Rio de Janeiro - David. Date of travel: Sep 2008
Is an exciting vibrant city - but for children? Rio can be a dangerous place and you should consider it an adult destination. Don't even think of gong for a walk after dark without knowing where you are and where you are going. Having said that it is the most beautiful city and seaside setting in the world bar none.

There's no place like Rio - David Martin. Date of travel: May 2008
It's been a long time dream that we were finally able to fulfill to travel to Rio de Janeiro. At first we were a bit concerned after reading and hearing so many horror stories, but we were lucky enough to find a good and trustworthy travel operator: Velocitas Travel Services (find them on the Internet) which allowed us to see and get to know the best of this world-class city. Aside from the typical tourist places: Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, we have visited off-the-beaten track places like famous art-deco Columbus cafe and Olimpo restaurant, a jewel of contemporary architecture. Rio has it all and it is definitely a place to visit before one dies. We must return there to see Carnival.

Rio de Janeiro - Jonathan Newey. Date of travel: Nov 2006
Having visited Rio twice last year I am happy to recommend Ipanema as the safest, cleanest and most fun part of town to stay in. Hotel San Marco is very central and although basic, offers good value for money. Having some basic words of Portuguese will greatly enhance your stay. Consider negotiating with a friendly, English speaking taxi driver to take you around the sights for a day, Christ the Redemer is a must, also a helicopter ride over the city is less expensive than you think, although not as environmentaly friendly as walking! If you are looking for a luxury holiday experience, there is an excellent English run company worth looking up called Dehouce.

A taste of South America - Paul Farrelly. Date of travel: Jan 2005
I went to Rio with my girlfriend as a first taste of South America and was pleasently surprised! You may have heard the stories of Rio being dangerous and risky for the un experinced traveller as I had, and I can say for me these are over exagerated nonsense. There are shanty towns dotted all around, but as many guides told me they intergrate to the areas with little trouble. If you are safety conscious then i would say stay in Ipanema regarded as the safest district of Rio. I've travelled all over and little places have made me feel as comfortable as Rio did, the locals are very easy going and friendly, you never have that feeling that everyone is looking at you. Several times we did go to Copacobana at night (its the next beach round the corner) and although most of the hotels are here it is noticeably a more dodgy area you dont feel so comfortable in. All things except imported goods are very cheap, try the Brazilian "chandon" champagne even in the most expensive clubs a bottle will set you back around 10 Pounds, where as the french version was nearer 200! Two musts for everyone is a helicopter trip and the famous hanggliding! The helicopter is around what you'd pay in any city, a 15 min ride cost 90 Pounds per person, but its only from here you get a sence of just how vast the city is, and the best views there is. For the more adventurous try the hang gliding trip. Its one of those life altering moments when you tense up strapped to some stranger preparing to run at full speed over a 20ft long walkway when he says, knowing full well theres a 2000ft shear drop at the end! Tour Operator: Independant

Nicole Joy. Date of travel: Aug 2004
I just have to say that Rio de Janiero is the most beautiful places in the entire world! It is truly heaven on earth. My week in Rio went all too fast, and I will be returning there this July! I would highly recommend traveling to Rio if you desire relaxation by day, and a wonderful night life after sundown!

Georgia Smit. Date of travel: Feb 2004
Being in Rio for carnival is a unique experience and there is always a street party or parade going on somewhere lasting the whole night through - we bought some face masks and glitter to get into the swing of things and often only got back to our hotel just in time to have breakfast! Getting around Rio we copied the attitude of the locals who seemed to travel with as little as possible of value on them - the buses were full of beach goers in swimming costumes and flip-flops carrying plastic bags with a small amount of cash, a towel and a book! It is also a good idea to carry a cheap disposable camera around with you too. We found the beaches further out of town less crowded and unspoilt and it was nice to be able to find an escape from the business of the carnival for a while. The views from the top of the Sugar Loaf and Corcovado are definitely recommended - the Sugar Loaf is a great spot for sundowners.

Lauren. Date of travel: Jan 2004
Wow! What a city, what great people. Don't believe all you read about the crime its just the same as any big city - just keep your wits about you and don't flash your cash. Loved Rio de Janeiro so much am thinking of buying an apartment there to return whenever i want! You will be swept up by the beauty of Rio and will have to be dragged onto the plane home! Try all the usual attractions but do a guided favela tour around Rochina and definately visit some escola de samba (if in season).