Beautiful white-sand beaches backed by luxurious condominiums, swathes of protected Atlantic forest that have somehow been left untouched amidst a fast-growing urban sprawl, and all the vibrant samba bars and kerbside boteco bars: Everyone knows and loves Rio de Janeiro, and there’s definitely a reason why it’s been recently crowned the best beach city in South …

Famous for its upscale Copacabana Beach, unique mix of sprawling concrete jungle and actual jungle, and thriving comunidades, Rio is Brazil’s most sought-after tourist destination, but it can be particularly hard on the wallet if you’re not willing to compromise on comfort and safety. Some of the cheapest four-star hotels in the most touristy parts …