Have any of you gentlemen been to Brazil?

Little bit of background: I'm 32 and recently single. I dated a Brazilian girl for a year. Coincidentally, after we split, one of my friends happens to be finishing some curriculum for his masters in international business in you guessed it...Brazil. This all came together one night over a few drinks at the watering hole. Always talked about going to Brazil with my ex. Next thing you know myself and 2 buddies are booked 7 nights in the JW Marriott right on the Copacabana. Airfare has been secured and I pick up my tourist visa next week. I'll be there the first week in October.

Let me reiterate that I understand the basics and let me state these right off the bat:

I understand that it's dangerous and to be cautious (don't wander off, don't wear flashy jewelry,etc).
I am not going there to "pay for the company of a lady friend." If you catch my drift.

So having said all that, any tips you gents may have?I figured this would be a good place to ask some pointers and things to do/things to avoid/things to note.

On the to do list so far:

Copacabana Beach (we're staying here so that's an easy one)
Ipanema Beach
Visit the Christ on the mountain
Friday night Lapa street party
We're looking into a rainforest tour through the hotel excursion service

I also have a fundamental knowledge of Pourtuguese as well.

Thank you guys!

Have any of you gentlemen been to Brazil?