A sensual and hedonistic place, Rio is an unmissable experience. An intensity and love for the wilder, uninhibited, and more carefree side of life characterises Rio de Janeiro.
This can be quite overwhelming for the first-time traveller, or for those who have only just arrived in the country or the city. Most people, however, find Rio de Janeiro a seductive place to visit, and enjoy being swept up wholeheartedly in the Brazilian attitude and way of life. Despite its widespread, riotous appeal, the city is not perfect. With more than its share of slums, street children and poverty, not to mention violence, Rio also has a reputation for street crime β in particular petty theft and mugging.
This has put people off going to Rio de Janeiro and is understandably an intimidating and worrying side of the city, but, with a little social awareness and the sensible exercise of caution, Rio remains a fascinating, lively, and often friendly place to visit. The main attraction of Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly the annual Carnaval.
During Carnaval, the whole city is turned upside down in a riotous display of exhibitionism, eroticism and sheer extravagance. The actual festival officially lasts for the five days before Lent, in sinful preparation for the religious abstinence of the holiday. In reality, the decadent celebrations of Carnaval begin long before this; with the full-blown, all-day and all-night, heady delirium the unrestrained and debauched Carnaval balls saved up for the week preceding Lent.
Most famous are the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, where hoards of Cariocas and visitors alike flock to revel in the Brazilian lifestyle. Here you will find locals playing volleyball a national passion , socialising while having a drink at one of the beachside bars, or just relaxing.
