Keep an eye on the Sun

* The perfect (and healthy) tan has a schedule: in the morning before 10 a.m., and in the afternoon after 4 p.m. This way, there is sun for everyone without excess ultraviolet or ultra-red rays: those who like to see the sunrise and those who like sunsets.

* Sunscreen is just as important as clothing (unless it's a nude beach). Ask your Doctor what degree of protections your skin needs.

* Accessories are fundamental: sunglasses, cap, broad brim hat complete the look and protect your face from solar rays. But use good quality products; avoid sunglasses and sunscreen sold by the street vendors.

* Traps: the haze, a kind of fog common to beach cities, can really burn you, even when it's cloudy. Don't get fooled by the seashore breeze and don't even think about staying in the water all the time to avoid sunburn. The haze is harmless, the breeze and water protect you from the heat, but not from the solar rays. Use sunscreen on the beach, at the pool and on strolls!

* You hadn't read this manual yet, and did everything wrong? If red or flushed areas appear on your body, please: avoid the sun, spread hydrating cream on yourself and drink lots of fluids. If you get headaches, fever or weakness, seek medical attention.

Easy with the Waves

* The Rio beaches are beautiful, but respect the ocean. Staying near the shoreline is better than out after the riptide or near the surfers: by the shore there is no risk of strong waves, getting hit in the head by a loose surfboard, it's close to the lifeguards and is great for conversation.

* Resolveu dar um mergulho? Calma, veja como os cariocas entram no mar: devagar, molhando o corpo, os pulsos, para acostumar com a temperatura da água e evitar choques térmicos.

There's going to be a party

* Before leaving for a party, restaurant or nightclub, find out at your hotel or from the guide how to arrive and return from the place. Take a credit card and a little cash. Only exchange your money at the authorized currency exchanges or at the hotel.

* Beautiful, attractive bodies can also carry infectious/contagious diseases. So, if a lover appears, don't forget the condom. Use a condom for the entire sex act (not just on ejaculation) and avoid oral sex from unknown partners, because HIV (AIDS virus) can be transmitted through oral sex.

* Keep an eye on your belongings, purse, wallet, money, jewelry, and cameras. Don't drink much and don't take unknown people to your hotel room.

Avoid turmoil

* During Carnival, to watch the Samba Clubs, buy your ticket at the accredited places or at the ticket window at Marquês de Sapucaí. On the day of the parade, go and return by taxi.

* The soccer games at Maracanã Stadium are also awesome. Like any event that attracts a huge crowd, there are tricks to guarantee peace of mind: stay far away from the organized cheering sectors, only use a team's shirt if you are with a group of Brazilians. Arrive an hour early and leave 15 minutes before the final whistle.

* Rio is a big city. As in very big city, the tourist has to take precautions. Leave your passport and original documents at the hotel and carry copies; take the map and brochure of the hotel. Go with a group and try to stick to well light streets. Nighttime walks on the beach do not go together with wristwatches, jewelry, cameras or video cameras. And visits to the shantytowns should only be done with a tour.

The right clothes

* On the beach, the less clothes, the better. But do not enter the restaurants wearing only a bikini or swim trunks. In the city, Bermuda shorts, T-shirts and sandals are ideal. Out in the open, you already know; cap or hat and sunglasses. Use sunscreen! If there is a chance that a dive in the ocean or dip under a waterfall will come up, use your swim trunks or one-piece bathing suit under the clothes.

Pat attention to your diet!

* Shrimp, lobster and shellfish are difficult foods to digest. Add a little hot pepper, and anything can happen. Take it easy with the seafood!

* We don't need to mention that the restaurant, bar or kiosk should demonstrate good hygiene, or do you like to live dangerously?

* Tap water is to wash your hands, face and the dishes. It is not for drinking.

* Prior to taking off on bus trips, stick with light food instead of heavy sandwiches with ham, cheese and salami. At the rest stops, choose industrialized foods.

* If you get diarrhea, vomiting, rashes on your body or itching after eating a food, seek medical advice and tell what you ate.

* Brazilian food is delicious, probably different from what you are used to. Take it slow, little by little, to keep in good shape and stay as elegant as the "Cariocas" (Residents born in Rio) on the beaches!

Healthy North and South

* Some regions of Brazil require the traveler to get vaccines against tropical diseases. Ask the guide at your hotel what steps you should take.

* If you need medical attention during your stay, don't forget to take the reports and exams (in your language) to your home Doctor. And remember the receipts; they are very important for reimbursement.

And the children?

They will adore the trip, the beaches and the sights. Provided they are using lightweight clothing, protected with sunscreen and carry identification tickets attached to some article of clothing or on a string around their necks.

Rio is one of the most beautiful cities in the world; the happiness and warmth of "Cariocas" invite you to return soon to the City.

When you come back, you can be sure that we will be waiting for you just like the Christ Statue on Corcovado Mountain, with open arms.