Advice for Carnival in Brazil (hotel, hotels, vacations, packages)

[Slimmy Slim]

A former college friend and I are planning on a trip to Brazil in February. I was recommended to rent an apartment instead of getting a hotel. Stay in Copacabana in Rio De Janiero. Go to Club Help and that's about it.

Is that good advice? Do I need to know anything else? Do I need to avoid anything in particular?

Please advise,

Slimmy Slim

[Huckleberry3911948]

hire your own goon. dont leave home without it.

[Viralmd]

Brazil is EXTREMELY dangerous. Do NOT bring anything with you about which you'd be upset if it were stolen. You'll notice that many cars don't really pull up to red lights, but rather keep moving slowly toward a red light: that's because stopped cars get attacked.

When I checked into my hotel (and it was a very nice one, as it was a business trip), the clerk said, 'Here is your room key, here is your minibar key, don't go out alone.'

It's a dangerous place.

[MB2]

hire your own goon. dont leave home without it.

I have to explain something to a concerned member here about the previous post posted by huckleberry.
"Goon" is not "vulgar" by any means, but merely describes hiring your own "criminal". (As in protecting YOU!)

Parts of Brazil, especially around that time of year, when the carnival takes place, is known to have a tremendous incline of muggings, stabbings, hold-up's, deaths...etc.etc.etc. aimed directly at tourists.
Even locals will tell you to stay within the "mainstream", not to wander off, and only go with people you know, and as a group.

Yes, it can be dangerous, if one doesn't take the proper precautions.

So, nothing vulgar here.

[Atlantasfinest]

Originally Posted by Slimmy Slim

A former college friend and I are planning on a trip to Brazil in February. I was recommended to rent an apartment instead of getting a hotel. Stay in Copacabana in Rio De Janiero. Go to Club Help and that's about it.

Is that good advice? Do I need to know anything else? Do I need to avoid anything in particular?

Please advise,

Slimmy Slim

Definately rent an apartment...Hotels sometimes are kind of iffy bringing in female guests, Copacabana or Ipanema will suit you perfectly. Along with Club Help at night and Meia Pataca during the day check out the huge club district called LAPA! There you will find nice girls from Rio and the livest scene I've ever laid eyes on and it's much better than Help which is nothing but a hooker bar at night albeit fun as well.

Dont wear expensive jewerly and carry around flashy phones. Definately hang out on the beach in Copa and Ipa and party in the street drink caipiranas and be safe. The Rio Metro is a great tool and it's safe as well. You can also take a number of shared taxis from Copa/Ipa to Centro where Lapa/Gloria and alot of the nightlife is located. If you want more upscale nightlife check out Barra in the Zona Sul and Leblon. Have fun!

For more info post your questions on the Rio forums at Reviews of vacations, hotels, resorts, vacation and travel packages - TripAdvisor. You will have more detailed help with local experts. Have fun!

[VillageLife]

I went to the Carnival in Rio. Stay in Ipanema,it's much safer.Copacabana has too much activity and is easier to have things stolen. When I was there I wore what the locals did;shorts,tank tops,sandles,cap,carried no jewelry,wore a moneybag around my waist,got very tanned. I am asian,and there are many asians from Sao Paulo.So I looked like one of them. Don't try to look like a tourist. Do what the Romans do.

[foma]

Don't give anyone a reason to want to harm you.


Have you gotten your Visa yet? That takes a while.

I'm so jealous! My friend and I made plans to go this year, too, but it fell through when she had to bail out on me for Nicaragua. I remember Carnival as a kid - the festivities, colors, action, dancing ... have fun!

p.s. And don't forget to do some sightseeing, too, like going to see the Christ Redeemer!

[VillageLife]

Originally Posted by foma

Don't give anyone a reason to want to harm you.


Have you gotten your Visa yet? That takes a while.

I'm so jealous! My friend and I made plans to go this year, too, but it fell through when she had to bail out on me for Nicaragua. I remember Carnival as a kid - the festivities, colors, action, dancing ... have fun!

p.s. And don't forget to do some sightseeing, too, like going to see the Christ Redeemer!

Hi Foma,that Christ Redeemer is a wondeful sight.

I think the view from many parts of the city is unbelievable. It's truly amazing!

I think the locals are really friendly! If you don't know where you are going,just ask,if they don't know they would as the people around them.Pretty soon you would have a whole group of people standing around you

[Atlantasfinest]

I will be in Olinda/Recife Recife-Olinda Carnaval Guide for Carnival! Anyone else going to Brazil for Carnival this year?