I wanted updated Rio info, so I thought I'd revive this old thread rather than open a new one.

I'm going with two friends 1/21-28/04. We'd like to stay in Ipanema. I've never been before; my roommate has, and stayed in a 2-room apt/suite. With 3 of us over a week, we thought that would be a good plan. Anybody have experiences or ideas to share?

Also open to restaurant and sightseeing ideas. I'll definitely be hitting all the art museums and the "big Jesus;" otherwise open to suggestions. Transportation, safety, shopping hints all welcome.

Thanks!