i'm packing for Patagonia right now, and will be heading to BA after it. I'm expecting it to be like another European city.
Originally wanted to do Iguazu & Uruguay (Montevideo & Punta del Este) from BA but I found affordable airfare to Easter Isl. so I've scrapped the those plans.
The Brazilian consulate in Vancouver just opened a year or two ago. You need to show that you have funds in your bank account and get a letter from your work