Rio de Janeiro Travel Forum

Hi,

There are just a few things I would like to know about Rio. I will be travelling around South America for 2-3 months later this year, and I'm planning to leave from Rio de Janeiro.

Firstly, is Rio actually as dangerous as its made out to be? I've seen videos and the like about the favelas on the web, but outside these areas is it that bad?

Secondly, what are absolute must do and must see things in RdJ, especially around November when I hope to get there? I'm an avid football fan too, so would the football season still be running in November or would I be too late?


Cheers,
Paddy

Firstly, the risk to tourists is mostly pickpocketing and theft of valuables. Follow the often published tips on safety (like don't flaunt the valuables) and, with luck, you ought to make it out alive. :-)
Secondly, Corcovado, Sugarloaf, the beaches, Tijuca forest and vista points, the beaches, ferry to Niteroi and museum there, the beaches, dancing samba with the locals in Lapa, Seleron steps, bondinho to Santa Teresa, the beaches, samba school neighborhood party, parks, museums, hang-gliding in Sao Conrado or in Niteroi,.........Check www.ipanema.com for lots more good info to orient you.

So basically, there are tonnes of things to do then, Bahiana
Thanks, I can't wait. :)

Near Rio de Janeiro city there are many spots. I will list them:
- Cabo Frio/Buzios (beach cities)(Jet-sky,kayak, lighter, dive, snorkeling)
- Petropolis/Teresopolis/Nova Friburgo (trecking, mountaining, water falls)
- Niteroi
* Corcovado
* Pão de Açucar
* Ipanema/Copacabana
* Praia de Grumari; Barra da Tijuca
* Cidade do Samba
* Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas/Parque do Flamengo
I will paste some links that may be helpfull for your judgment.
Brazilian soccer championship is finishing next december

http://www.copacabana.info/rio-de-janeiro-drugs-poverty.html

http://www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br/pt/

http://www.braziltour.com/site/br/home/index.php

Cassiovieggore

A girlfriend and I travelled by ourselves in Rio for 3 days--we even rode around in cabs by ourselves (my friend had to go to work at her company's local office) and we never felt afraid or anything (ok, I was maybe a bit apprehensive riding the cab by myself). We were even walking around at an open air market on ipanema beach at about midnight one night.

Even!

I walked around Rio without any problems at all, just riding the cabs and just wearing shorts and shirt. It really is just commonsense - not showing expensive stuff, money , avoiding dark areas and alleys and staying away from "indecent proposals". I even went into the favela but I was with a Brazilian friend, and I really would not advise venturing into the favela on your own. Have fun - the cariocas (natives of Rio) are awesome! Norman :)

Some of the favelas are just on the hill of the better areas (copacabana (Ipanema and Leblon) just avoid the streets near the favelas, that is what the locals do, sometimes they shoot around and you could get accidently shoot (I am still alive after 1.5 years in Rio!) You need to be careful just like in an american city too. Go and visit the old town of Rio and you will know a different Rio (around the theater is also the museum ) and from there by old tram to old town if still working, take a guide and you will enjoy more. Dont carry your passport and valuables with you and dont leave them with strangers (I know people who did!!)It is a wonderful city, I am sure you will enjoy.

Hi Paddy

Rio is like any other big city. Avoid dark areas and things like expensive watches, go to atm machines at night is definitely not reccommended. Take a cab. Do not take public transportation. Think of it this way, if a Brazilian tells its not dangerous its because that person is not a foreigner. They dont know what its like to in somebody else's skin. There is a company I use to travel to Brazil to guides me everytime I travel. They pick me up from the Airport and even take me to the best clubs and tours without waiting in line. They also have Bilingual guides. the company is called Tours Gone Wild. there are tons of activities provided on their website so you can take a look.
I hope this helps you a little bit.