[Gills]

Hi all,
I'm planning to head to Brazil as part of my tour of South America this will be my second country I plan on visiting after Argentina.
I'm hoping to arrive in Brazil about a week before carnival starts which is on the 22nd February, can anyone give any recommendations for the following:

When is it best to arrive in Brazil for carnival?

Should I pre-book accomadation for the period of time carnival is on?

Where are some of the best places to experience the carnival?

I've heard mixed reviews about Rio carnival apparently everyone is put into a a large stadium rather than out on the streets is this true?

For me this is one of the events I have highlighted as a must do for my trip so I just dont want it to disappoint.

Many thanks

Andy