Brazil
Rio de Janeiro travel guide
Rio's setting is unmatched — mountains rising from beach to sky. The city has real safety considerations; research your neighborhoods and don't flash valuables. The beach is the public square.
When to visit
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Fall and spring are best. Carnival (Feb/March) is iconic but extreme.
Avoid: December-March are very hot and crowded; June-July have shorter days but pleasant temperatures.
Where to stay
Ipanema / Leblon
beach, upscale, safer · best for first-timers
Copacabana
iconic beach, more touristy · best for beach
Santa Teresa
hilltop, artistic, bohemian · best for culture
Lapa
nightlife, samba, gritty · best for nightlife
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Sample itineraries
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