Expert: Sandra - 12/16/2009

Question
Hello,
I live in Los Angeles and am planning to take an intensive language course at PUC-Rio January 6 - February 5, 2010.  During that time, I would like to rent an apartment in Gavea.  Can you tell me what resources are available to help me find an apartment?
Thank you.

Answer
For a short stay such as yours, you would probably be looking for furnished apartments of the type geared toward tourists. Most would therefore be located in the most touristed areas of Copacabana, Arpoador and Ipanema. Gavea is not too far from parts of Ipanema as to make that neighborhood impractical, especially if there is a bus running along a convenient route between.

Note: "Regular" apartments, unfurnished, often require a 3 year contract and a local guarantor.

You can try CraigsList for Rio
or these rental companies (which get good reports on the TA forum):
www.gringomanagement.com
www.rioapartments.com

Best of luck with your studies.