How hard should I try to get to Rio De Janeiro?

I have mixed feelings about Rio. On one hand, it is utterly amazing in all the ways you can imagine and I strongly encourage you to go--I am glad I did. OTOH, I had never been anywhere I felt I could not walk around completely freely and not be on guard. But uber and private transfers took care of that, in addition to tours. (context: I'm a middle aged female and was solo while my husband worked). I do think it is a place to be seen and experienced--visiting the rain forest in the middle of the city was my favorite part.
Overall, I recommend it, but another idea if you want to see some of Brazil but just basically pass through Rio: South of the city is a large stretch of Atlantic rain forest where we had to exercise none of the caution we had to use in the city. Ilha Grande is gorgeous and a short trip from the city. Just a little bit further is the historic town of Paraty. I know you may be "natured out" after your other stops, but I think it is different enough to recommend. We drove and hiked to our hearts content. Getting in and out of Rio, we used a private transfer, but small torus to these areas are very common, or you can just take a bus.

If you think this is your one chance, then definitely go. I thought it was a great city, lots of fabulous sites to see, do the free walking tour downtown, easy walking on the beaches, etc. Getting around is easy with Uber - and cheap. Most rides were between $2.50 - 3:50 (this was about 5 years ago so will be higher now).

Flights within Brazil can be cheap if you book ahead. Sunset from Sugarloaf is a must do. For Corcavado, try and book an early train up. Some of the restaurants have great buffet spreads that you can get to try lots of different local dishes that you wouldn't otherwise get a chance to sample. You pay by weight so this reduces the waste. Also, great cheap drinks (caipirinhas, etc. to be had around the beaches, etc.)

Overall, since you are already there, getting to Rio should be fairly straight forward

For years, I have avoided travel to Brazil because of the anti-American policies regarding visas. The visa process was absolutely the worse ever, much worse than Russia, China and India.
However, I understand that the visa process previously in effect has been waived so that only an internet visa is required now. Gate 1 Travel has a great tour of Brazil that we may do.

Definitely geova, I visited in 2023 and I don't even remember the visa process at all--it was that simple!

Thank you all for giving me your thoughts, much appreciated!

Go. Its worth it. This is one of those places if the opportunity presents itself you should be punished if you dont take advantage of it.