Advantages: Beaches, gorgeous tropical islands, unbelievably great value.
Disadvantages: Having to keep your wits about you, but no real problem.

...They call the city of Rio de Janeiro "Cidade Maravilhosa" (The marvellous city), I have to say that visiting Rio was an eye opening and awe inspiring experience. This review is a selection of the best parts, with a few pointers on what not to do there. SAFETY TIPS ------------------ **Hotels First of all, it is recommended that tourists stay in a Hotel that is on the coastal road of Copacabana beach - Avenida Atlantico, or one of the coastal roads that run adjacent to Ipanema beach. Or choose one that only a short distance from the coast. This is because if you want to go out at night, you will not have to walk down any side roads, where you are only asking for trouble. Therefore it is much safer to take a taxi. Take 'Sul' taxis. They are yellow, with a blue strip down the sides. We were tricked a few times by other taxi... Read review

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Advantages: Rio
Disadvantages: Violence

...Rio de Janeiro "River of January" is the second major city of Brazil, behind only São Paulo. Its 8 million inhabitants occupy an area of 485 square miles. There are three main city districts: Centre, South, and North. The city centre is the financial and business district of Rio. After the transfer of the capital to Brasília, in 1960, the process of economic transfer to São Paulo was increased. The summer months officially begin around November and end in March. Rio has a Tropical climate.The temperature can occasionally reach 40°C in inland areas of the city, The official song of Rio de Janeiro is "Cidade Maravilhosa", which means "marvelous city". The song is considered the "civic anthem" of Rio, and is the favourite song during Rio's Carnival in February.... Read review

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