Rio de Janeiro is a dream destination for adventurous cruise ship passengers embarking on a voyage around the coast of South America. The city is renowned for its staue of Christ the Redeemer which has been named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It is also home to Sugarloaf Mountain which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. All these attractions can be reached on short excursions from the cruise port at Pier Mauá which lies within walking distance of Rio’s city centre.

Whilst the vast majority of tourists to Rio de Janeiro are unaffected by the city’s well publicised crime rate, others aren’t so fortunate. The key to enjoying a safe visit to Rio is to stay alert and exercise the same common sense that you would when visiting any other major world city. Most incidents involving tourists are petty crime such as pickpocketing or the theft of personal belongings from the beach, however, there is always a risk of more violent crime if you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Amongst the world’s great tourist cities, Rio de Janeiro has one of the worst reputations with regard to personal safety. Whilst this reputation is justified, it’s important for would-be visitors to realise that by exercising the same common sense that you would in any other major city your trip to Rio is likely to be trouble-free. The first decision to make should come before travelling to Rio de Janeiro as choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in is a major factor in minimising dangers and maximising your enjoyment.

With Sugar Loaf mountain and the staue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking its spectacular harbour, Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most recognisable cities. Home to Copacabana Beach, Samba dancing and its Carnival celebrations, Rio attracts more than two million annual visitors. The peak summer months are from December to March with the city packed to the rafters during Carnival. During this period daytime temperatures can reach an unbearable 40C so for many a winter visit between the months of June and August is preferable. March and April aren’t recommended for visits due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall.