pousadas are a unique brazilian, albeit portuguese, type of lodging option - independently owned and inhabited bed & breakfasts, guest houses, small boutique hotels, that afford yet another possibility of getting to see the 'real' brazil through the eyes of onsite owner.

one of the fastest growing lodging and currently the 'en vogue and trendy' option in rio de janeiro is in apartment rentals.

with the price of many hotels and even hostels spiking during holiday or special/sporting events, this option can save the lodger up to 50% off standard hotel prices, and easy to find especially in the areas by the major beaches - convential specially if traveling in large groups or families.

no longer just for the long term visitor, an apartment rental can range from a shared or private room in someone's apartment or house, to the entire place, and allows the visitor to live like a local while exploring the city.