I am planning my first trip with friends to Rio, (they have been there before) for new years and after reading alot of these post, i am planning my 2nd trip to RIO. I printed out over 100 pages of Trip Reports and can't wait.

how much higher are apartments 1-2 blocks from the beach? My friends have reserved a 3 bedroom apt, but what they are saying is my share for the 4 nights seems high. I may be wrong but if I can find a cheaper place I may do it. I sent an e-mail to Don at don@riotrips.com but it got kicked back. how can someone contact him? Thanks.

Lundy12 - expect to pay about 3 times the normal rate during New Years (at least for the 3 days that the hotels sell packages). The same thing happens with apt prices as well. Outside of those 3 days, hotel & apt. prices should be relatively normal. Check out ipanema.com & tell them that you are interested in a moderately priced apt/hotel to get an idea of what the hotels are charging in addition to talking to Don, Kenn or Bobby. Ipanema.com will send you a list (once prices become available; you might have to wait until a couple of months before new years to get an accurate price) of about a 15-20 hotels/apts in your desired comfortable level.

Prices are outrageous during Carnaval as well but it is worth it - you only go around once. You also should expect the termas to close down for a day or so.

Did you try info@riotrips.com ? As YT said, expect at least 2X if not more.

info @riotrips didn't work either. but thanks for the help anyway.

Hmmm looks like www.riotrips.com responds to something else....

He is absolutley covered up right now..try his cell phone 91081502...cant remember the code..55 I think..

The country code to call from U.S. to Rio is 011-55-21-91081502.