Rio De Janeiro

Rio is divided into northern zone and a southern zone by the Serra da Carioca mountains that are part of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca. The view from the top of Corcovado, the mountain peak with the statue of Christ the Redeemer at its summit, offers the best way to become geographically familiar with the city.

Crammed into the world's most beautiful setting are 7 million Cariocas, as Rio's inhabitants are called. The Cariocas pursue pleasure like beaches and the body beautiful; samba and beer; football and the local firewater, cachaça.

Rio has its problems and has a reputation as a violent city which has caused a sharp reduction in tourism in the last several years, and there is even a special police unit which patrols areas that have a poor record and reports suggest they have been successful.
While in Rio, prepare to have your senses engaged and your inhibitions unleashed. You'll be seduced by a host of images and the sheer physical splendor of the city will intrance you, and you will find it hard to tear yourself away.

Here are some points that will make your trip more pleasant:
1) Take good care in your personal hygiene and dress to avoid ridicule and to fit in with the locals.
2) Remember to be polite by removing headdress (males) and shaking hands and waits for a reply before proceeding.
3) Be patient and don’t criticise.
4) When taking photographs with locals in them, always ask permission.
5) Generally be wary of what you do to avoid offending or causing trouble.

Most of Brazil can be visited comfortably throughout the year - it's only the south, which can be unbearably sticky in summer and non-stop rainy in winter, that has extreme seasonal changes. With many Brazilians on summer vacation from December to February, travel can be difficult and expensive, while from Rio to the south the humidity can be oppressive.
Summer is also the most festive time of year, as Brazilians escape their apartments and take to the beaches and streets. School holidays begin in mid-December and go through to Carnaval, usually in late February.