When is the best time to go? For those of you who have been, any suggestions on places to stay? What else is there to see and do besides the beach? Thanks.

The rain season ends in March, and the temperature starts lowering gradually from summer's searing heights. As for hotels, look at Hotel Debret on Copacabana Beach www.debret.com not so expensive, well-located. Rio de Janeiro offers so many attractions: beaches, great views, great museums. My 5 posters INSIDE BRAZIL part 1 of 5 and following will provide you additional information on Rio de Janeiro. You could use Rio de Janeiro as a jumpboard to visit other very interesting places in Brasil. Have a nice trip.

see my 5 posters INSIDE BRAZIL - part 1 of 5 and following for information on Rio de Janeiro and other places in Brasil

The best time to go to Rio depends upon you. I always think that one of the best times to go is about 2 weeks before Carnival because the Carnival atmosphere is starting to heat up, the crowds are not completely in yet but it is extremely lively and in party mode.You get a taste of Carnival but without the Carnival prices.<BR><BR>I also like to go in late November, this is more or less the beginning of the summer season when the weather just begins to get hot, crowds are less and prices are still low.

t