I stay Rio for 3 nites, to me, somewhere else is much exciting. Rio just famous. May be because I live in Sydney, I can see beach every day, so I went to inland. If you have time, small town better than big city, village even better. If you go Rio, catch bus to Paraty, a fishing village. I was paid R$35(US$18), joint someone else group 4 hrs boat tour, and with free Caiprinhna :). Nite time, while you hand your drink … typical Brasilian music from each single window of restaurant… what you can say…I want die here.
If you go northern coast, you have to go Jericoacoara, 6 hours bus from Fortaleza. Absolutely "heaven". An un-expecting romance made me stayed there 6 nites. Amazing, and unforgettable!!!
for Rio's pic...one day. This is a There are over 1000 pic, I haven't got time to file.