I lived in Rio for several years in the late 80s.
Amazingly beautiful city, full of (mostly) warm and friendly people.
Much too much going on right now, but DW has been bugging me for many years to take her there, and I'll probably do that in a year or two.
High crime rate, something to be aware of.
Rio's people, known as Cariocas, are the easy-going, laid back type for the most part. Whereas the business capital of Brazil, São Paulo, is all about making money. So the standard line goes that when the Paulistas retire, they move to Rio to enjoy the fruits of their labors.
Too many years have passed to give you any detailed info, but personally I love the place (and most of the rest of Brazil too).
Edit: BTW, it's Rio de Janeiro (common spelling mistake).