Yeah, Rio has gotten expensive as New York. Sunday through Thursday hanging out on Farme is the social thing. Friday night its Galleria Cafe in Ipanema and Saturday night its The Week in Centro. A cab from Copa or Ipanema to The Week will be about R$25 to R$30. Any cab driver will know how to get there. I was there this past Saturday until 9AM. There are occassional after hour parties.

The beach is very social but do not leave anything unattended, even for a minute. Chairs, umbrellas are for rent and the vendors also serve drink. You can buy lunch on the beach also.

The men are beautiful so have an active gym membership before going.