Mexico and Brazil in 1 trip (2 weeks)

[ronki23]

I do not know the best places to go in each.

In Mexico I'd love to see the Temples and the cities. Beaches too but not as important

In Brazil I'd love to see Rio de Janeiro and Copacabana as well as Christ the Redeemer

I doubt I'm going to India now so I can visit LatAm and if/when I visit West USA I won't have to stay in SantaBarbara to experience Hispanic culture (as Mexico Brazil have it)

 

[LuisDantas]

I do not know the best places to go in each.

In Mexico I'd love to see the Temples and the cities. Beaches too but not as important

In Brazil I'd love to see Rio de Janeiro and Copacabana as well as Christ the Redeemer

I doubt I'm going to India now so I can visit LatAm and if/when I visit West USA I won't have to stay in SantaBarbara to experience Hispanic culture (as Mexico Brazil have it)

In Brazil, I recommend one of the northeastern capitals. Try Salvador for exoticism, or Natal for fabulous weather and beaches (and beach cars).

Florianópolis is a very good choice for tourism, as well, if you like a fine balance of infrastructure and beach environments.

Curitiba is nice for citizenship and environment. Love the place.

For a winter-like scenic trip, try Gramado and Canela in Rio Grande do Sul.

I don't actually recommend Rio de Janeiro. Too over-populated, too much social disparity, too much crime and drugs.

 

[xkatz]

Curitiba is nice for citizenship and environment.

It's probably also good if you want to be stalked by Luis wearing a fake mustache to conceal his identity

But to address the OP, I have been to both countries. I was in Rio most recently (about 2 years ago), as a city I generally liked it. But like Luis said, if you go there, prepare to see some disparity. The flavelas are on the way from the airport to Copacabana. Copacabana is a nice place, but IMO not much to see aside from the Redeemer and the admittedly beautiful landscape in the surrounding areas. The beaches are nice, nicer than what I've seen in Mexico IMO. In terms of food, I can't say much since I've been to both countries only about 10 days, but I certainly thought that Rio at least had more to offer (and less food poisoning). Also, Rio feels a lot less touristy than some parts of Mexico do.

In Mexico I was most recently to Puerto Vallerta, which I recommend you avoid as it's a tourist trap w/ little but beach-side hotels. If you want to see temples and rainforest, consider southern Mexico or Guatemala. There's supposed to be good food and culture in Oaxaca and Yucatan. I took a day's trip into Guatemala to see the ancient city of Tikal. It's definitely worth looking into.

tl;dr version: I liked Rio a lot, but it's definitely not the nicest city ever. If you do Mexico go to the South or even go to Guatemala for a day or two.

 

[ronki23]

It's probably also good if you want to be stalked by Luis wearing a fake mustache to conceal his identity

But to address the OP, I have been to both countries. I was in Rio most recently (about 2 years ago), as a city I generally liked it. But like Luis said, if you go there, prepare to see some disparity. The flavelas are on the way from the airport to Copacabana. Copacabana is a nice place, but IMO not much to see aside from the Redeemer and the admittedly beautiful landscape in the surrounding areas. The beaches are nice, nicer than what I've seen in Mexico IMO. In terms of food, I can't say much since I've been to both countries only about 10 days, but I certainly thought that Rio at least had more to offer (and less food poisoning). Also, Rio feels a lot less touristy than some parts of Mexico do.

In Mexico I was most recently to Puerto Vallerta, which I recommend you avoid as it's a tourist trap w/ little but beach-side hotels. If you want to see temples and rainforest, consider southern Mexico or Guatemala. There's supposed to be good food and culture in Oaxaca and Yucatan. I took a day's trip into Guatemala to see the ancient city of Tikal. It's definitely worth looking into.

tl;dr version: I liked Rio a lot, but it's definitely not the nicest city ever. If you do Mexico go to the South or even go to Guatemala for a day or two.

I take it you recommend Guatemala LOL

What's the weather like there? Clean beaches? Cities?