Rio: carry little, use ride apps, and go up the hills with a group

Rio is spectacular and demands street sense: carry only what you need, keep your phone in your pocket on the street, and leave jewelry at the hotel. On the beach, take turns watching bags. Use Uber or 99 rather than hailing taxis, and avoid walking in empty areas after dark. Visit favelas only on tours run by residents' cooperatives. Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf are best early or late; the Corcovado train sells timed tickets.