Rio de Janeiro is a hot spot in Brazil.  It's annual carnival celebrations and New Year's parties give it a reputation like no other. The party atmosphere takes over the entire city with most people off work during the celebrations.

It is a massive city with impressive roads and an intelligent public transport service. The brazilian sun is probably the one thing to be most aware of. It sits directly above heads through out the day at an average temperature of 35degrees. Rio is often dry heat until the rain and storms arrive when it become moist and humid.

Much of Rio de Janeiro is incredibly green and well maintained, however each district has its own personality all worth exploring. There are view sites to enjoy - the obvious Chris The Redeemer, or Sugaloaf mountain. If you want to experience more it is worht going to Ihle Grande or trekking to other cities.

If all you want is a beach holiday Ipanema and Copacabana are perfect with an excellent vibe, superb restaurants and a great crowd.

Rio de Janiero is one of the carnival capitals of the world with a laid-back attitude to life. People in the city work hard and play hard. The best times to go will be during Carnival generally in February or for New Year's when everyone descends to the beaches dressed head-to-toe in white and send flowers and candles into the ocean.

Rio is a 24-hour city and doesn't seem to sleep - however there is very little to do when it rains or gets cold. Fortunately the climate bodes itself to a beach lifestyle. It must be noted that the number of suburbs that span Rio de Janeiro will be mean that each district has a different perspective - partiularly those that are more within the country-side rather than on the coast line.

Coffee is popular but fresh fruit juices are the most common meeting place and many Rio people will adopt a healthy lifestyle. Cariocas, name given to Rio citizens are very warm and welcoming people. While many understand English it is worth knowing some basic Portuguese before arriving in the country.

Homosexuality is very much part of public life, or so it would seem - but ony in the key districts and certainly not in the slums. It is not quite as accepted across the whole of Rio as openly as Ipanema and Copacabana.

These is a lot of diversity in Brazil, especially culturally with a mix of races from European Explorers, African slaves and indigenious indians. It appears as they live in harmony but once in the country there is quite a bit of racism and often many educated Brazilians will be extrememly weary of other either non-educated or blue-collared citizens.

It is advised that foreigners and visitors socialise with the educated Brazilians, because non-educated will take advantage of visitors. This needs to be a personal decision but it's worth being on your guard with anyone.

If you want gay places head to Ipanema - you will find many beautiful ones looking for white Europeans there! Just be careful, they are risky in bed - don't carry condoms!

There are not many women but enough single ladies to keep your eyes on - they are guaranteed to be as stunning as the men!

Take a cab everywhere and make a deal - it works out cheaper, you should be able to get a whole city tour for 100 - 120 reals (£30-40) ideal if there are more of you.

Buses though are cheap just be careful on them, know where you are going - even notify the ticket inspector which are on every bus.

Metros are okay, but a little frustrating as they are single lines and someway to the popular central areas -especially Copacabana.