Brazil in early April to fly back to London just after Easter - though Im playing it by ear so no firm plans as yet. I've already learned a lot of invaluable advice from the posters on this forum (and GT Argentina). I do feel a bit bad for being one of those lurkers who takes all the information but doesn't contribute to the conversation. 

Though hopefully, I'll have had some adventures and have some things to contribute by the time I head back to the UK. If anyone is around in the same places I am I'd love to hear from you and maybe meet up. I've had one exploratory visit to Lagoa but am planning on returning tonight to do it properly. 

Cheers Rob

I tend to plan trips long in advance, too, but some of my most memorable experiences in Brazil and Argentina came from unexpected situations. So even though you've had to make your trip without detailed planning you should still have a great time. 

So relax and enjoy yourself! The unparalleled kindness and hospitality of people in Brazil and Argentina will make up for any unexpected glitches! Just smile and go with the flow! And by all means please post about your experiences -- it's always great to have fresh perspectives on both countries and read about new places, people and things! Have a super trip!

In Argentina consider a side trip to El Calafate........with the right company it can be a magical place. 

Hi Rob, and sorry we couldn´t help you.

It seems like all of South America pretty much shuts down during Carnaval.

Here on the island, everyone started celebrating the week before.  Carnaval ended on Tuesday, but do you think they started back to work on the following Wednesday.  They barely had food re-stocked on the island by the end of the week

Hopefully, the site has, and will continue to help though.  Have a great time!

- Drey

Drey The site had been great and with what I've learned form here I think I've pretty much got it all sorted now. But do you think there is any chance that in the next two weeks or so you would be able to put me in touch with a tour guide who can show me the nightlife and the sexier side of Buenos Aires? - Its Marcello isn't it? - Sorry I have read the posts but I can't remember his name whilst typing this. Thats about the only thing I would really like help with as it seems BA is a tougher nut to crack than SP. Any help greatly appreciated and if not, I'm sure I'll still have fun CHeers Rob

rj_? The guide to whom you are alluding is Augusto who will show you the "sexier" of porteno life. Marcello can be reserved for the cultural and historical attributes. (The latter was my guide and was superb; he even contacted two escorts for me without being inhibited or judgmental, but for as things to do and places to go, including non-touristy restaurants, Marcelo is the one, but in the final analysis-- the choice is yours. From the pics of Augusto-- he, too, could do the cultural things, too, but I'm partial to Marcelo since I was with him on many an occasion in 2007!)

Hi Rob,

Axiom's right.  Augusto is his name and he dropped off the radar screen during Carnaval as well

But, I just heard from him a few days ago, so I'm sure he'd be able to help.  He's meeting with another member this week.

I'll forward you his contact information, and you're right, BA is a little more difficult to find the best experience there.

- Drey