Rio de Janeiro
 

Hello!

My wife and I are going to Rio in January for 10 days and are staying at the JW Marriott in their Executive Suite.

First, can anyone comment on the Executive Suite with ocean view? We are platinum members and are using points for half the trip so price isn't a concern.

Second, we were planning to go to Italy this fall but, with work obligations, decided on Brazil in January instead. It seems when we ask or tell people we are going they all seem concerned with security. I understand NOT to wear expensive jewelry or have a lot of cash on me or to wander at night but feel a little concerned about the comments we've been getting.

Last, if anyone can recommend a couple of GREAT things to do there, please respond. We aren't huge "touristy" travelers and usually go on vacation to completely relax, enjoy the culture, and hit the beaches!

Thanks in advance for all replies.

There are some legitimate security concerns in most of Brazil and especially in larger cities where extreme poverty quite literally exists directly alongside immense wealth (Rio, for example). The wealthier neighborhoods on the ocean in Rio are backed by hills (morrros) whose residents are quite poor despite working hard. These hillside communities are the favelas you may have heard about. Not too long ago, the police moved 24 hour security posts into many of the favelas. The drug traffickers who formerly controlled them have moved on. A lot of the violence has decreased significantly. So any older reports are unlikely to be totally accurate.
Still, you must heed the safety warnings you may have already read. Do not take anything with you to Brazil that you cannot afford (financially or emotionally) to lose or that you would hesitate even a fraction of a second to give up if a situation came up. Do not walk in deserted places, including even a deserted street in an upper-class neighborhood, as well as on the beach at night (the beachfront sidewalk in Copacabana and Ipanema is OK to visit the barracas for a beer or coconut water though). Remain vigilant and aware of what is going on around you , and do not allow yourself to become too impaired (by drink or exhaustion) to do this. Take taxis from place to place at night, although you may stroll on main streets of neighnborhoods such as Ipanema and Leblon. Carry only a Xerox of your passport, and divide your cash and credit/debit cards into different locations. All this should become enough of second nature, as it does to Brazilians, that you can enjoy your vacation.
As for things to do, you will not lack. Consult www.ipanema.com for lots of ideas. The major sights include the Christ statue on Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountain. You can visit the Tijuca forest, take a ferry ride over to Niteroi for the view back to Rio, visit Paqueta island, walk around the historic Centro during a weekday, stroll around charming Santa Teresa, go to a club in Lapa for live samba music, see the Selaron stairs, go to the Hippie Fair on Sunday, and much much more, including all the great beaches. There are days trips to Petropolis and overnights to Paraty and Ilha Grande or to Buzios. Eat feijoada, go to a chuurascaria or try traditional northeastern food at the Feira Nordeste or Amazon food at the Lagoa.

Enjoy.

Thank you!

These are notes from our stay in Brazil:

http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-to-brazil.cfm

I visted Rio last month, primarily for business purposes. I too was shocked about all of the safety warnings given. I heeded them all--no jewelry,status handbags,only carried photo copy of passport, no walking alone at night, etc. I stayed in the Leblon area. Fortunatly, my hotel had it's own private beach and I didn't have to bother with getting to the beach every afternoon. I took a taxi to dinner evey night; although restaurants were fairly close by, the hotel concierge insisted I take a taxi. On Saturday morning I walked a few miles to the botanical gardens and surrounding area. It was very nice. Many people were out on the entire stretch of the beach. There was not a lot of other activity in the neighborhoods--perhaps it was too early. There are many things to see and do--don't miss Chris The Redeemer and SugarLoaf Mountain. Also, the food is delicious and you must have a Capriniha.
Enjoy yur trip!