After spending two weeks in Rio I really felt like it was pretty overrated. Am I missing something?

- OVERWEIGHT CHICKS: I was surprised as how overweight many of the girls are in Rio compared to up north. And to be honest, I don't feel like girls here are any hotter than up north but maybe that's because I prefer brown/tanned chicks.

- NOT AS NICE: Rio girls overall aren't as nice as girls in Salvador where I felt like I could talk to any chick and she would at least be receptive. I've actually got the American style attitude from some chicks here.

- TOO MANY GRINGOS: I've also sensed some hostility towards foreigners here, probably because there are so many tourists here. In Salvador I felt like being non-Brazilian was an advantage with girls.

- WEATHER/POLLUTION: Even though it's the start of summer it's been cloudly almost every day. It seems Rio only has real beach weather in Jan and Feb. The water at the beach is freezing and some of the beaches like Flamengo have disgustingly polluted water. Even Inpanema has a major sewer area going right into the water. The lagoon in Leblon is filthy beyond belief. I never saw any of this at the beaches in the North. I'd usually spend hours at the beach just hanging out, swimming, or surfing. In Rio that's not really possible.

- NIGHTLIFE: It seems every single club charges at least 25 Reals to get in, often more, with no drinks included. The more you pay for a club, the bitcher the girls will be inside. The people who have money here have no shame spending it. The Lapa Street party is okay, but it's nothing special. All the little dark clubs around Lapa are cock festivals from what I've seen. I preferred the Tuesday night street party in Salvador.

- LACK OF UNIQUENESS: In the richer areas like Inpanema you don't feel like you're in Brazil. Walking the streets feels like NYC or London or anywhere rich. You feel the income inequality more in Rio than in the north. I guess I just like more authentic even grungy places.

I could go on probably. I think in the future I'll stick to the North.

I guess if you're looking to score it's not the best place in Brazil. But it is a hell of a beautiful city and the beaches are awesome. There's lots to do in Rio. It may not have the best nightlife in Brazil, but there is plenty to do during the day. And come on, you're complaining about R$25 admission? Try the US$30 admission here in Miami and drinks are $16+. At least drinks are cheap in Rio clubs. As far as the weather goes, the rainy season is just starting to pass. Come Jan. it should stay pretty sunny. If you want to go to a nice beach, why are you going to flamengo? Go to Barra Da Tejuca. And reguarding lappa, try Rio Senario.

I feel like you gotta know some locals and know the best authentic spots to hit up besides all those places in Ipa and Leblon ect.

I didnt really get any IOI's in Rio when out at the regular clubs. Granted they were dark as fuck. I was shoring like a mother fucker though!

Please tell me your not going to your room at night with your dick in your hand?!?

To get the most bang for your buck and effort ill be hitting up the 2nd tier cities next time.

Rio's one of those cities that has pretty much everything. Beaches, mountains, national park, nightlife, wonder of the world, loads of activities, women, good climate, great music scene, laid back vibe and friendly people. Unless you don't have a soul I reckon it'd be difficult not to appreciate it in some way.

Quote: (12-10-2011 05:29 PM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

After spending two weeks in Rio I really felt like it was pretty overrated. Am I missing something?

- OVERWEIGHT CHICKS: I was surprised as how overweight many of the girls are in Rio compared to up north. And to be honest, I don't feel like girls here are any hotter than up north but maybe that's because I prefer brown/tanned chicks.

- NOT AS NICE: Rio girls overall aren't as nice as girls in Salvador where I felt like I could talk to any chick and she would at least be receptive. I've actually got the American style attitude from some chicks here.

- TOO MANY GRINGOS: I've also sensed some hostility towards foreigners here, probably because there are so many tourists here. In Salvador I felt like being non-Brazilian was an advantage with girls.

- WEATHER/POLLUTION: Even though it's the start of summer it's been cloudly almost every day. It seems Rio only has real beach weather in Jan and Feb. The water at the beach is freezing and some of the beaches like Flamengo have disgustingly polluted water. Even Inpanema has a major sewer area going right into the water. The lagoon in Leblon is filthy beyond belief. I never saw any of this at the beaches in the North. I'd usually spend hours at the beach just hanging out, swimming, or surfing. In Rio that's not really possible.

- NIGHTLIFE: It seems every single club charges at least 25 Reals to get in, often more, with no drinks included. The more you pay for a club, the bitcher the girls will be inside. The people who have money here have no shame spending it. The Lapa Street party is okay, but it's nothing special. All the little dark clubs around Lapa are cock festivals from what I've seen. I preferred the Tuesday night street party in Salvador.

- LACK OF UNIQUENESS: In the richer areas like Inpanema you don't feel like you're in Brazil. Walking the streets feels like NYC or London or anywhere rich. You feel the income inequality more in Rio than in the north. I guess I just like more authentic even grungy places.

I could go on probably. I think in the future I'll stick to the North.

I feel your pain about the weather. My first trip to Rio was for 10 days and it was relatively chilly and overcast. Were it not for the social circle I had with some locals, I may have drawn the same conclusions as you about the women and weather, since the beach was absolutely dead. However, I've been to Rio a couple of times since that first trip, when the weather was fantastic (sunny and hot). You've got to experience Rio then. It's definitely an awesome place. I agree that there is a surprisingly higher amount of overweight girls than most people let on, and that doesn't get talked about enough.

All in all, it's still my favorite city in Brazil. Lots to do during the day, and enough going on at night. It's one of the most unique cities in the world.

Try hitting the south of Brazil next time. If you aren't particularly into beaches, there are many nice inland places to go as well. For starters, there are many beautiful small towns in the mountanous region between the state of Minas and Rio, many natural parks that are quite amazing.

On Rio:

The places I hang out, I rarely see tourists. Maybe you just got dragged by the flow and went out with the tourist crowd.

Ipanema in NO WAY feels like London or NY! There are many nice streets between lagoa and ipanema beach, full of green... very different vibe.

I am curious as to which clubs you went... may I guess around the Ipanema-Leblon axis? Maybe even Gávea? Girls can be quite bitchy, that is where the typical bubble-headed "patricinhas" flock to. I haven't dealt with that type in years! But yeah, I guess that there are places in Brazil where the girls are nicer, girls in Rio can be more feisty compared to other brasileiras. I recently met a guy from Natal and he told me that, while he rocked in the northeast, he didn't do well with the cariocas...

On the beaches: I am not a beach person, but when I feel like going to the beach, I escape Zona Sul and head straight to Barra.

There is a hidden beach next to club "Costa Brava", a club located in a stretch away from a cliff on the way to Barra, right past São Conrado. There is access to it from "Estrada do Joá", and there is even a bus from Zona Sul that gets by there. It is called Praia da Joatinga, nice for those that want to get away from the crowd... Grumari and Prainha are good bets as well, far off past Recreio. Surfers also like those spots.

I sometimes feel that the info on Rio in this forum is somewhat "all over the place", it could be more condensed as to help people making the best choices when travelling over there...

1) You went to Rio during the rainy season. For the best weather, you want to go late January to May and not during the Carnival. Carnival is good for a once or twice experience but to have less tourists, etc...non-Carnival is better.

2) In my humble opinion, once I visited Salvador, I didn't feel the need to stay in Rio too long during my Brazil trips (12 in all).

Though it is a truly unique and beautiful city, Rio NOW is over-rated IMO.
I can only wonder with amazement how it would have been visiting there 20-30 yrs ago. For those who have never been, DEFINITELY go the first time you visit Brazil. But once you get a hang of brazilian culture and portuguese, a city in the NE like Joao Pessoa and Natal will make you happier without any dropoff in the quality of the typical woman.

I notice people have a preference for the Northern parts of brazil which are often predominantly black or black and mixed opposed to the predominantly white central and south. Is there a reason for this, are white brazilians less attractive than the black and mixed ones? Ie. salvador comes up as a top brazilian city but is 18% white and 80% brown

White Brazilians are famous world over as models, especially from the three Southern states. Has anyone been to Florianopolis? How's it compare in terms of ease of pick up to Rio? I know it gets tons of Paulistas, Argentines and Southerners during the high season.

Quote: (12-11-2011 02:41 AM)misterstir Wrote:  

I notice people have a preference for the Northern parts of brazil which are often predominantly black or black and mixed opposed to the predominantly white central and south. Is there a reason for this, are white brazilians less attractive than the black and mixed ones? Ie. salvador comes up as a top brazilian city but is 18% white and 80% brown

Really? From what I've heard from other travellers lots of guys prefer the south because they are more attracted to white looking chicks.

I think the thing about the north is that people are nicer and the lifestyle is more laidback. The further south you go in Brazil the more European it becomes and the girls start having bitch shields, which are almost non-existent in the north. It's almost like two different countries.

I prefer brown chicks and IMO the chicks in Salvador were hotter. Not as many fatties as Rio. More feminine. And of course nicer. As long as you hang out in the suburbs like Barra or Rio Vermelho you'll see lots of hot chicks. If you just go to the historical area, the Pelhirino, you'll see mostly ugly flavela/black chicks. And the thing about Salvador is that even though it is more black/brown if you go to the nicer clubs you can still find blond haired chicks so if that's your preference it's still good.

Quote: (12-11-2011 08:36 AM)P Dog Wrote:  

White Brazilians are famous world over as models, especially from the three Southern states. Has anyone been to Florianopolis? How's it compare in terms of ease of pick up to Rio? I know it gets tons of Paulistas, Argentines and Southerners during the high season.

Floripa like others places in the South is arguably harder to pick up local girls comparing it to Rio or SP.On the other hand,I always found easy to pick argentinas in Floripa,they are not hard there as they are at home.

Quote: (12-11-2011 08:37 AM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

I think the thing about the north is that people are nicer and the lifestyle is more laidback. The further south you go in Brazil the more European it becomes and the girls start having bitch shields, which are almost non-existent in the north. It's almost like two different countries.

100% accurate impression of Brazil. In addition I guess most "gringos" here prefer brown chicks, while most brazilian guys prefer lighter skin,so thats why you see b guys prasing the south as a model heaven while foreigners fall in love with the northeast.

Quote: (12-11-2011 08:49 AM)Mr.GM Wrote:  

Quote: (12-11-2011 08:37 AM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

I think the thing about the north is that people are nicer and the lifestyle is more laidback. The further south you go in Brazil the more European it becomes and the girls start having bitch shields, which are almost non-existent in the north. It's almost like two different countries.

100% accurate impression of Brazil. In addition I guess most "gringos" here prefer brown chicks, while most brazilian guys prefer lighter skin,so thats why you see b guys prasing the south as a model heaven while foreigners fall in love with the northeast.

When in Brazil, I revel in the diversity of the women, especially in the Northeast. It's great having a fine looking brown girl one night and the next, a white european sexy garota.
That is why i like NE cities, such as Natal and Joao Pessoa, whos white population are aound 40-50 percent----ratios similar to that of Belo Horizonte and Rio. They have a lot of variety to choose from and the girls are easier, friendlier and more laid back than farther south.

How is the cost of living in the NE? I would like to stay somewhere in Brazil for two months but i need to find something in the <$1500 per month range.

Quote: (12-11-2011 09:11 AM)intense Wrote:  

How is the cost of living in the NE? I would like to stay somewhere in Brazil for two months but i need to find something in the <$1500 per month range.

The NE is definitely cheaper than Rio, especially for apartments or accomodation. When it comes to overall expenses, you will probably pay 25 percent less in the NE of Brazil than in Rio, SP, Brasilia, BH.
When you said you need to find something for less than $1500 did you mean for an apartment or is that your overall budget per month? In Joao Pessoa, for example, I found nice furnished apartments by the beach for around $800-$900 a month. In Copa or Ipanema it would cost double that. If you want something cheaper you can find rooms, apartments or possadas in the city center for about $300-$400/month.
Now, if your total budget is $1500 per month, you will have to rough it up pretty much anywhere in Brazil, though the NE would still be your best bet.

King of Scotland pretty much sums it up.

I could perhaps add that you haven't done your homework. The idea of bathing in Flamengo beach sounds like venturing into Manila Bay or the Hudson river to me. I could go on and on here, but perhaps Amour Fou came up with the right tip here: a concentrated Rio database could help void such misplaced impressions about the city and show the way for those totally unacquantied with the broader reality on the ground.

Quote: (12-11-2011 10:56 AM)Locksmith Wrote:  

King of Scotland pretty much sums it up.

I could perhaps add that you haven't done your homework. The idea of bathing in Flamengo beach sounds like venturing into Manila Bay or the Hudson river to me. I could go on and on here, but perhaps Amour Fou came up with the right tip here: a concentrated Rio database could help void such misplaced impressions about the city and show the way for those totally unacquantied with the broader reality on the ground.

My point is that it seems half the main beaches in Rio are very polluted, whereas in the large cities I went to in northern Brazil I never saw a beach even remotely as polluted as Flamengo or Botofago. The pollution takes something away from Rio's lure.

BTW- today it was actually sunny so I took a stroll down Cococabana and Ipanema beaches, focusing on station 9 which supposedly has the hottest girls. I saw some nice chicks, but overall I saw lots of fatties too. It was so-so, nothing special.

wanna see hot chicks in bikinis go to Barra da Tijuca , near Praia do Pepe. Last time I was there there were tons of girls with superb bodies , but lots of meathead dudes as well, so be careful to not hit the wrong girl.

From the hype that surrounds Rio, it's impossible for it not to be overrated.

But yeah, unless you meet a sexy Brazilian girl, it will be expensive and that not great.

Quote: (12-11-2011 04:02 PM)Mr.GM Wrote:  

wanna see hot chicks in bikinis go to Barra da Tijuca , near Praia do Pepe. Last time I was there there were tons of girls with superb bodies , but lots of meathead dudes as well, so be careful to not hit the wrong girl.

Yeah, I went here many times, but never was able to successfully score with any local girl. They were just waaaaayy too much work.

Mixx

Quote: (12-11-2011 02:58 PM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

Quote: (12-11-2011 10:56 AM)Locksmith Wrote:  

King of Scotland pretty much sums it up.

I could perhaps add that you haven't done your homework. The idea of bathing in Flamengo beach sounds like venturing into Manila Bay or the Hudson river to me. I could go on and on here, but perhaps Amour Fou came up with the right tip here: a concentrated Rio database could help void such misplaced impressions about the city and show the way for those totally unacquantied with the broader reality on the ground.

My point is that it seems half the main beaches in Rio are very polluted, whereas in the large cities I went to in northern Brazil I never saw a beach even remotely as polluted as Flamengo or Botofago. The pollution takes something away from Rio's lure.

BTW- today it was actually sunny so I took a stroll down Cococabana and Ipanema beaches, focusing on station 9 which supposedly has the hottest girls. I saw some nice chicks, but overall I saw lots of fatties too. It was so-so, nothing special.

Important tip: Avoid posto 8 in Ipanema beach, at Farme de Amoedo street, especially during carnival! It is where the gay crowd stays at the beach. Although non-threatening, during carnival they can get aggressive and it is not unheard of couples having public sex on the beach or in the street, not a cool sight!

And yes, there could be something we could do to condensate all the info here on Rio. The Travel Forum guidelines shows that it is one of the cities with most open threads. There is lots of good info on Rio over here, but it feels dispersed.

Quote: (12-11-2011 08:37 AM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

Quote: (12-11-2011 02:41 AM)misterstir Wrote:  

I notice people have a preference for the Northern parts of brazil which are often predominantly black or black and mixed opposed to the predominantly white central and south. Is there a reason for this, are white brazilians less attractive than the black and mixed ones? Ie. salvador comes up as a top brazilian city but is 18% white and 80% brown

Really? From what I've heard from other travellers lots of guys prefer the south because they are more attracted to white looking chicks.

I think the thing about the north is that people are nicer and the lifestyle is more laidback. The further south you go in Brazil the more European it becomes and the girls start having bitch shields, which are almost non-existent in the north. It's almost like two different countries.

I prefer brown chicks and IMO the chicks in Salvador were hotter. Not as many fatties as Rio. More feminine. And of course nicer. As long as you hang out in the suburbs like Barra or Rio Vermelho you'll see lots of hot chicks. If you just go to the historical area, the Pelhirino, you'll see mostly ugly flavela/black chicks. And the thing about Salvador is that even though it is more black/brown if you go to the nicer clubs you can still find blond haired chicks so if that's your preference it's still good.

The best looking chicks I've seen out of brazil seem to be the light brown kind. If anyone feels free to post some pics of hot white brazilian chicks I'm open minded, I just haven't seen/heard of them. But from what I've seen in the forum I thought there was a preference for the north but most people go to rio and sp because there is already hype around those places (ie is probably where I would have went before coming to this forum).
How do you meet girls in the suburbs?
It is rare to see a hot blonde IMO, Denise Richards is among the hottest girls out there, but I can;t even think of a blonde that comes close.

I've only been there once but thought it was overrated as well

what annoyed me most was that there didn't seem to be one area where nightlife is concentrated where you can walk from one place to the next.

Quote: (12-11-2011 02:58 PM)nomadicdude Wrote:  

Quote: (12-11-2011 10:56 AM)Locksmith Wrote:  

King of Scotland pretty much sums it up.

I could perhaps add that you haven't done your homework. The idea of bathing in Flamengo beach sounds like venturing into Manila Bay or the Hudson river to me. I could go on and on here, but perhaps Amour Fou came up with the right tip here: a concentrated Rio database could help void such misplaced impressions about the city and show the way for those totally unacquantied with the broader reality on the ground.

My point is that it seems half the main beaches in Rio are very polluted, whereas in the large cities I went to in northern Brazil I never saw a beach even remotely as polluted as Flamengo or Botofago. The pollution takes something away from Rio's lure.

BTW- today it was actually sunny so I took a stroll down Cococabana and Ipanema beaches, focusing on station 9 which supposedly has the hottest girls. I saw some nice chicks, but overall I saw lots of fatties too. It was so-so, nothing special.

I respect your opinion, these things can be very personal I guess. When, for instance, I go to the Sugar Loaf in Rio I take a path (pista claudio coutinho) that follows the outline of the (open) sea while crossing a nature reserve and sometimes I even climb the hill through the rainforest (there is a sign where that path starts) to have some beers once I reach the top of the Morro da Urca with its breathtaking view. However, if you look at the same Sugar Loaf from the perspective of Botafogo beach and focus on the quality of the waters of the bay, you also have a point. Yet, even there at the bay, on the side of Urca, animated crowds hang out on the bayside ballustrade of the neighborhood. You'll find friendly and talkative drinking people there during weekends, great for daygame.

There is that Spanish author, Calderón de la Barca, who wrote these beautiful lines:

"En este mundo traidor, nada es verdad, ni nada es mentira. Todo depende del cristal con que se mira."

A few last comments, which I hope could be helpful to upgrade your stay:

- Station 10 at Ipanema is far better, and in front of Rainha Guilhermina street in Leblon. Station 9 is the traditional place where left-wing unshaved, pseudo-hippie, alternative intellectuals come together, not the best spot to choose IMO. Mr. GM's tip was also very appropriate. By the way, you could do some shoring with good material in front of Caesar Park hotel; look for the spot on the sand with the Italian flag. Once I got a starlet there, carnival queen of a rather well-known event, at zero cost.

- the beach is far better in normal weekdays if you're looking for eye candy and more. Part of the good looking Zona Sul cariocas tend to avoid the crowded weekends.

- From Leme to Pontal (Recreio dos Bandeirantes) you have 35 km of beaches where you can mostly swim without pollution problems.

- After that, there are 3 beaches in natural reserves, Grumari, Macumba and Prainha. They're beautiful and rather unspoilt. Go on a weekday and check the other "wonders of nature" too.

- Besides that, if you are adventurous, there are 5 completely "virgin" beaches without access by car. Check for Pedra da Tartaruga in Barra de Guaratiba, where the path basically starts. The nearest beach of the series takes a 20 min walk to be reached. Rio is a metropolis where, on a weekday, you could bang a girl on broad day light on a deserted, unspoilt tropical beach (needless to say, just in case, you're going for a discreet spot in order to get laid plus don't forget to bring your own snacks and drinks in a rucksack).