Would like some advice oh field herping in Brazil

[Kribby]

I am looney and I know it, but I have seen so many interesting threads in this section that I can't help but be curious about what I might have an opportunity to see on my trip to Brazil next week. I am heading out for a conference, but I will have plenty of spare time to explore the area around the conference site and I am interested in poking around to see if I can find any salamanders or newts (I will be in southern Brazil).

I don't suppose anyone has any advice for a first time herper? I understand it might not be wise to poke around the forests in the area for my first herping adventure, but I figured I should at least give the idea a little thought and entertain it.