Sorry Copacabana is dead

Most of the tourists want to go to Copacabana. The famous beach from the 50´s is not the same. Too many big buildings with small apartments were built there, and now it is the paradise for hookers, pimps and thieves. Rio can be a paradise, but also a nightmare, or just a boring place. It depends on where you stay and what you do.A big trap in Rio are the big hotels, from international chains. People who stay on those places always think the city is expensive and boring. There are too many tourists traps , but if you keep your mind open, use common sense and try to go where locals go, you will have the best about Rio. Even Copacabana can be great. Just avoid places where you don´t see Brazilian families. If you see only foreign men and Brazilian women, get out of there! Nothing good will come from a place like those. Try to hire small tour agencies, from their webpages, on your very first days. They will tell you all about the city, and soon you will be able to ride around by yourself. Don´t go on Jeep Tours. Rio is not a jungle, you´re not on a safari! It´s not comfortable, not safe, very polluted, and you will have a pain on your neck because of the way you seat.