Am travelling to Brazil on Dec 29 and would like advice from someone who has been. Staying for two weeks over new years and attending a wedding

I'm from Portugal and stayed for 3 days in Morro de S��o Paulo in April 2003. I stayed in Hotel Praia do Encanto, on the fourth and last beach.

This beach is the one that is more distant from the harbour (so it will take you longer if you arrive by boat) but is the nearest to the small airport. The fourth beach is the quietest one, because all the restaurants and shops are on the first and second beaches.

The food at the hotel is good though and the buffet brekfast was included, so I didn't find that a problem. I enjoyed the hotel decoration and the pool, but the chalets were a bit hot and damp whenever the air conditioning was off. Be sure to take mosquito repelent, because ther are many around.

One of the nice things about the hotel was that the got right up to the hotel when the tide was high and the water was always surprisingly hot.

For a quiet place and not too expensive, I recommend Paraiso do Morro, located on the third beach. It costs around 70-80 reales, I think. Super nice people working there and the rooms are comfortable, very well decorated. They also have great breakfasts. It seemed like the best pousada at third beach, which is more tranquil than the first or second beaches, which are closer to town and the bars (which play music all night). Also, the third beach is a closer walk to the fourth beach, which is easily the most beautiful of the beaches as well as less crowded with hotels/tourists.

One thing, though, you will need to take either a catamaran or plane from Salvador to Morro. If you take the catamaran, the cheaper option of course, do not buy your tickets from any travel agency. Ask your Salvador hotel to buy it for you, or just get info on how to buy it on your own at the port. I mistakenly bought my roundtrip catamaran ticket in advance, from a travel agency in Santiago, Chile, called Brazil Reps (which in turn bought from an agency in Salvador called Bahia Brazil Destinations), for US$102. However, in Salvador the same ticket costs never more than US$30!!! A big difference. So, beware of these two agencies and, likely, other agencies, when making your travel plans.

Other than that, you will have a great time in Morro. I highly recommend it!

p.s. try the tasty, local seafood stew (the name of which I can't remember).

The seafood stew is called Muqueca de Marisco.Pousada Amendoeira is right next to Para��so do Morro and is also a great place to stay and not expensive.

Hello.You're going to love Morro de S��o Paulo.I recomend Pousada Amendoeira,where I stayed the last time I was there.It's on the third beach(the most recomendable) for peace and quiet evem though it's not far from the agitation if you want it at the second beach or vila.It's not expensive and has a pool and a great and varied breakfast.The number is (75)4831025.Tell them Susanna(the portuguese girl) sends regards.

Oh My GOd....

I'm living in Salvador...and i'm going to Morro de S��o Paulo in January...I've heard about Vila das Pedras hotel, people usually talk about it. It's great in the second beach!

Well, �� didn't chose one yet!

But...I know we will enjoy a lot that place!

Lea i am also South African, from JHB(and late twenties). decided to give Cape Town a miss this year, i am off to visit a mate in Miami. Over new year i will be in Sao Paulo. the feedback i am receiving is a great new year party at Hotel Unique..sounds like could be cool.on the top floor of the hotel?!if you know of anything please advise.. when you guys in Sao Paulo

Aston, you commited a great mistake! S��o Paulo, the greatest Brazilian city, where you intent to go is far from Morro de S��o Paulo over than 2000 km, to the south. Morro de S��o Paulo is a seaside resort on the state of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, a quaint small village.

Wellcome to S��o Paulo city and have a nice trip, and a great New Year party! If you have time come to Morro de S��o Paulo, far from S��o Paulo city, 2 hours, by plane,to Salvador, and then, more one hour, from there, by catamaran boat.