We'll be spending 5 nights in Rio in March prior to a repositioning cruise. We're looking at apartments in Rio or a hotel. I'm getting paranoid reading the statistics on crime in Rio. How bad is it? A friend of mine who is from Brazil suggested we stay in Buzios. We usually enjoy meandering by ourselves in a new city but I guess Rio is not that kind of a place. How is Rio planning to host the Olympics in 2016? Thought Madrid was a better candidate.

Treesa, I know where you're coming from. I too was very concerned about crime in Rio before we went. If not for a conference I'm sure we wouldn't have gone. However, Rio was not in the least bit scary. We were there for a week and had a great time, once I relaxed and realized that I wasn't going to be robbed at every turn. Obviously you have to exercise caution, just as you do in any big city. Take taxis at night, don't go to deserted places. Rio is a wonderful city and I'm so glad we went. For more info click on my name and read "Bruce and Marija go to Brazil." Have a great trip.

Rio is an unbelievably beautiful city and the Cariocas are very friendly and helpful, don't be put off. You can meander in the city during the day and early evening, as Marija says, just exercise caution.

Thank you, ladies. I'm feeling much better now. Will report after our trip.

If you have 5 days you can do both Rio and Buzios. Buzios is about 110 miles outside of Rio and it is a nice place to stay. What month are you going?

I stay in apartments in Rio and I like them, they are much less expensive than hotels. You can get a 1 bedroom for about $70 a day. But 5 days would be about the minimum number of days they would rent to you.

Hi, I don´t know about Brazil, but I can tell you my experience renting an <a href="http://www.bahomeandbusiness.com/apartments-in-palermo-buenos-aires.php" title="apartment in Palermo Buenos Aires">apartment in Palermo Buenos Aires</a>. You have to make sure that it is a safe neighborhood and that is close to most tourist attractions. That worked for me, so if you take those things into account, you will be fine.
Kell

Buzios is good for a weekend but any longer than that I would get bored. Stay in Rio. Copacabana or Ipanema is my choice.

To tag on a question...what is the best way to get back and forth between Rio and Buzios if one doensn't want to rent a car? Thanks in advance!

Well you can take a bus from the Rio bus station, slow and cheap but they have regular service throughout the day. Or you can ask the Pousada you stay at to either send a car to pick you up or a van, there is van service to Buzios where a small group will be transported with you for a price per head in th van. Or you can take a taxi or car service, from Rio, fast expensive and efficient.

I lived in Rio for 3 years and found the city safer than many of the places I lived in California. Just like traveling to any major city, there will be crime, but most of the Rio's violence is found in the heart of the low income favelas where drug trafficking is common. By day they are beautiful and full of wonderful people but at night the favelas are less secure.

I used to help book vacation packages for single women travelers coming to Rio de Janeiro and I understand the concerns. But you can feel very safe and have lots of fun both in Rio and traveling outside the city.

Of the touristy places, I'd recommend staying in Ipanema or Leblon. Try to avoid Copacabana only because the night scene is a bit trashy and geared toward single men (hint hint). You get much more value hanging out in the posh Ipanema restaurants and clubs.

Buzios is awesome and I always recommend my friends going there, but I normally suggest a few days to really enjoy the full experience. There are several beautiful beaches, the downtown chalk full of great restaurants and boutique shops, and the overall scene has a laid back, but energized vibe that offers something for everyone.

If you like more of a natural setting away from it all, you might consider Ilha Grande in the Angra region. It's a rather large island, but only sparsely populated. With no roads or cars, you travel via interconnecting trails through rainforest canopy or via small boats. there are a number of small communities offering hotels and restaurants but people mostly come here to get away and enjoy the mix of white sand beaches, rainforest trails, and abundant natural beauty.

March is great time to visit Brasil as the heavy rains have passed and the temperature is still warm but not overwhelmingly humid.

You will enjoy. Just don't get caught up in the negative story lines and practice common discretion wherever you go (don't flash around jewelry, avoid dark streets, etc.)

have a great time

Thanks everyone. Special thank you to Wander_on. We definitely are looking for places to stay in Ipanema. Still trying to find a decent apartment. The hotels seem quite expensive for what they offer. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not complimentary. I have a couple of friends who are originally from Brazil so I may be able to meet some of their family members. It's always nice to meet locals and see how people really live.