Ipanema Rio de Janerio Brazil April 2012?

I've been looking at some great reviewed hostels in CC and Ipanema area of Rio, right near the beaches and metros; 25$ a night. I want to book the trip for 8 days in April - it would be cool to have a travel buddy as I don't speak Portuguese. Anyone up for it? - I'll be 24, guy coming from nyc if matters.

lets go!