Excellent location of this apartment. 3 minute walk to Ipanema beach and all Ipanema area locations and main attractions. 10-15 minute walk to Copacabana. Do not be afraid to take metro. Metro stop is just across the street from the apartment. Cheap and fast way to get to downtown. Rio metro is quite modern, efficient and air conditioned. Every Monday there is an open market on the square across the apartment. Zona Sul supermarket and pharmacies are just across the street. There is a small fish market and shop with fresh shrimp and fish just as you enter Copacabana beach from Ipanema side. Sea view from the apartment and balcony is a huge plus. You can hear all day long and at night waves crashing right from the apartment windows. Carolina was excellent in communication and helping me out with all my needs. She accommodated my early arrival. The apartment has definitely a Brazilian character with some colors, simple art. I would definitely recommend this apartment if you plan to be in Rio and want to stay at Ipanema area. And, my dear friends, please stop constantly thinking about the crime situation in Rio and Brazil. Brazilian people are amazing, extremely friendly, helpful, open-hearted. Terror and danger can happen nowadays anywhere in the world. You just need to be prudent and pragmatic when traveling in Brazil. And be nice and friendly to people and they will pay back with the same. Carolina, thank you for hosting me. Sorry for the late check out!!! Amore!!!!!!!!!