Rio vs Buenos Aires

[TucsonRick]

I have a choice of two almost-identical cruises. The difference between them is one sails from Rio and one from Buenos Aires. All other things being equal, which city would you prefer and why?

 

Rick

[VidaNaPraia]

Rio is indeed The Marvelous City. No other major city has mountains rising out of the ocean like in Rio, a backdrop to beaches that are the front yard of locals, an integral part of Carioca culture that you can join in on. There is a huge area of jungle within the city, the Tijuca Forest, with not only the iconic Christ statue, but other dramatic vista points, a waterfall, troops of monkeys, birds, trails, and more. There are other wild areas like Marapendi quite nearby, and quieter beaches like Joa to enjoy. Sugarloaf gives yet another dramatic view of the city, with monkeys and birds as well. The historic buildings of the city center are quite lovely, and a charming stopping point is the Confeitaria Colombo. The Colonial houses in Santa Teresa, a neighborhood with some excellent restaurants, shops, views and an interesting little museum, make for a nice afternoon, especially when the bonde trolley resumes operation soon. You can take a refreshing ferry ride across the bay to see the Niemeyer designed art museum, the view back to a Rio, and more lovely beaches. Music makes up a large part of Carioca culture: Bossa Nova at BipBip Bar, samba dance clubs in Lapa, rehearsals of the neighborhood samba schools that compete in Carnaval, music from the northeast at the Feira Nordestina, and more, all give both visitors and locals an opportunity to enjoy it. Food is international--excellent sushi, Italian, and much more variety--and local/regional--all you can eat Brazilian barbecue, filled pancake-like tapioca, feijoada, acaraje, Amazon specialties, and more--and is world-class. Neighborhoods exploration, shopping from highest end to street fairs, day trips to Petropolis or Paqueta, overnight trips to Buzios or Paraty/IlhaGrande can all be incorporated into a visit to Rio. But really, it is the irrepressible spirit and joy of the cariocas that makes Rio distinctive, and captures the hearts of visitors.

[jmlh]

I would agree with the above post. Last year, DH & I spent a couple of days in Rio and really enjoyed the experience. Wonderful restaurants, beautiful beaches and exceptional scenery.

After leaving Rio, we flew to Iguazu Falls (which one should not miss) and then to Buenos Aires. While we had an enjoyable time in Buenos Aires, I must say that I preferred Rio. However, whichever city you choose you will have a great time!!

[sitraveler]

The one from Rio requires a $160.00 visa for US travelers,

BA requires a $160.00 recip fee.

 

Its far easier to pay the fee vs applying for the visa.

 

Visiting both countries require both.

 

FYI

[travelinjudy]

I agree with the posts about Rio. I have been to Rio 3 times, and absolutely love it. It has a "rhythm" all it's own. So much to see and do, and the people are wonderful. So is the food! Buenos Aires is nice, but didn't touch my soul the way Rio did.

Enjoy which ever you choose.

[pmacher61]

I am a US expat who lived full time in Rio from 2002-2013. I have also maintained a residence in Bs As since 2007 (where I have lived pretty much full time since 2013). I know both places well.

Rio is a beach town. There are some live music venues, but not much outside the samba school scene, especially for someone who speaks no Portugues. Now that the Brasilian real ($R) has dropped from 1.6 to 2.6 per USD, Rio restaurants, cabs, and clubs are more reasonably priced. Up until 2013 Rio was quite pricey.

Bs As has a lot more live theater, museums, music clubs (including tango), and a whole lot better restaurant scene. BA is a bargain if you take advantage of the black market exchange rate for US dollars (which is easy to do even for the most unsophisticated tourist).

 

The weather in Jan and Feb in Bs As can be uncomfortably muggy. The weather in Rio during the summer can be hot, but there's the beach and at night it is comfortable.

 

If you are not a beach person, go to Bs As. There is more to see and do. Bring cash and pay for everything with Arg pesos acquired after you arrive. That includes the hotels you book in advance using a credit card. Get a credit back on the card and pay in pesos. Save 40%.

Edited January 27, 2015 by pmacher61

[fendbass]

For us, Rio was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a place I had only read about in Travel Books. An argument can be made that it is less expensive, and less of a hassle to go to BA, but, to us, it was worth every penny

[VidaNaPraia]

“There are some live music venues, but not much outside the samba school scene...”

Okaaaaaaaay..........

 

 

National/Regional Brazilian music styles found in Rio:

Samba Enredo (Carnaval sambas, at the rehearsals or feijoada lunches of the various samba schools or at the official Carnaval parades themselves)

Samba Gafiera (samba danced by couples, often to live band/singer in a club, that serves snacks/drinks at tables)

 

 

and also these distinctive styles:

 

Chorinho (at some of the same venues as samba gafiera; instrumental Brazilian popular music genre which originated in 19th century Rio de Janeiro)

Forro (the most popular couples dance music style in Brazil; http://www.timeout.com.br/rio-de-janeiro/en/music/features/154/day-by-day-guide-to-forro)

Bossa Nova (one venue is Bip Bip Bar in Copacabana)

Setaneja (Brazilian country music, various venues inc. Wednesday at Melt club)

BaileFunk/favela funk (in clubs and at special parties)

Pagode (various venues, music style from the northeast)

 

 

More music in Rio:

Classical (Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira; Teatro Municipal)

Jazz (at The Maze club in Catete and Jazzmania in Ipanema)

Rock/Pop (various Brazilian and international bands; inc. at various clubs, & major show Rock in Rio)

House, Eletro .(at Nuth, for one club)

 

There’s even tango, for example: Friday, 13 March and Saturday 14 March 22:00, at Vivo Rio, music and dance spectacle directed by maestro Carlos Buono, with the best of tango

 

 

Here are some sites in English (to start with, much more to Google), with information about various styles of music, schedules and venues in Rio de Janeiro:

http://www.gringo-rio.com/food-and-nightlife-in-rio/nightlife-in-rio/live-music-in-rio/

http://www.timeout.com.br/rio-de-janeiro/en/music

http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/tag/concerts-rio/#

http://eventful.com/riodejaneiro/events/categories/music

http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-entertainment/the-world-class-brazil-symphony-orchestra/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teatro_Municipal_%28Rio_de_Janeiro%29

http://www.ipanema.com/rio/nite/e/shows.htm

http://www.ipanema.com/rio/nite/e/ttheater.htm

http://www.ipanema.com/rio/nite/e/samba.htm

 

 

That ought to keep you busy for a few evenings pre-cruise. ENJOY!