Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bruce Smith on November 8, 2010 at 11:54pm

I know I posted this way too early for there to be much interest in the 2011 Dakar, but I need to finish off making our plans pretty quick. We will be in Cococabana and Ipanema Brasil the last two weeks of 2010. I think it is reasonable that we could catch up with the race in Argentina by day 3 or 4 driving from Rio. Then follow for 4 or 5 days and head back to Buenos Aires for the finish. But, it is a big undertaking and unless I can pin down plans soon I will just stay in Brasil for that week or two. I have no reason to think watching this race is any more "exciting" than watching the Baja 1000 and probably less from what my friends that have been to the Dakar in Africa have told me. This race is not near as competitive as the Baja 1000, but still something I have never been to. On the other hand I have not been to the Amazon rain forests either and this might be the week to go. Any input?

Permalink Reply by Bruce Smith on November 27, 2010 at 12:28pm

I just got off the phone with my friend in Leblon and with what it taking place in Brasil right now I have cancelled the trip for this year. She knew I planned on doing a lot of exploring via a car and it just isn't safe to do. It is even worse than Mexico, but it isn't making the news here as much. Maybe next year.

Permalink Reply by Anthony Thomas on December 4, 2010 at 12:07am

I don't think you wanna travel the Darien Gap this time around, it is quite dangerous and I'm not one to be scared or being overtly concerned for my safety. But going in know Drug Gang territory is just asking for it. But going around overall isn't too bad still.

I want to try to drive the Pan American Highway within the next 5-6 years.

Permalink Reply by Anthony Thomas on December 4, 2010 at 12:04am

Man I wish I could do that, maybe in 2012. I want to catch the WTCC race in Curitiba as well, which is in March. Going down for The Dakar would be worth it, especially if rent a medium size SUV and follow some of the race.

Permalink Reply by Ex Desert on December 6, 2010 at 5:11pm

Calle Florida is a great shopping area. stop by Fredos for ice cream. its amazing. I went to several steak houses but its been a few years and I dont remember the name of them. Steaks are beyond belief.

Permalink Reply by Miguel Miquelarena on December 7, 2010 at 9:54pm

Hellow Bruce, I´m writting from Buenos Aires, Argentina. There are so many places to visit, get dinner or lunch, but the most important show will be de Starting of the Dakar, like last year, were more than 3 millons peoples goes to the streets to wacht the vehicles. If you need, more information write me an private. The same al tell to every people that need information.

Permalink Reply by Bruce Smith on December 8, 2010 at 12:05am

Hi Miguel,

Thank you so much for the offer of help and the info. But, we have decided to stay home this year. It will probably be of interest to keep this message string going for others that are only going to Argentina though.

The main trip was to be about 3 weeks in Brasil and one week in Argentina. We wanted to stay on Ilha Grande for 10 days and then the rest with friends in the Southern burbs of Rio. It is just not a very good time to plan a trip to Brasil right now. The time on the island would be fine, but our time in Rio wouldn't be. The drug gangs from the Favelas are totally out of control. The government has to crack down on them before the final permits for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics can be granted and it isn't working out very well yet. Maybe by this time next year it will be OK?

The gangs are blocking highways to rob people and often killing them. This just isn't happening out in the jungles and back country where I really want to go. It has happened a few times recently on the freeway between Rio and the international airport. They pull large stolen trucks up on the freeway in front of and behind a group of cars and buses to block everyone and this is right in the Northern suburbs of Rio. I have been to Brasil before and I have always known there were places that a Gringo just didn't go. Kind of like Tijuana or South Central Los Angeles, but a little more so even. I will have to wait a year or two to go back.

Thanks,
Bruce