Going to the beach on Christmas

One of the biggest differences between the northern and southern hemisphere is that while we are having our winter, they are having their summer. This is something that makes a big difference when you are traveling down to Rio. The fact that people are wearing shorts and flip-flops during the months of December and January really makes one take note. When I first moved to Rio, one of the things that was the hardest to get used to was the fact that Brazilians celebrate Christmas on December 24, in the evening. The next day, on December 25, a lot of people in Rio go to the beach. That is such a funny concept to Americans. I appreciate both sides of the equation, but if you are in Rio, do as the Caricoas do!

Best Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro

I have been asked over the years, "When is the best time to visit Rio?" I always jokingly respond, "Right now!" There are however, best times to visit, and I base them more on the weather and in-flux of people than anything else. You really son't want to go during the hottest months of the year (Jan-Feb) unless you aregoing for Carnaval. You as well do not want to go when it is super crowded unless that is your thing. I have lived there 10 years and can tell you that these periods are the most uncomfortable (hard to get a spot on the beach or a table in a good restaurant) I think that October-November, (especially the latter) or March-April (in this case, the former) are the best months to go. The weather is nice, but not too hot, and the natives are in a good mood, but not stressed. If you are going during Carnaval or for New Years, take a suitcase of patience with you, go to restaurants a little earlier (9pm) and avoid the busiest hours on the beach.

Renting an Apartment in Rio

If you are planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro and still don't know where you are going to stay, I can offer some tips and resources. Back when I started renting apartments, there was much more demand for Copacabana than any other area of Rio. Little by little, people discovered Ipanema and Leblon, and while they are more expensive, people understood the concept of getting what you pay for. Another area that didn't receive the recognition it deserved was Botafogo, which has become a favorite of students and long term renters. We are here for advice and tips as well as offering some of the nicest apartments to be found in Rio de Janeiro

Christ Statue of Rio de Janeiro

Christ Statue of Rio de Janeiro
Originally uploaded by John Broom

Incredible Photo of Christ Statue in Rio

Nice angle of Corcovado Statue in Rio de Janeiro

RiodeJaneiro_corcovado
Originally uploaded by John Broom

Christ Statue of Rio de Janeiro
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2016 - A Dream Come True

When I heard that Rio de Janeiro had won the right to host the olympics in 2016, I like many others was estatic. I remember back in 1997 when Rio was trying for the first time to qualify, and that was for the 2004 olympics. Little by little, year after year, Brazil rose in terms of credibility and stature. I think some of the things that proved to make a diffrence were Brazil's work with alternative fuels, and the fact that they have weathered the economic recession pretty well for a country of their size. The president of Brazil, Luiz Ignacio da Silva, make a good point when he showed how many times the olympics had been held in other countries and continents, yet never in south America. The Brazilian people deserved this one, it will bring even more credibility and investment to their country, but the biggest winner by far is Rio, since she will be shined to a diamond bright and hopefully some of the crime and social problems will be addressed

Going to Rio? Where to Go and Stay

If you are planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro, you need to figure out the best place to stay so you can maximize your trip and not waste time. Without a doubt it is better to stay in a place that is convenient to where you are going to spend the majority of your time. Whether it is hanging out on the beach or going to the nightclubs at night, there is an advantage to waking up in the neighborhood with the most appeal. With the advent of the internet, it is easier to do research, see photos and really cut to the chase on where best to stay and visit. We help people narrow down the choices and make the best plan of attack. With over 9 years in the industry and 250 apartments to choose from, we can advise all aspects of making this vacation one that will be sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

We Have Places in All Areas of Rio

We have apartments, condos, flats and beach houses in all areas of Rio de Janeiro. Whether you are considering Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon or Botafogo, we can help you find the right place. With over seven years of experience and three websites with numerous apartments, we have the knowledge and resources to make it happen. Contact us and let us know what you are looking for and we will search until we find something that pleases your taste and budget.
john@spectralight.net

Where to Go, Where to Stay?

Almost nine years ago, when we started renting apartments in Rio, about 80% of our requests were for Copacabana, and no one knew Botafogo. Nowadays, the majority of our requests are for Ipanema, and we get quite a few for Botafogo as well. Not to say that Copa is no longer a contender, but people have gotten more savvy as the internet has grown. For me, it is a question of preference, and budget. If you have the money to stay in Ipanema, I say, "Go for it!" But if you are planning to stay a month, then it is going to be expensive, so you may choose Copa or even Botafogo. I have people who are requesting an apartment for a year, and for them, it has to be somewhere that is affordable and convenient. Most of the time, they end up in Botafogo, since for the money, you can get a larger apartment in a safe area. Speaking of safety, used to be people chose Ipanema because it was safer than Copacabana, not any more! You have to be careful no matter where you are in Rio. The recession has caused people to resort to crazy stuff, so I recommend more than ever to only carry the money you need and never resist an assault. It is cheaper and safer just to give them the goods and walk away unharmed.

Beach Town

Growing up in South Carolina, I think I only went to the beach a few times before I was eighteen years old. We lived three hours away and it was not a big priority. After meeting my wife, she promised me that one day I would be able to live in Rio de Janeiro. After moving there in 1994, my whole perspective of life changed. Living near the ocean changes you. You can feel it in the air, you know when the weather is about to change, you have a different feeling about life. When we started renting apartments there, it excited me to see people arrive at the airport. Their whole demeanor changed once they arrived. They were on vacation, in one of the most magical beach towns in the world. I take pride in introducing them to the things Rio de Janeiro has to offer. But the greatest thing is her beaches.

The Weather is Great!

One thing you can count on most of the time is the weather being great in Rio. There are storms like anywhere else but for the most part, the weather is beach friendly. That nice tropical breeze coming off the water. I think that the months of April and November are the best since it is not too hot or humid, but really any time of year is nice. I always tell people to go to the mall if it is raining, but travelers would be advised to take a good book along on their trip. Having someone to spend a rainy day with doesn't hurt much either!

Making the Most of Your Time and Money

When I lived in New York I once realized that our experiences are somewhat comparable to putting coins in a parking meter. Wherever we are, whether we are living day to day in our home cities or maybe on a vacation or business trip, we are feeding a meter. Through our rent or house payment, or hotel or apartment rentals, we are paying for time spent in a certain spot. We are paying some source that allows us to stay in that place. So we have to make the most of our time and money wherever we are. The friends we choose, the restaurants we frequent, the way we spend our time and money is important. When I lived in Rio de Janeiro, I realized even more that people on vacation are really feeding meters. They wait all year to take that special trip, they want a nice place to stay, and a good experience. That`s one reason we are in the apartment rental business, since we know the importance of making the most of your time and money.

Now More Than Ever!

I used to look forward to going to Brazil every year on vacation. We would usually spend three weeks or a month there. The weather was always nice and we usually traveled around a bit while there. So many places to see, from Petropolis and Teresopolis to Cabo Frio and Buzios, there are a host of cities around Rio de Janeiro that are incredibly beautiful and historical. Accommodations are cheap nowadays, and you can budget seeing more than just one city if you plan ahead. Airfares are cheaper outside the summer months, and the weather is perfect in September and October. The biggest problem is not staying long enough!

Making Dreams Come True

When I started renting apartments in Rio, I realized that people who came there were individuals who were searching for something. Whether it was a quiet beach, a new romance, or an adventure, they all shared a common quest. I could tell right away what category they fit in, from the couples that were seeking a romantic enviroment, to the backpackers who were looking for a cheap place to stay on their way through. A lot of single guys go to Rio and never even see the wonders of the place, and that always troubled me. There are so many things to see, so many beautiful magical places, all within a half hour's radius of Rio. But if you extend your circle to include Angra dos Reis to the south or Buzios to the north, you cannot imagine the beauty of this state of Rio de Janeiro

Hanging Out on the Beach

Since I grew up almost three hours from the beach and only visited once a year at most, it was incredible for me to live in an enviroment that allowed me to visit the beach on a regular basis. I mean, who doesn't like to go to the beach? But the beaches of Rio have something very special, whether it is the rock hills of Sugarloaf or Two Brothers that frame Copacabana and Ipanema, or the nice rock islands in the distance, there is a beauty there that excites the spirit. Sometimes we would just go for a coconut milk and sit on the sidewalk there and watch the activity. Any time of day, any day of the week, it was always there, waiting. To stay in Rio, for a week, or better yet, a month, is something everyone should consider.

Called Paradise

I have always said that if you live in Rio de Janeiro and have money, it is paradise. I guess we always skated on the fringes of that, never being rich but seeing glimpses of that oasis of perfection. What makes it so for me is the natural beauty of the landscape there and also the warmth of the Brazilian people. Where you live, or stay, has a lot to do with it as well. Rio was surely blessed with natural beauty, whether it be beaches, mountains, forest or parks, you find it all here. You could spend a month here and see something different everyday, and never get tired of it. I know I never did...

Urca

Talk about "best kept secret". Urca is the neighborhood I would most want to live in, if I had my choices. It is located underneath the shadow of the Sugarloaf, and home to quite a few classic Brazilian artists. One of the oldest neighborhoods in terms of architecture and existence. There is one of the most incredible views, and a peace, which only exists there. On the weekend, it is great to walk along the waters edge, or go to the beach there, and it is open to anyone to do. But the people who already live there have the privilege of just walking out their doors. People seem a little more laid back here, unlike the hustle bustle of Botafogo or the jet set of Ipanema. To go there for Sunday brunch, or just to hang out on a Saturday is definately a must.

Botafogo

Botafogo is one of the best kept secrets in Rio de Janeiro, but fast becoming one of the most sought after for long term stays and student apartments. Just 5 minutes from Copacabana by metro or 15 minutes from Ipanema by bus, this is a much cheaper alternative to the more popular tourist neighborhoods. With everything being considered, especially the price of rent, Botafogo offers a bargain in all areas, including more space for the money, great shopping, great restaurants and bars, and your grocery budget will be half if you shop at some of the farmers markets this neighborhood offers. I love organic vegetables and used to shop at a Saturday market on Rua Paulo Barreto that had a vegetable stand of only organic stuff from Teresopolis. Great value in this part of Rio, access to buses, metro, downtown and supposedly the up and coming place to be in Rio!

Leblon

Leblon is the more affluent section of Rio. If you are walking down Ipanema beach and continue past the canal, you are already in Leblon. Made up of mostly residential apartments and fine dining establishments, Leblon is very nice. Considering the location, it is great for anyone wanting a more quiet and safer stay in Rio. Close to Ipanema, but far from the craziness of Copacabana, it is great for families or someone who is staying for a month or more in Rio de Janeiro. Although it is more expensive than other areas of Rio, it is relative since it offers nicer streets and buildings, a more educated public and restaurants that are trendy and modern.

Ipanema

Ipanema is now the more popular place to stay in Rio de Janeiro. When I first started renting apartments, it was Copacabana. But this was seven years ago and things were differenct, both in Rio and in the world. Nowadays people are more safety concerned, more cultured, and are looking for what is more popular. The gay community embraced Ipanema and the beach at Posto 9 decades ago. Now, it has become known as where the beautiful people and more trendy folk flock. Being more residential, a bit safer, and having a better choice of clubs and restaurants, not to mention the buildings and neighborhood have more attractive architecture and more trees. This all taken into account, it is no wonder that Ipanema has taken Copa's place as the most sought after place to stay in Rio.

Copacabana - The Jewel of the Sea

Without a doubt, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Copacabana stretches four miles from tip to tip. It was really only settled around 1920 when the Copacabana Palace Hotel was built, but even then, they had to build roads of asphalt and a bus route in order to bring in the tourists. Now, with the wall to wall real estate and high rise apartments, it is hard to imagine it ever being any different. If you are going to Rio for the first time, it is a must-see. To really experience the core of Rio, there is nothing like it. It is much better in the fall or spring than in high summer, since there are not as many people. The influx of tourists and dollars always brings an influx of little thieves, pickpockets and beggars. Taking precaution will eliminate risks, but choosing the right time to come can prevent a lot of headache. Still, the beach is beautiful year round, and the excitement of arriving to a hot summer vacation with beaches full of beautiful people is something everyone loves. We may be contacted for apartments in Copacabana, or vacation condos in all areas of Rio

Choosing the right place in Rio

I always ask people what they are looking for in accommodations. If you are a single guy going to Rio for the first time, you may want to stay in Copacabana, since there are more single girls there. But if you like the alternative crowd, your place may be Ipanema. Wherever you stay, it is good to be near the place that best suits your lifestyle. That way you don't have to go far to find your fun! Knowing the best places for you in Rio, whether it be where to stay, where to eat, or where to take a weekend excursion is part of what we love about this. We have met people from all over the world and have made some nice friends throughout the years. Let us hear from you if you have any questions or are looking for a nice place to stay while in Rio!