Planning trip for June, a little info please

[williemac]

Questions for those with experience in Brazil:
Have done quite a bit of research but would like opinions.
traveling solo, this ain't no family vacation. I have the chicas come to my place so definitely want 24 hr security.Need a safe area to walk around.
thinking of Rio and/or Sao Paulo for 2 to 4 weeks.
US citizen, do I need a visa or will passport do?
I'm flying out of Costa Rica or Panama, if familiar with airline with best business class?
Recommendation for hotel or vrbo/Air bnb (of course chica friendly/security) but would like a nice pool area, maybe beachfront view or close to beach? With that being said, in Rio....Copacabana or Impanema or Leblon or even Barra de Tijuca.
Or Sao Paulo....Jardin or other areas that are safe.
Nightly price is a little concern but mostly want a cool place that is walking distance to restaurants/malecon/ATM/store.
Suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[BigLouie]

In Rio the most popular areas are Copacabana and Ipanema. That's where the termas are. I normally stay at a hotel, the Mercure Rio Boutique Hotel in Copacabana. Good prices, very girl friendly, good location, right on the beach. It is always best to go with someone the first time.

If you are a US citizen you will need a visa wich you can apply for online.

I use Uber to get around, cheaper than taxi and you don't need to know the language.

[williemac]

Thx Louie

[BigLouie]

Originally Posted by williemac

Thx Louie

If you play poker there is a great poker house, Rio Poker Club. After I finish at a terma about 9 or 10 I usually go play poker. Lots of times I have won enough to pay for my day

[Mental AtrraXXXion]

If you are feeling adventurous you can rent a condo downtown (El Centro) through Airbnb. I rented a condo downtown in a highrise residential building near the Arches. That area has everything, plenty of food and drink with a local flair. 4×4 is only a short Uber ride away and I recommend to try at least once. I didn't see any gringos👍🏼 except for at a nearby international hotel, didn't notice any on the street and I was out day and night. You can Uber to the beach but go when it isn't peak hours "aka Rush Hour". There is a lot of good talent in Copacabana that can keep you busy your entire vacation. One more thing, if you are feeling SUPER ADVENTUROUS you can head down to Vila Mimosa. It's quite the experience if I say so myself. I went there two nights.

[williemac]

Thx MA for the info. Yeah, I'm not that adventurous.Was thinkin Barra da Tijuca might be as far as I'll go outside of Copacabana/Impanema/Leblon.