Hello,
I have a trip planned to Sao Paulo, Iguassu Falls, and Rio for September. I vacillate between being thrilled to be going and fear of crime in the 2 cities enough to want to cancel. Does anyone have experience traveling there as a single older female? I am purposely staying in Ipanema and the Paulista districts since those sound safest. I am an experienced traveler, but everything I read makes me more uneasy, not less.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Rose

It is a shame that Brazil has such a bad reputation regarding safety, especially Rio and SP. Here's the deal: crime is a problem, but unless you will be visiting the slum areas looking to purchace illegal drugs you will not be near the vast majority of the much-hyped danger. Truly.

On the other hand, you do want to be aware of your surroundings, take cabs at night, not flash your valuables, etc. Use good travel sense. In tourist areas petty theft and pick pockets can be a problem -- if you are unlucky.

Stay positive. You are going to have a great time!

Jim
http://qualidadedevida-jim.blogspot.com/

Rose, don't worry! I felt the same way before going to Brazil. Rio was absolutely wonderful, you just have to be cautious, like in any other big city. For more details see our trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-to-brazil.cfm

Thank you both for your reassurances. I read both the trip report and part of the blog. Much appreciated.

Rose, I am from Sao Paulo and have travelled extensively in Brazil by myself (also middle aged BTW). I have the advantage of speaking Portuguese, I know, but listen, Brazilian people are extremelly kind and helpful. Stay away from dangerous places, follow the hotel recommendations, do not leave belongings on the beach and go for a swim, don't flash your camera!, do not look rich, meaning wear very basic clothes like jeans and a t-shirt, no jewelry, have a bit of cash in your wallet/pocket enough to give to some "thief" if it gets to that. Take a taxi at night from point A to B, unless you feel like walking on the Ipanema or Copacabana sidewalk where tons of people will be walking too. You will have a great time I am sure!!!!