Best areas in Brazil? Planning my first trip

Planning my first trip to Brazil. Read through the older threads but wanted to check if info is still current.

My main questions:
1. Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
2. Realistic daily budget including accommodation?
3. Any areas to avoid?
4. How is the quality compared to Colombia?
5. Uber or taxi?

Coming from Canada with experience in Latin America but first time in Brazil.

Any recent reports or recommendations appreciated. Thanks!

Also recommend downloading Google Translate before you go. Essential.

Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.

Been going for years. Scene has improved recently.

Can confirm. Was there recently and everything checks out.

First time was good but could have been better. Second time was so much more efficient. Experience makes all the difference.

First time was good but could have been better. Second time was 10x smoother. Experience makes all the difference.

Spot on with the prices. Matches what I paid recently.

Can confirm. Was there recently and everything checks out.

Thanks for the detailed write-up. Very helpful for planning my upcoming trip.

Quick question — how was the ATM situation?

Quick question — how was the transport?

Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.

First time was a learning experience. Second time was 10x smoother. Experience makes all the difference.

Agreed on all points. Make sure to get a local SIM.

Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.

Been there 12 times now. Still one of my top destinations. The quality is what keeps me coming back.

Can confirm. Was there recently and everything checks out.