I am debating about whether to go to Rio for New Years' or Carnaval OR waiting until July of next year. <BR> <BR>What do you think? Is the winter weather there nice? <BR> <BR>Thank you!

Ben <BR>In my opinion, you shoud go in New Year. Do you like of the summer, strong hot, crowd beaches? <BR>You should'd go in Carnaval unless you want to watch "the Spetacle" (I don't like). <BR>In July it's ok, but not always you can go to the beaches. Sometimes, it's cold. <BR>If you want ask anything, mail me.

There's not that much of a difference between going to Rio during New Year's and Carnaval. The weather will be HOT,the city and the beaches are crowded. I like to go either the week before or after Carnaval...the hotel rates aren't as high and there's still alot of people (locals and tourists) in town. Either way, you will have a blast. Enjoy!

Vania, <BR>My fiance and I are in the process of planning a trip to Rio in March. Is that a good time to be there? And if you don't mind, can I get any advice and info on the city and beaches and whatever you think is a "must-see" from you? Please post if it's OK that I email you directly. Thanks so much!

I lived and worked in Rio for 6 years. When I go back to visit I prefer to stay on Ipanema Beach. Either the Caesar Park Hotel (5 stars), or the Praia Ipanema Hotel. Obvious must sees in Rio are Corcovado Mountain (Christ Statue), Sugar Loaf Mountain - take the cable cars, Colombo Confeitaria - located downtown is a beaux arts turn of the century tea room, day trip to Petropolis - Scenic rides up a mountain road with little waterfalls and wildflowers - Petropolis was the Royal Families Summer Retreat, The Hippie Crafts Fair in Ipanema on Sundays, Chacara do Ceu Art Museum in Santa Teresa, Cafe do Teatro located underneath the Municipal Theatre. I have many more recommendations. Feel free to email me. <BR>Best Regards - Jill

Ben, <BR> <BR>It depends on your personal preferences. Summer in Rio, meaning late December, January, February and March is hot, very much so. Temperature is often above 100 F, and the city is full with tourists, Brazilian and foreign tourists, whereas the locals that can afford it go to the mountains, to the Lakes region, Buzios, Angra or the Northeast. <BR> <BR>However, New Year's Eve and Carnival are the most spectacular popular parties in Rio. The New Year's fireworks and the Samba Schools Parade are unique, no other city in the world has the same. But then, you'd be among the crowds, the uncomfortably hot weather, and paying the highest hotel rates. <BR> <BR>The choice is yours. Weather wise, we don't have winter as such in Rio, although lately this has changed a little, as the weather is changing all over the world. Anyway, you're likely going and enjoying the beaches even in July, our Winter. My favorite season, as a carioca (someone who is born in Rio) are Fall and Spring, pretty much the same in nearly all places, from my point of view. Late March and April are called "the Fall small Summer", it means that the weather is pleasant, warm enough to the beach, but not suffocating as Summer is. <BR> <BR>If there's anything else you'd like to know, just ask. It will be my pleasure to respond. <BR> <BR>Best regards, <BR> <BR>Surlok <BR> <BR>

what's it like in Rio right now? I have to go there this week and wonder if the weather is nice?

The weather should be nice at this time of the year, but is has been raining since yesterday (luckily, since we are going through a power shortage). Before Friday, it was getting warm, not still Summer like, but it was sunny and pleasantly warm-- the perfect time to go to the beach! <BR> <BR>S