Take time to check out hotel accommodations. Even if a hotel is ranked five stars... do not trust it. From experience, ours was like going back in time thirty years. Weird like you would not believe, considering there were gorgeous, modern hotels just around the corner. :(

If your hostel offers your choice of a free pick up, they often give you the choice of a free drop off after your stay instead. Therefore if you are arriving by bus and departing by plane, opt for the drop off, as a cab to the airport is a lot pricier than one to the bus station, assuming you are staying in the city or surrounds such as copacabana or botafogo. We had a few friends who found out the hard way. Also, sometimes hostels screw up the pick up so confirm EVERY detail with them as much as possible. Public transport is safe during the day, so take that to save money if it is still light out. Go out in Lapa on a clear Friday night, nothing else like it in the world!

It is actually cheaper to share a cab with friends, or others you arrange it with at a backpackers, up to the Christo Redentor statue, than it is to take the train and public transit. Apparently the train doesn't have a view anyways. The fare you negotiate with the driver should be cheaper than the cost of 4 people on public transit with the train tickets, and it should include return fare and him waiting for you while you look around for an agreed amount of time. You pay upon return to where you were picked up. We left from the shopping mall in Botofogo, near our hostel El Misti.

pour commencer éviter tout ce qui brille(bijoux,montre ect)en effet, l'un de ces objets peut parfois equivaloir à plusieurs mois de salaire et donc vous attirer des ennuis.sinon c'est une des villes parmis toutes celles oû je suis passé qui m'a laissé un très bon souvenir hotel MERIDIEN sur COPA CABANA (plage à éviter à la tombée de la nuit:voleurs enfouis dans le sable et sans aucun scrupule) capoera dans les favellas ,à faire survol de la ville en hellico,match au MARACANA(derby flamenco/fluminense ambiance garantie dans les tribunes)bien évidemment le CORCOVADO,le PAIN DE SUCRE

Gavea has to be one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro. Not only does it have the infamous "baixo gavea," which boasts Hippodromo Up and the Jockey Clube and the Jardim Botanico, it also has the nicest spa/relaxation lounge in the city, "Nirvana" and it has some of the nicest places to live. Because it is not a tourist hotspot the crime is less obnoxious and the locals are friendly--and beautiful. Walking distance from the beach in Leblon and Ipanema, as well as from the Lagoa where you can get exercise or a nice night out under the stars, Gavea offers the tranquility of a small town in the midst of the Cidade Maravilhosa! You can also hop on a bus and be in Rocinha, the largest "shanty town" in all of South America, which is mind blowing.
There is nothing not to love about Gavea!

Where ever you go in Brasil you will be offered Gemstones, if you are not an expert keep clear!!! Carry always condoms with you but think twice about HIV!!!Better safe then sorry.Try the nice meat served on skewer (churrascaria) but don t forget the seafood!and of course a visit to Brasil without "caipirinha" is not a real visit ;)