Viviana7

Hello everyone,
I would like to travel to Rio for Carnival which is a spur of the moment trip. I have never been to Rio before and would like some suggestions/ recomendations on what neighborhood to stay in. I am a single woman traveling there and would like to stay in a hostel if possible. So, I would like something cheap(much less than $100USD a night)- but do not know how possible that is since I am sure the prices will all be jacked up.
I appreciate your input.

jayelle

Viviana7 - I booked my Rio accommodations for Carnaval not too long ago, and you are correct in saying the prices are all jacked up during that time. Finding something for less than 100 USD a night will be pretty difficult. One option we were looking into was couch surfing. It's free, but of course there's a bit of uncertainty there...anyway, I've only heard great things about it so you might try creating a profile on couchsurfing.org and seeing if there is anyone willing to host you.
Otherwise, you could also look into renting (a room in) an apartment from sites like AirBnB, VRBO, etc.

Good luck!

Viviana7

Thanks for your replies. Jayelle- I was actually looking into couchsurfing last night! Looks like I am not the only one on that site looking for a place to crash. I have not done it before- and being female traveling solo, I am not sure if that is the way to go for me. But I will post something and see what happens. Thanks for the room suggestions too. I will check it out.
But even hostels are about $100 USD a night and most have minimum night stays.

Have a great time! Did you get any tickets for parades as well?

jayelle

No tickets yet. Haven't really got anything figured out apart from the accommodation!

Yeah, I can see how being a female travelling solo might deter you from the couchsurfing. I am going with a good friend who is a guy, so that made me feel a bit more comfortable with the idea of crashing on a stranger's couch. It might still be a good option, though...you just have to try to find someone who doesn't seem sketchy! The whole thing is based on mutual trust - it is just as risky for the host to let randoms into their home than it is for you to go stay with a stranger, right? So I would look for a host who is female, has been vouched for, has positive reviews, photos, etc.

Hope it works out for you!

Viviana7

You are right about the coachsurfing. I posted a profile and we'll see what happens. But I also did book a hostel in Copacabana and I am excited! Even though I don't want to spend all that money - at least I know I have a place in a decent area and I can start to figure out the rest!
I don't think I will be getting tickets for the Sambodromo though. Maybe next time. I just plan on checking out the street bands.

Have a great time!

aheis148

why dont you just check out rio or argentina a little later in the month? thats what I am doing

Viviana7

I have been to Argentina twice, and I am in the mood for something a little different. Plus, it's my birthday during carnival too. I will most definetely have to go back to Rio afterwards!
Have fun!