Does anyone have some recommendations for Rio and it's environs ? Preferably not the run of the mill tourist stuff, off the beaten track, yet safe enough for a gringo ?
Any suggestions/advice appreciated.



SHJ

Some years ago I was in Rio and the company put us in a hotel called 'The Copacabana', more of a business hotel about 100 yards from the beach etc.can't find it now but it may be here;copacabana hotel in rio de janeiro - Google Search (http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=copacabana+hotel+in+rio+de+janeiro&meta=&aq=0&aqi=g1g-m1&aql=&oq=copacabana+hotel+in+rio)

You might look at hotels in Niteroi, across the bridge from Rio. Transport to and from Rio is easy, the city has a much more relaxed feel to it, and it's not widely used by foreign tourists. Icarai beach isn't Copocabana, but it's pretty good, and the oceanic beaches are great. It's normally considered safer than Rio, but take care of you're driving...the place is full of speed cameras as I found out in January :mad:

There's a wide range of hotels too, covering every pocket.

TTFN

Luxor Continental in the Leme area (eastern end) of Copacabana is great; set back from the beach on a street parallel to the promenade; plenty of local eating places plus the rooftop diner does a fantastic steak; just rest your knife on it and it sinks through!!

Paraty 150 km south