[kipin]

Rio has one of, if not the highest murder rates in the world.

There is also a strong presence of held-for-ransom kidnapping gangs.

I'm pretty sure if you isolate yourself from the impoverished portions of Rio you can have a great time. All travelers I have met who have been to Rio talk about with high esteem. Carnivale is an awesome festival that is apparently a huge drunken mess. It is also a huge tourist draw so plan accordingly if you don't like huge tourist gatherings.