[Marcos Wolff]

Hi! Believe me that it is better not to drive in Rio, quite messy traffic in the city... You can take taxis which are relatively cheap... Other option is Metro (Subway), have air conditioned and is the faster options during peak hours... To answer your questions... The best beach (specially for girls) is Ipanema, the water is cleaner than Copacabana, the area is safer, all shops are there and the atmosphere is cooler... Praia Ipanema Hotel is a good option for lodging... Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer Statue are about 30 minutes taxi ride from Ipanema, the Cristo has no beach close as it is placed in the middle of Tijuca National Park, the closes beaches to the Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf) are Flamengo or Botafogo, but there are no nice hotel options closer... Regarding Samba schools, I've never been to any, but I was recommended Casa de Danca Carlinhos de Jesus and Centro Cultural Carioca... If you have any questions, just let me know... How many days will you be staying in Rio? I can give good recommendations depending on the day you'll be staying here... Take care, M