Pre-trip Planning: Guides & Reading

Whether you know exactly where you want to go or have no idea, the books recommended on this page are perfect for planning your trip and can save you a lot of time when on the ground. They are also a perfect source of inspiration and encouragement to get on the road. Not all the information will be useful, but a lot of it will, especially the maps and routes.

Learn more about the various different publishers of guidebooks: their strengths, weaknesses and general background.

Read more reviews, get info and, of course, buy any book on this page. Remember the beauty of Amazon is that you can buy books for research and send them back when you are done or if they don't fit what you require.

Rough-Guides:

- First-Time Around the World - Doug Lansky

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

Highly Recommended

Newly updated fifth edition, this is an excellent title if you have no idea where to go. Lots of excellent suggested routes with estimated travel times, so you don't bite off more than you can chew. Covers the whole world, lots of good basic intro information a perfect place to start.

Fifth Edition - Published: (February, 2013) 

- The Rough Guide to First-Time Latin America - Polly Rodger

Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)

This is (as with all these planning guides) pretty good if you have no idea which part of the continent to visit. It gives you a brief overview of each country and important places to visit in each country. However, it does not give you details like the culture, transport, eating, etc. Once you finalise where to go, you will need to buy a separate guide book that give you these fine details.

Third Edition - Published: (February, 2010)




"In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."

— Dwight D. Eisenhower

Whether you know exactly where you want to go or have no idea, the books recommended on this page are perfect for planning your trip and can save you a lot of time when on the ground. They are also a perfect source of inspiration and encouragement to get on the road. Not all the information will be useful, but a lot of it will, especially the maps and routes.

Learn more about the various different publishers of guidebooks: their strengths, weaknesses and general background.

Read more reviews, get info and, of course, buy any book on this page. Remember the beauty of Amazon is that you can buy books for research and send them back when you are done or if they don't fit what you require.

- See more at: http://www.travelindependent.info/books-planning.htm#sthash.xqImEpW4.dpuf

Whether you know exactly where you want to go or have no idea, the books recommended on this page are perfect for planning your trip and can save you a lot of time when on the ground. They are also a perfect source of inspiration and encouragement to get on the road. Not all the information will be useful, but a lot of it will, especially the maps and routes.

Learn more about the various different publishers of guidebooks: their strengths, weaknesses and general background.

Read more reviews, get info and, of course, buy any book on this page. Remember the beauty of Amazon is that you can buy books for research and send them back when you are done or if they don't fit what you require.

- See more at: http://www.travelindependent.info/books-planning.htm#sthash.xqImEpW4.dpuf

Whether you know exactly where you want to go or have no idea, the books recommended on this page are perfect for planning your trip and can save you a lot of time when on the ground. They are also a perfect source of inspiration and encouragement to get on the road. Not all the information will be useful, but a lot of it will, especially the maps and routes.

Learn more about the various different publishers of guidebooks: their strengths, weaknesses and general background.

Read more reviews, get info and, of course, buy any book on this page. Remember the beauty of Amazon is that you can buy books for research and send them back when you are done or if they don't fit what you require.

- See more at: http://www.travelindependent.info/books-planning.htm#sthash.xqImEpW4.dpuf

Not all the answers can come from the Internet no matter how hard you Google. Take a recommendation and pick up one of these excellent read-before-you-go guides. - See more at: http://www.travelindependent.info/books-planning.htm#sthash.xqImEpW4.dpuf

Not all the answers can come from the Internet no matter how hard you Google. Take a recommendation and pick up one of these excellent read-before-you-go guides. - See more at: http://www.travelindependent.info/books-planning.htm#sthash.xqImEpW4.dpuf

TRAVELING AROUND SOUTH AMERICA - INTRO

Since the Olympics, I have observed that the foreign guests arriving at Rio Lapa Inn Hostel are either starting or in the midst of a trip through South America. From today, I will publish a series of articles that I hope you can help to all who are planning or actually making a tour through this amazing continent. Thanks to the site  website travelindependent.info, where I extract this very interesting article.

INTRO.... From a traveller perspective, South America splits into roughly three regions.

The more developed Southern countries of Argentina, Uruguay and Chile; with their European feel, political stability and relatively high standards (not to mention great wine and meat). This is where many start/finish a trip.

Then you have the less developed 'Inca and Amazon' countries - Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador/Colombia. Here you have the main concentration of travellers, drawn not only by the world famous sights, but also the significantly lower cost of travel (certainly in Bolivia). And a more 'authentic' South American feeling with a great percentage of indigenous population (highest in Bolivia) and stereotypical scenery.

And lastly you have Brazil, which although often combined as part of a larger trip (typically Rio and/or the Foz do Iguaçu), needs to be treated separately due to its size and different vibe/language.

South America on the whole lacks difficult border crossings and visa headaches (although Americas will occasionally run into hefty charges). Bus transport is easy to arrange and there is a very established trail of attractions (often known as the 'Gringo Trail'). This however causes many to 'bite off more than they can chew' in terms of distances to be covered overland, not finding the time or the energy to discover out of the way gems and (although good value on a world level) spending too much [money] in the Southern developed countries and/or (especially) Brazil.

The most 'backpackery' countries are Bolivia and Peru with a clear 'trail' of attractions, 'party' hostels/towns/tours and lots of people to meet. Tour mentality and the type of other travellers (certainly at the budget end) you meet can jade some, certainly in the case of Bolivia where you'll find the best value for money on the continent.

You don't need to be fluent in Spanish (or even know more than a good number of phases), but a basic level makes a HUGE difference in this region. The same can be said for Portuguese in Brazil. Spanish lessons are normally cheap/easy to arrange on route.

A number of South/Central American countries have currencies pegged/fixed to the US dollar where a better parallel (black market) exchange rate can exist. To benefit you need USD cash. Do your research before travel. This is currently the case in Venezuela and Argentina.

What follows are only basic snap shot summaries. If you have decided these are some of the countries you want to visit and need more planning information, you are strongly recommended to complement what you find here with a planning guide. Trust us: it will make life much easier.

Intro.... From a traveller perspective, South America splits into roughly three regions. The more developed Southern countries of Argentina, Uruguay and Chile; with their European feel, political stability and relatively high standards (not to mention great wine and meat). This is where many start/finish a trip.
Then you have the less developed 'Inca and Amazon' countries - Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador/Colombia. Here you have the main concentration of travellers, drawn not only by the world famous sights, but also the significantly lower cost of travel (certainly in Bolivia). And a more 'authentic' South American feeling with a great percentage of indigenous population (highest in Bolivia) and stereotypical scenery.
And lastly you have Brazil, which although often combined as part of a larger trip (typically Rio and/or the Foz do Iguaçu), needs to be treated separately due to its size and different vibe/language.

South America on the whole lacks difficult border crossings and visa headaches (although Americas will occasionally run into hefty charges). Bus transport is easy to arrange and there is a very established trail of attractions (often known as the 'Gringo Trail'). This however causes many to 'bite off more than they can chew' in terms of distances to be covered overland, not finding the time or the energy to discover out of the way gems and (although good value on a world level) spending too much [money] in the Southern developed countries and/or (especially) Brazil.

The most 'backpackery' countries are Bolivia and Peru with a clear 'trail' of attractions, 'party' hostels/towns/tours and lots of people to meet. Tour mentality and the type of other travellers (certainly at the budget end) you meet can jade some, certainly in the case of Bolivia where you'll find the best value for money on the continent.

You don't need to be fluent in Spanish (or even know more than a good number of phases), but a basic level makes a HUGE difference in this region. The same can be said for Portuguese in Brazil. Spanish lessons are normally cheap/easy to arrange on route.

A number of South/Central American countries have currencies pegged/fixed to the US dollar where a better parallel (black market) exchange rate can exist. To benefit you need USD cash. Do your research before travel. This is currently the case in Venezuela and Argentina.

What follows are only basic snap shot summaries. If you have decided these are some of the countries you want to visit and need more planning information, you are strongly recommended to complement what you find here with a planning guide. Trust us: it will make life much easier.
It is worth looking, if you have not already, at the example layout to see the guidelines each section of information is based on - or for other travel advice and site home head for www.travelindependent.info

If you are set on going and need a guidebook or reading material please see a list of recommended guides/books here (go on have a look!). If you want to read fiction, you are in luck as some of the world's best writers were from South America. All guides/books are described here in more detail.

South America

Get your bearings... show/hide map of the region

- See more at: http://www.travelindependent.info/america-south.htm#sthash.WEWd4flI.dpuf

Vivendo e aprendendo: TOP 10 Aplicativos de Viagem para baixar – Lista Atualizada

 Por Guta C. 

A primeira vez que falei de Aplicativos de Viagem aqui no Vambora foi em 2010 (um tempo gigantesco para a tecnologia), num post chamado 10 apps essenciais de viagem . De lá para cá muita coisa mudou, com cada vez mais pessoas trocando seus celulares comuns por smartphones, deixando nossas telas de telefone e vidas cercadas por apps por todos os lados.

Passando a contar cada vez mais com esses aplicativos na hora de viajar, vi que aquela lista de 2010 já estava bem desatualizada, com alguns apps pouco usados, outros descobertos e outros que se tornaram ainda mais favoritos.
A lista que segue é de aplicativos de viagem mesmo, que podem auxiliar no dia a dia, sem esquecer é claro daqueles que já viraram clássicos e a gente usa quando está viajando ou não (redes sociais: facebook, twitter, instagram; chat e telefone: whatsapp, viber, skype e claro os joguinhos, nossos companheiros para passar o tempo chato de espera no aeroporto, ônibus, etc.).

Vambora então para esse atualizado TOP 10 de aplicativos de viagem:

1- Weather Channel

App do Weather Channel.

Muitos celulares vem com algum app de clima embutido, só que a maioria não é lá muito confiável. Assim como o site, o App do Weather Channel é muito bom, dando previsões de até 10 dias do seu destino. A interface do aplicativo é muito legal pois você visualiza na própria tela do celular como está o clima (veja na imagem). Dá para adicionar dezenas de cidades favoritas. É gratuito.
-> Ponto forte: Interface fácil e convidativa
-> Ponto fraco: Precisa de internet para funcionar
-> Versões: iOS | Android

2- Wi-fi Finder

Já que vamos falar muito se “funciona com internet ou não” o wi-fi finder foi uma grande descoberta: ele indica quais locais perto de você oferecem wi-fi (ele usa um sistema de GPS). É gratuito.
-> Ponto forte: Tem uma database de diversos pontos já salvos em mais de 104 países que você consegue visualizar mesmo offline
-> Ponto fraco: Em lugares mais específicos e menos turísticos é preciso estar conectado ao menos uma vez para salvar os locais e conseguir visualizar depois quando estiver offline
-> Versões: iO2 | Android

3- Translate e Triplingo

Google Translate e Triplingo apps.

Mesmo não sendo muitas vezes 100% fiel na tradução, esse app do Google Translate ajuda naqueles momentos de “não entendo nada do que está escrito nesse cardápio” ou “Como será que fala isso em..?”.
Já o Triplingo é mais um app para aprender a se comunicar em países estrangeiros. Atualmente ele conta com 11 línguas (incluindo francês, alemão, japonês e chinês), mostrando elementos da cultura local, expressões comuns usadas em viagens (escritas e faladas) e até um tradutor que pode ser usado inclusive falando a expressão. É bem legal! Ambos são gratuitos.
-> Pontos fortes: O Translate do Google conta com centenas de idiomas e o Triplingo tem dezenas de informações não só sobre a língua mas o destino.
-> Pontos fracos: Ambos precisam de conexão com internet para funcionar
-> Versões: iOS (Translate), iO2 (Triplingo) | Android (Translate)

4- Currency

Quem nunca já se pegou fazendo contas mentais no exterior querendo saber quanto ficaria comprar aquele determinado produto em Real? O Currency da Oanda é um ótimo conversor com centenas de opções de moedas pelo mundo, do Dólar até Shilling de Uganda. É gratuito.
-> Ponto forte: Uso quase instintivo, bem fácil de usar
-> Ponto fraco:  Precisa de conexão com internet para dar o valor mais atual, se não usa o último valor atualizado
-> Versões: iOS | Android

5- Frommer’s Travel Tools

App Frommer’s.

Aplicativo simpático do Frommer’s, um dos guias mais famosos de viagem do mundo. Possui diversas funções úteis como conversor de medidas e temperatura e uma calculadora de gorjetas. Entre as coisas mais engraçadinhas, há jogos de perguntas e respostas com o tema viagem, função lanterna e o envio de cartões postais. É gratuito.
-> Ponto forte: Um app com várias funções interessantes e divertidas que não precisam todas de internet para funcionar.
-> Ponto fraco: A parte de dicas de destinos só pode ser acessada se comprar um dos guias da marca.
-> Versão: iOS

6- Right Size

O Right Size é um conversor de tamanhos de roupas e calçados em diversos países. Com opções para homens, mulheres e crianças, ele mostra as indicações dos tamanhos que nós temos aqui no Brasil para outros países (dos Estados Unidos, passando pela Europa até o Japão). A variedade de peças e opções é também grande. É pago.
-> Ponto forte: Muito fácil de usar e não precisa de internet para funcionar
-> Ponto fraco: Custa $1,99 mas o valor baixo compensa para quem quer fazer compras no exterior
-> Versão: iOS

7- Skyscanner e Kayak

Apps de busca de passagens aéreas: Skyscanner e Kayak.

Para pesquisar passagens aéreas esses dois aplicativos são ótimos, especialmente para descobrir as passagens aéreas mais baratas naquela época do ano que você pretende viajar. Enquanto o Skyscanner é bem focado em passagens, o Kayak compara também preços de hotéis, aluguel de carros, além de possuir ferramentas “engraçadinhas” como lista de coisas para não esquecer na hora de arrumar a mala, etc. Ambos são gratuitos.
-> Pontos fortes: Ambos possuem um alerta que você pode salvar quais trechos está interessado e receber informações futuras sobre preço, mais opções de datas, etc.
-> Pontos fracos: Possuem tantas informações que podem confundir. Em ambos não dá para realizar a compra pelo app e precisam de internet para funcionar
-> Versões: iOS (Skyscanner), iOS (Kayak) | Android (Skyscanner), Android (Kayak)

8- Foursquare

Muito além de dar check-ins nas redes sociais, o Foursquare é um baita app para ajudar a encontrar, principalmente, bons restaurantes e bares perto da onde você está. O mais interessante é que os usuários dão notas e escrevem dicas dos lugares, como o que pedir ou o que evitar no local. Outra característica muito legal é que muitos estabelecimentos hoje em dia dão descontos e “presentes” para os clientes que dão um “check in”. É gratuito.
-> Ponto forte: Cada vez mais pessoas e estabelecimentos estão usando, sendo muito bom para obter dicas atualizadas, não só de turistas mas especialmente moradores locais
-> Ponto fraco: Só funciona com acesso a internet
-> Versões: iOS | Android

9- Tripadvisor City Guides

Tripadvisor City Guide

Um dos meus TOP 3 apps favoritos de todos os tempos. Nele você consegue baixar guias de diversas cidades do mundo, baseados nos reviews dos usuários do site Tripadvisor. Entre os recursos mais legais estão walking tours temáticos, além de mapas mostrando lugares e restaurantes perto de você. É gratuito.
-> Ponto forte: Funciona completamente offline, por isso ajuda muito em qualquer viagem
-> Ponto fraco: Tem diversas cidades, mas não todas. Pode ser que bem a que você precisa ainda não tenha um guia.
-> Versões: iOS | Android

50 CARIOCA MUST - DOS

Fifty things everyone must do at least once while in Rio:

1 - Walk through Jardim Botânico
2 - Hang glide from Pedra Bonita
3 - Have a few chopps at Bar Luiz
4 - Eat espetinhos in São Cristóvão
5 - Take the children to the Planetarium
6 - Have a few batidas at Academia da Cachaça
7 - Eat carne-seca at Jobi
8 - Spend an afternoon at the Paço Imperial
9 - Eat casquinha de siri at Prainha
10- Go to a Fla-Flu game at Maracanã

11- Eat biscoito de polvilho on Leblon beach
12- Ride bikes around the Lagoa
13- Spend a Saturday at the Cobal
14- Go to a concert at Sala Cecília Meireles
15- Relax at Parque Lage
16- Have your photo stamped on a plate at Pão de Açúcar
17- Look for your home or hotel from Corcovado
18- See an art exhibit at MAM
19- Listen to a Gregorian chant at the Mosteiro de São Bento
20- Drink batidas de coco at Bar do Oswaldo
21- Go to a Sunday concert at the Theatro Municipal
22- See Getúlio Vargas' bed at Museu da República
23- Eat moqueca at Bira's in Guaratiba
24- Spend New Year's Eve on Copacabana beach
25- Have lunch downtown at Confeitaria Colombo
26- Visit the Museu Chácara do Céu
27- Eat carne do sol in Santa Teresa
28- Visit N.S. da Glória church
29- Get a tattoo in Arpoador
30- Read at the the Real Gabinete Português library
31- Have afternoon tea at Forte de Copacabana while watching the lights go on on Av. Atlântica
32- Drink a graviola juice at Bibi Sucos in Leblon
33- Watch a film at Instituto Moreira Salles
34- Dance forró at the Feira de São Cristóvão
35- Buy ceramics at the Museu de Folclore Edison Carneiro
36- Eat seafood and watch live Brazilian popular music at Casarão Ameno Rosedá
37- Ride the bonde in Santa Teresa
38- Stroll along the Claudio Coutinho path in Urca at sunset
39- Walk to the waterfall in Paineiras
40- Go to a rehearsal at the Salgueiro Samba School, and dance the samba!
41- Parade with a samba school at the Sambódromo
42- Spend an afternoon on Paquetá Island
 43- Dance cheek to cheek at the Gafieira Estudantina
44- Climb the Selarón Steps
45- Enjoy an ice cold beer at Bar da Urca
46- Eat a risotto at Bar da Dona Maria (Café e Bar Brotinho) in Tijuca
47- Go up the favela and listen to live jazz at The MAZE
48- Visit the Cidade do Samba
49- Climb the trail up Pedra Bonita
50- Applaud the sunset at Ipanema beach

(Many thanks and much appreciation for contributions to this list by readers at VejaRio) sunset_ipanema

Time of Rio on Vimeo

Time of Rio from MOOV on Vimeo.

Rio Favelas

Is Rio Safe or Dangerous?

Rio de Janeiro, or Rio, as called by locals, is the second largest city in Brazil and the most popular among international tourists. Known for its beautiful beaches (Ipanema, Copacabana, ..), the Sugar Loaf mountain and the overlooking Cristo Redentor on the Corcovado mountains, Rio is a captivating cultural and social melting pot.

As explained in the safety review of Brazil, the country has some unsolved issues with crime; and Rio is no exception. Although the crime rates has been greatly reduced since the 90’s,  safety is still a major concern in some parts of the city: some areas are very dangerous for travelers at all times of the day, while central areas tend to be safe during the day and much more dangerous at night.

City Safe has compiled information from numerous sources make sure you have a safe trip while in Rio de Janeiro, and be aware of all potential dangers.

43%   Safety Index: Some Risk

Centro, Lapa & Santa Teresa

Rio’s Central Business district is the cultural and economic center of the city, home to arts and history museums, cultural centers, churches and shopping malls.

Lapa, south of the Centro, is the city’s most lively neighborhood: the former red-light district is now an area dedicated to caipirinha in one of the many bars, listening to live samba and Bossa Nova under the famous Archos de Lapa (an old Aqueduct).
Santa Teresa is a picturesque neighborhood located on a hill, home to many artists and musicians, as well as the famous colored stairs “Escadaria Selaron”.

During the day, the Centro area is crowded and safe – though there can be pickpockets, but there is a police presence. It becomes empty and thus dangerous at night, and on sundays when all the shops are closed.
Lapa is very lively during weekends, but muggings are not unheard of. Stick to the center of the neighborhood and do not take any valuables.
Santa Teresa is considered dangerous at night, since it is surrounded by 3 favelas. Do not venture there alone, and prefer using taxis rather than walking.

Zona Sul: Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema

The Zona Sul is perhaps the most famous and most touristic part of Rio. Home to the iconic landmarks like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Corcovado, the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, it is a tourist’s dream come true. Most of the city’s hotels and upscale accommodation are located in the area

These neighborhoods are reasonably safe, although as a touristic place it attracts a whole lot of pickpockets and scammers. If you go to the beach, be EXTREMELY careful: there are many thieves who excel at stealing your belongings. Only take the minimum amount of money and personal items, and of course never leave them unattended.
It is dangerous to walk on the beaches at night, and even Cariocas don’t do it.

Zona Norte

Home to the Maracana Stadium, the Zona Norte is a popular area with few touristic attractions. Tourists should avoid going anywhere North of the Maracana stadium, for the area is home to many impoverished neighborhoods and favelas.

If you take a look a the Favelas Map of Rio, you will see many of them are located North :

Warnings & Dangers

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Rio de Janeiro is an averagely safe city – some parts should definitely avoided, and the risk gets much higher at night. With a rating of 51% Brazil, is ranked 81th out of 162 on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous countries.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

As a top touristic destination, there is a high pickpocket risk in Rio. There are many thieves on all beaches, and pickpockets operate in crowded buses or Centro Streets. A few simple precautions will minimize your chances of being pickpocketed.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Rio is a dangerous city regarding risks of mugging and kidnapping, central urban areas are better avoided late at night, and it is recommended to travel in private cars. Never venture in favelas unless you are with a local or during a tour.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

As in any touristic place, there may be people trying to scam you in Rio. Be extremely cautious on the beach (the “Shoeshine scam” and its variations), near ATMs – particularly at night. Be also aware of “gold ring” tricks, fake petitions, groups of teenagers acting strangely or trying to distract you; and people offering help with your luggage.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

There might be some risk while taking public transport in Rio. The metro is generally safe, but buses are dangerous for pickpockets and even muggings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

There can be some occasional natural hazards in Rio, as well as health issuessuch as the recent Zika outbreak : see the page about Brazil for more advice.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Rio is a very safe city in respect to terrorist threats. There can be some protests in city center.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Rio is generally safe for women travelers.