Justina

I really need some advice - I know a lot of people mention safety in Rio and that you're fine as long as your sensible - ie. no flashy jewellery, clothes etc. and I was all prepared to book a holiday there for carnival but am having 2nd thoughts due to some of the threads I've read.

I don't want to have to be looking over my shoulder all the time when taking camera/video camera out to use and concerned about safety getting to Sambodrome and being hassled near tourist sights. My husband loves using his video camera - only small Sony - and would be hard for him to part with it!

I was initially thinking:
4nights in Rio for Carnival
3nights Iguassu
4nights Amazon
5nights Praia de Forte - for beaches at eco lodge
1night back at Rio

Also concerned as to whether we'll manage to get to do all tourist things in Carnival season ie. Sugar loaf, Corcovado, hang-gliding and perhaps the botanical gardens - is that safe to walk around on your own there?

Thanks for any help..just want a relaxing holiday and not feel like I have to be on my guard all the time - presume safety issues are more for Rio than rest of country and other places I was intending to see?

Dondiega

I think you have all you need to know about safety in Rio, it is all you have said. I bring my cameras to Rio all the time, I put them in a cheap plastic bag so it doesn't look like a camera bag but I have never had a problem but yes this is not disneyland, you must be on guard. Go and you will see that it is not as bad as you are imagining it to be.

santiagov

Justina:

I have sailed the Amazones from Manaus to Belem ( almost 1 week) and stayed 1 month between Manaus , Santarem and Belem.
I wouldn´t go back an don´t recommend it.
If you are thinking in Jungle sorroundings, beautifull citys (Manaus), etc.Probably will be dissapointed.
Weather is terribly hot and humid.

As for your scheedule I would skipp the Amazones. And give those 4 days to the coast between Rio and San Pablo.
Itacuruca, Paraty,Angra dos Reis are very nice places to visit. Northern Rio Buzios although touristy is nice too.
Lived in Buzios many moons ago ,made a living diving for lobsters.

Security in Rio maybe an issue, but if are a experienced in traveller and not a show off suggesting " I am a tourist" its ok.
Try to look Brazilian.

Good luck !

Barbacharters

suze

I wouldn't think going at Carnival would be the most "relaxing" time to see Brazil.

MelissaHI

Well, I can tell you that it's not super unsafe.....as with any big, active city, just be aware of your surroundings. I even wandered around my myself a couple of days and was completely unhassled.

It's not difficult to "dress down" in Rio since it will be very hot and humid. I was in a tank top & shorts every day!

Don't drink too many caipirinhas at once and you'll be fine.

mot

The places you mention (Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, Botanical Garden and Hand-gliding) are perfectly safe and you should have no problems at all. Again, like the others have said, the best tip is never show off your wealth and "be" brazilian. I guarantee you will enjoy it.
If you are going to the Samba during carnival in Sambodromo, I definitely recommend a "camarote" which has a nice view, almost always include transportation. Of course is more expensive but remember it is a marathon (starts at 8 pm and goes until 7 am). A little of confort always help getting to the end.