Nothing can compare to the experience I had in Rio. Staying with Thiago and his family was the best decision of the trip. Waking up to copacabana beach as your backyard every morning and having a street soccer court with kids playing in your front yard made me NEVER want to leave. This hostel and area is completely safe and a great community neighborhood. You don't need much but the things you do need (wifi, fresh fruit and juice, bath towels, tour maps) are all provided! Thiago's brother and his mom are two of the most welcoming people I met in my two week stay there with my boyfriend during the World Cup finals. I'll be back soon RIO :)