Overview
** RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL TOURS **
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I LOVED BRAZIL! It�s so easy to fit in as a black person because so many others looked like me. One of my favorite places to visit was the Museu do Negro in downtown. It was easy to take the train to get there and explore other areas there in the city. We also went hang gliding and opted to hire a taxi to show us different parts of the city. They know English well there, and the culture is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.
When I took off to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by myself, family and friends had many concerns. Thankfully, their concerns were null and void for someone that looked like me. As a black person in Brazil, I blended right in. People were super nice to me and for the most part, I felt safe. I walked around at night, rode the train and felt totally comfortable with Rio city life. Disclaimer: I�m a born and raised New Yorker, so someone from suburban or rural areas may experience a bit more of culture shock. I�d recommend that anyone traveling there, brush up on your basic Portuguese skills as you will most definitely encounter some language barriers. That being said, I would ABSOLUTELY go back. I was treated like family by the locals.
My trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was not what I was expecting. Maybe I went at the wrong time I�m not sure but I definitely want to visit again to see if my opinion will change. We stayed at the Arena Copacabana Hotel in Copacabana Beach. While I don�t recommend that hotel at all I do recommend staying in Copacabana Beach. There are plenty of hotels directly across the street from the beach which is a plus. There are a lot of restaurants and vendors along the beach walk. On our way to Rio we met a black woman that traveled to Rio frequently and she spoke Portuguese so she was so helpful! She gave us a few pointers and told us things to look out for. I will say be careful because pickpocketing is a major issue there. Also do not go on the beach at night as there is a higher likelihood that you will get robbed. It was something we witnessed while there. Our new friend took us out with her one day and we went where the locals go. This is something I only recommend to do with someone familiar with the area. I was not a fan of the local food at all. The highlight of our trip was the visit to the Christ the Redeemer. Ugh I can�t explain it! Like I could feel the presence of the Lord up there. It was an amazing site to see! We also went to Santa Teresa where the famous tiled steps are. Make sure you get there early and take pics because it can get crowded quickly. To top off our excursion we went to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain where we had amazing views of Copacabana beach and randomly got tattoos in an old cable car. All in all it was a good trip but I want to visit when the weather is warmer!
Have you heard of Arraial do Cabo and Buzios? Take day trips from Rio to these beautiful blue beaches! We did a full day private boat tour with lunch and drinks (https://www.getyourguide.com/rio-de-janeiro-l9/from-rio-arraial-do-cabo-day-trip-with-boat-tour-and-lunch-t323118/?partner_id=SVNU3W4¤cy=USD&travel_agent=1&cmp=share_to_earn) in Buzios and a scuba diving excursion in Arraial.
A great tour service is Rio4Fun, they are on Instagram and YouTube. They have a lot of tours available, are affordable, and are very communicative! Our guide was Alex when I went in Fall 2019, so I highly recommend them!
I had good time in Rio. Definitely recommend. I stayed at Yoo2 in the Botafogo area. It was a nice, central hotel. Transportation is great. Uber was inexpensive and I also took the train.
My only complaint are the hustlers walking up every few minutes.
When we arrived in Rio, we met our Tour Director, Zika, and fellow traveling companions for a drive along the famous Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches to the base of the 1,300-foot-high SUGAR
LOAF MOUNTAIN. We ascended by cable car to its summit, where we savored spectacular vistas of the city. Next, we had a toast to start a memorable vacation with caipirinhas, a favorite Brazilian cocktail, from atop Sugar Loaf Mountain during a COCKTAIL PARTY.
The city’s landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns CORCOVADO MOUNTAIN, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. The next day we took a scenic ride by a cog railway which led to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, we proceeded to the bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. Then we viewed the Sambodromo and visited the CATHEDRAL. The afternoon was at leisure for us to experience this vibrant city. For dinner, we went to Fuego de Chao for a fun outing to a CHURRASCARIA for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style.
The next day was at leisure to savor sprawling Rio and/or relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Rio!
Brazil…Just the sound of that name alone conjures up all kinds of cool vibes!!! My wife and I were beyond excited when we set off for two weeks in Rio. We were there to soak up the much heralded atmosphere of carnival week and check out everything else that Rio had to offer. We stayed at the Miramar hotel which was located at the southern end of Copacabana and the views from our room afforded us the most awesome visuals of the entire length of the promenade and beach. The best start ever! The hotel also boasted a truly fabulous rooftop bar and infinity pool with Sugarloaf Mountain clearly in sight. Carnival week begins with bloc parties everywhere, no matter which way you turned, the sounds of the most beautiful samba music caressing your ears was everything! It’s unbelievable to be in the midst of something you’d previously only imagined and dreamed about. We purchased our tickets in London for the main night (Tuesday) in the Sambadrome and had to collect them at a pre arranged location once we’d arrived. There were people there from every country you could think of also collecting their orders. For some, it was costumes as they were participating in what is arguably the greatest show on earth. For us though, just being a spectator in that auditorium was an achievement enough. This was bucket list stuff!!! Our tickets included hotel pick up and drop off along with covered seating in the Sambadrome in case of rain, but it was a dry spectacular night which saw us arrive at 6:30pm and leave at 7:00am the following morning, lent. We were smashed to dropping point but managed to hang in there by the sheer adrenaline of the entire spectacle. We arrived back at our hotel in time for a much anticipated breakfast, shower and bed. In that blissful order too. So, reenergised, we were ready to spend week two sightseeing this world famous capital. By pure luck, we happened to make the acquaintance of an English speaking young Brazilian lady who would become our personal tour guide and friend. With her, we spent an amazing three hours on Sugarloaf Mountain just relaxing and enjoying the most exotic 360 degree views of the Copacabana skyline, and Quanabara Bay. The cable car experience to reach the summit was in itself divine. Two stages it would take to reach the top with the first taking you to the peak of Urca Mountain and then the final leg up to Sugarloaf itself. Check out my page @pinderworld for a complete visual documentation. That will also include our trips to Escadaria Selaron, the magical bespoke stairway of colour and vibrancy which is most definitely best appreciated as dawn breaks. Reason being, you will be one of a very few people there for an ultra closeup look at the intricacies of Selaron’s work and that all important photo opportunity! The Maracana Stadium and our world wonder visit to Christ the Redentor. This was our first ever wonder and an incredible experience for us. Would highly recommend that again, you get there as early as 8:00am to beat the enormous queues of tourists and unforgiving afternoon sun rays. Just about everyone has been given the arrive early advice so you can expect it to still be busy up there from early. As my wife was celebrating her birthday while we were in Brazil, our new friend arranged with her family to give wifey an authentic Brazilian birthday party. They lived in the Favelas of Cantagalo, so we took motorcycle taxis to the top for a truly memorable tour of the steep streets, and neighbourhood. Trust me, you have to be somewhat fit to negotiate the non stop stairways and inclines. A good tour of the favelas works up a proper appetite, so we were well and truly ready for some local cuisine and some birthday celebrations afterwards. How safe are the favela’s? Well I would say a lot safer than people would think. This is hugely due to the mass passifications to much of them leading up to the 2014 football World Cup. Gone are the days of the drug gangs ruling the roost. Kids now run free without the worry of crossfire from warring gangs. My wife and I were actually robbed at knifepoint on Copacabana while out on a night beach walk. Yeah, we were very silly, but we were so accustomed to our night time walks on the beach around the world that we thought nothing of it. Luckily, we were at least smart enough not to walk with any valuables though we were relieved of a small crossover bag containing a small camera and our hotel door entry card. A massive warning to you if you’re reading this! Despite this little hiccup, I would definitely travel to Brazil again but my wife won’t. She wasn’t keen on the large numbers of undesirables adorning the streets. In general, the people of Brazil are a beautiful people. While the music and the mood is magnetic, the local cuisine left a little to be desired unless of course, you’re a massive meat fan which in that case, Fogo De Chao is the ultimate place to be. I’m salivating at the mouth with the thought!! Why don’t you be the judge!!
I traveled to Rio de Janeiro earlier this year before most countries closed their bodies and went into lockdown. In general the restaurants we ate at were very reasonably priced and were affordable. Here are some of my favorite places we ate at –
* Gringo Cafe is a little restaurant in the Ipanema Beach area that served brunch all day and the food was delicious.
*We had my birthday brunch and dinner at the Pérgula Restaurant located in the elegant Belmond Copacabana Hotel. Brunch was buffet style and costs about $50 per person before taxes. Although, it was on a pricey side, I was really in love with the look of this location and wanted to treat my friends to somethings nice for my birthday. The buffet selection was excellent however, a lot of the food was very cold when we got it. We complained and our server and the manager offered to make and bring as some hot food. They brought us several plates of hot food for the table and we were very pleased. We ended up staying at the restaurant all afternoon until they were closing for the afternoon. We went back for dinner and did the a la carte menu, and we were not disappointed.
*Nam Thai is a must try in Rio de Janeiro. Their food was so good that we all ordered seconds and different dishes. We were literally the only people in the restaurant because social distancing orders were starting and we basically had the restaurant to ourselves and all the restaurant staff serving us!
If you love sushi, then Sushi Leblon is a must try in Rio. My friends loved it. Although I don’t eat sushi, they had other Japanese style dishes, which worked out just fine.
Last, but certainly not the least is is Zuka restaurant, which is fusion style meals and their duck is a must have!
It terms of adventure, my trip to Rio de Janeiro is one of the most adventurous trips I have every been to. Be sure to do some hiking in the Tijuca National Park.
I have never felt so at home with a trip and I’m not even Brazilian!!!! Rio de Janeiro literally has my heart. I can go back here a million times and not get tired. There’s always something to do. My top places to visit while here are Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Selaron stairs and of course the video location of Snoop Dog’s Beautiful Parque Lage. I stayed in an air b n b with a group of friends in the copa cabana area. Getting around was super easy and very affordable. We took mostly Uber to get around and get this: all of the Uber rides were under $6!!! Wow! The nightlife in Rio is the best. You want to go to the Lapa area for the best bars and lounges. I can’t comment on the favelas because I didn’t go but I’ve been told you can book a tour. Not sure how safe it is so I can’t really comment on it. But enjoy this beautiful city and it’s people!
What can I say Rio was awesome. We stayed at the Hilton in Copacabana. The rooftop had some of the best views. Be sure to have as many Caipirinhas as you can…ask for extra liquor. We had our own private driver. We hit Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, we did Samba lessons and went to the various Samba clubs in Lapa (neighborhood known for bars,clubs, and samba jams), Little Africa, Seleron Steps, Olympic Blvd, the day it was raining we visited Museu do Amanhã, Santa Teresa. Our Private driver even took us to Rocinha Favela in the none tour area. We also did Uber. Didn’t feel unsafe at all. There were plenty of great restaurants around our hotel to visit. Visited Feira Hippie de Ipanema for souvenirs. Also visited Jardim Botanical Gardens, Pedra do Telégrafo ( I wanted to quit 5 times) but the view was amazing, and Parque Large. I can’t wait to visit again
Just returned from a 5day 4 nights group trip. Rio gave a great sense of relaxation, safety and adventure. It is filled with history and beyond picturesque. We stayed in the Copacabana area which was pretty much if not very safe and in very close proximity to restaurants, bars, a pharmacy, taxi cabs, money exchange offices etc.
There were a wide variety of things to see and and fo.While there we did a 30 min helicopter tour, took a train to Christ the Redeemer, saw the Selaron Steps, Santa Terasa (you should try the tram ride), went to Parque Laga, St. Sebastian Cathedral, Pequena Africa. We visited Vidigal Favela which was pretty safe. One full day was used to indulge in the Ilha Grande/ Angra Dos Reis tour (please allocate a full day for this tour as it’s at least 12-13 hours minimum. Being the daredevil that I am, I was able to convinced the other ladies to hang glide. This was definitely the highlight of my trip. It was never wrecking but absolutely amazing.. the view was to die for.
Taking about views, there is no view like the one of Pedra do Telégrafo. It is an hour drive from Rio, 1-2 hours to hike and the same going back. The day we decided to go to the Tijuca Forest it was closed.
Pedra de Sal has free samba nights on Mondays.
In terms of accommodations, taxi cabs, Uber (accepts cash) and a private driver can be used to get round.
For more details or a ready-made itinerary please follow me on my travel journey on IG: http://www.instagram.com/dachea.elle
I visited Rio, Brazil mid October & it was nice. Doing things there is extremely affordable, even the food was good & affordable. We stayed on the stip Copacabana, which is right across from the beach. However we didn’t go in the water but the view absolutely beautiful. There’s plenty of things to do, Sugar hill, steps to selaron, etc…..
Brazil was nice. The beaches out there are the most beautiful beaches. There was three connected to each other. So you can only imagine how nice our time was at the beach.. They had food there, music, shopping. You name it, they have it. My fiancé is vegan and they had so many vegan restaurants there and the food is really good. We took so many photos here. Brazil has so many nice places and beautiful buildings. I try not to travel to the same place but Brazil is a place I will re-visit. The food was good and cheap there. We ate so much. We did the famous hike and took the famous pictures where it looks like you are on a cliff. That was a highlight of our trip. The hike was about 2 hours but well worth is.
There is a lot to see and do in Brazil. We had more then enough option of thing to do in Brazil. I enjoyed seeing Christ the redeemer. There a train that takes you all the way up to the mountain. The views are breath taking. I would go early cause it does get very busy
The nightlife in the whole country is dope! But Rio is really one of my favorite Brazilian cities now lol you can literally find a party somewhere EVERY DAY! You definitely need to visit the party area LAPA when you get there. I danced my ass off and got back to my accommodation at 11am the next day Haha Brazilians definitely know how to party. Drink one passionfruit Caipirinha and thank me later! And don’t miss the beach parties that happen randomly before the sunset at Copacabana. You have to witness this!
Trip: August 2019
My absolute favorite place traveled internationally up to date! Brazil did not disappoint. There is so much to do all while keeping some coins in your pocket. Aside from the beautiful beaches, my boyfriend and I hiked the famous Pedra Do Telegrafo. (It is definitely photo-worthy!) For you hiking junkies out there it is a must if you go. The hike wasn’t too bad. It is such a scenic view filled with little harmless furry friends, such as monkeys, along the way. I recommend hiking the trail before sunset for an amazing view.
We also adventured to the statue of Jesus Christ. The view at the top is picturesque. They have a trolley that you can ride up there that is inexpensive.
Lastly, we did a boat tour. The hotel we stayed at, Windsor California, booked the tour for us. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the name of the company. However, the cost ran us about $120 for my boyfriend and I. (about $60 per person) It was an all-day excursion that includes a meal, lunch, at the final destination. Transportation was included. A tour bus will pick you up from your hotel. It is a must-do. Depending on the weather, I do recommend packing a towel and warm clothes. It can get pretty windy.
I will definitely be going back!
Me and my boys went down for a bachelor party and we booked a home about 45 mins from copa cabana not knowing how far it was from everything. In our situation we wanted to be in the center of the party. So we booked a penthouse in copa cabana. Everything was so much more convenient and a lot of good eats around the area walking distance I suggest if your there to party copa cabana is the way to go!
The best nightlife are the street parties in my opinion. Lapa is in central Rio and they throw a huge street party weekly. you can sign up for pub crawls which take you to the best bars.if you are near copacabana, touristy but still fun. Fosfobox is a blast. It is open from 11pm-morning hours and is located underground. they play all types of hits. Always check for pub crawls because they will show you the hottest bars for that particular night.
My 3rd world wonder was the adventure that I imagined! Rio is beautiful, busy and full of life! We stayed at the Hilton Copacabana which was a great location for beach and nightlife. Around the corner from the hotel is a money exchange bureau and a bank which is extremely convenient. We did not do a tour with any guides, instead we hired a private driver who spoke English and she took us to PEDRA DO TELEGRAFO a 90 minute drive from the Copacabana area. It took us about 40-45 minutes to make the hike up. The hike is intense! I mean, I wanted to give up, but once you reach the top, the view is breathtaking! We lucked out because there was no line for the famous cliff illusion picture. There’s a photographer up there who can take pictures for you if you choose for a very affordable price both on your phone and his camera. We unfortunately was in Rio during a very foggy time so Christ the redeemer was a challenge. Our first attempt was unsuccessful due to the heavy fog, we planned a helicopter ride with Helisight but couldn’t do it due to lack of visibility. The ride runs about 150 usd and is about 30-45 miniutes. The next day we decided to give it another try but not by air. Our driver brought us to the area and we took the train to the monument. It’s a very scenic ride and I highly recommend it because the entry fee to the actual monument is included. Again another hike up a lot of steps…there are escalators and a elevator as well…we saw them both on our way out. The monument is grand, it’s amazing, it’s a sight to see! It took us nearly an hour to try and capture decent photos due to the heavy fog. It’s a MUST while in Rio!
What can I say Rio did me great hand gliding was my highlight
Rio has been one of my favourite places to visit. There is so much to see and the people are so nice and welcoming. There is a booming Afro-Brazilians culture that is just inspiring.
Some of the main places to visit in Rio are Parque Lage, the Selaron Steps, Jardim Botanico, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room and the Favela Santa Marta. All of these are free though I highly recommend for safety and for educational purposes to take the tour to the Favela Santa Marta. The Favela is the “ghetto” of Rio and stand in stark contrast to the prominent neighbourhoods surrounding it.
I also recommend taking the tours to Isla Grande and Buzios while you’re there. Buzios is about 2 hours drive from Rio. All along the way you can see different cities in the province of Rio de Janeiro. Buzios itself is very expensive and touristy, but it has a beautiful history and even better beaches.
Rio de Janeiro was a awesome experience.So many things to do . my time Rio was everything but boring I was able to enjoy the beautiful beaches , capture the great views at the top of sugar loaf mountain, experience authentic Brazilian steak houses, took a helicopter around the famous Christ of redeemer with the amazing company Infinity Rio Helicopters Tours https://www.infinityrio.com.br/us for $165, toured the beautiful botanical garden , and much more. If you are looking for a trip for things to do Rio should be top of your bucket list.
When visiting Rio, I 100% recommend staying in an Airbnb. I have visited Rio three times and I’ve never stayed in a hotel. Airbnbs tend to be much more cost-effective and they offer a more unique and authentic experience. Rio is known for its beaches and it’s not super expensive to stay on or within a few blocks of the beach, especially outside of the high-season. Find a spacious Airbnb in Copacabana (more lively,) Ipanema (more posh and upscale,) or if you want to remain near the beach but stay in a slightly more quiet area, consider Leblon and
Here’s the link to one Airbnb host’s place I stayed in in Leme:
https://abnb.me/b5hntfxbgZ
Rio De Janeiro was at the top of my Bucket list once the Christ the Redeemer Statue was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It’s a symbol of Christianity across the world as it faces the Atlantic Ocean to welcome all tourists to the city; sits at the highest mountain peak and Rio; and can be seen from any location in Rio. It’s truly a beautiful sight to see.
How to get there?
There are red-eye direct flights from Miami (MIA) to Rio De Janeiro (GIG) with American Airlines. The commute is an easy 8 hours and gives you a full first day in Rio to explore the city.
Where to stay?
Hilton Copacabana is in a prime location to the Beach and central to Sugarloaf Mountain. Any location in Copacabana is considered safe and the view of the beach is absolutely breathtaking.
I love Rio and every time I go back to Brazil I pay a visit to this beautiful city. There are a few neighbours that I would recommend you to stay in Rio:
Usually, I change my accommodation 2-3 times while in Rio as I want to enjoy the different aspects of each location.
Here are my favourite neighbours:
– Barra – take a hotel by the beach. It is less crowded and more quiet. It is nice to have a relaxing time. From the there you can go to a small beach beach called Prainha, which can be accessed by car and is more exclusive. Close by there is a nudist beach as well. I usually stay at Next Flat Barra.
– Santa Tereza: stay here for breathtaking views of Rio. Take a hotel with a nice swimming pool giving you a beautiful view of Rio. Try to stay far from the borders of favelas. In this area, you will find amazing gourmet restaurants. I usually stay at Altos de Santa Tereza guest house.
– Ipanema/Copacabana: popular área where you can get a nice hotel and few the city vibes, walk on pedestrian path listening to the famous song girl from Ipanema. I usually, stay here around the New Year Eve to get a good view of the fireworks. If you can, get a hotel which has a rooftop party. It is an unique experience. I usually stay at hotel Porto Bay.
Rio is a must for US to visit! It’s beauty, laid back vibe and history makes placed it as one of my favorite spots in the world.
Things to Do:
If you’re into touristy site seeing ventures then Rio is a move. The guided tours at the Christ the Redeemer statue was interesting and eye opening. It’s also simply beautiful to take in Rio as you ride up their lift. It’s reasonably priced and there aren’t long waits. Be prepared to become creative with your picture taking. It’s hard to get a good one once you’re up at the top.
Jordim Botanical Gardens: it speaks to tranquility. It’s by far one of the most serene botanical gardens I’ve visited. It’s roughly $5.00 USD and there’s a really good restaurant on site.
The beaches of course are beautiful and there are some additional hidden treasures. Locals mentioned to be aware of crime. However, I never felt unsafe. Enjoy!
Rio! What more can I say, Brazil is what you probably imagine it to be. It has some of the most beautiful beaches from Copacabana to Ipanema. While in Rio, find time to explore the city. Check out the favelas where they shot Michael Jackson’s infamous They Don’t Really Care About Us music video, as well as scenes from Furious 5! After that check out Escadaria Selaron. These steps carry history, color, tourist and loads of positive energy. Lastly, you must visit Christ the Redeemer. It is truly a beautiful peace of art and overlooks all of Rio from above! Have all the fun Rio has to offer, but always remember to be safe and never put yourself in a compromising positions. IG: __Sejiro__
We stayed at the Windsor Leme hôtel in Rio, it was about 100 euros per night and the ocean view rooms where absolutely incredible with a breathtaking view of the entire sea front stretching from Leme beach to Copa Cabana. After a few busy but amazing days in Rio we went to the small fishing village of Armação dos Búzios (a few hours by car outside of Rio) to relax for the final part of our trip. If you go to Buzios, make sure to check out the Pedrera small hotel and spa – their view, staff and facilities were above and beyond!
Brasil!!!! Or is it Brazil? Either way, who isn’t excited about visiting this beautiful, diverse, delicious country? There is something for everyone in this country, whether you’re in search of relaxation, adventure, history, local food, nightlife; the list goes on and on. Rio, specifically, is probably one of Brazil’s most popular destinations. However, the Province of Rio is also beautiful, so I’d like to speak of a smaller coastal town 2 hours from Rio de Janeiro called Buzios. You can grab a bus from Rio to Armacao de Buzios for less than $20 USD – Buzios for short. For those not familiar with Buzios, allow me to give you a few Wiki facts: Buzios is located on a 5-mile peninsula, consisting of 23 of the most pristine beaches and the cutest little beach town. This town was made famous my Brigitte Bardot in the 1960’s, as well as several other celebrities, who call this place home. You can find some of the most charming, boutique hotels, seafood restaurants and bars sprouted throughout the town. For those into adventure, Buzios is great for kite-surfing, wind-surfing, diving, hiking – you name it. Rio is a massive city, so if you’re looking for a quick 2-3 day getaway, I’d highly recommend Buzios as that destination. Find yourself strolling through the center of town, grabbing some of the most delicious Argentinian empanadas you’ve ever had, or relaxing at a beachside bar drink a Caipirinha. We opted to stay in a boutique hotel, called a Pousada. Costs us around $40 per night. If you’re ever visiting Rio, take 2-3 days to visit Buzios. You won’t regret it!
I visited Rio sitting carnival and it was amazing. I stayed in the Copacabana area, which I would recommend to everyone. There are quite a bit of people of color in Brazil so it is possible to blend in with the locals as a black person. Make sure to take the train to see Christ the Redeemer. I also went on a sunset sail boat which was a lot of fun. This was provided by DDRio and cost about $60 per person. Would 100% recommend.
I flew American Airlines to Rio, Brazil. I had an 2 bed, 2bath Airbnb about 5 min walk from Copacobana beach. Paid $80 per night for 4 nights. Took a taxi from the airport to my place and it was relatively affordable. Let me just say Rio is by far one of the best places I’ve traveled to, but the first day there I was defeated by the language barrier. After the 2nd day, I realizes the similarities to Spanish and started picking up on communication. My sister accompanied me on this trip and we both struggled with the Portuguese but the locals work with you. We took a free city walking tour and that was in English and it was a blessing to hit all the important tourist sites like Lapa, and Selaron Escadaria steps (famous steps featured in Pharell and Snoop dog’s video.) I believe the company that offered the walking tour was the group with the yellow umbrellas. Can’t remember sorry, but it was a great history lesson and we tipped the tour guide generously. Christ the Redeemer statue was a site to see. We took the train and then a taxi to Corcovado and paid for a tram ticket up the mountain, there are also shuttles that can take you up the mountain. The site where the statue is, is quite busy and crowded, so it’s a challenge getting that perfect photo without a million tourist photo bombing your pictures. My suggestion, is go as early as possible. Another great photo opportunity is Sugarloaf Mountain. You take a tram up the mountain where views of Ipanema Copacobana and Lapa awaits you. It’s breathtaking. Beach life there is Copacobana beach which is perfect for beach day fun with the famous views of the Morro Dois Irmaos ( two brothers mountain.) When it comes to food, lots of double starches, like French fries, rice accompanied with Brazilian steak. Pao de queijo which is cheese bread was one of my favorite things to eat there. You must have the signature drink, Caipirinha. It’s delicious. For night life LAPA is the place to be, the city comes alive from street dancing to nightclubs in Lapa. There are lots of Blacks in Brazil. (3 times the amount of slaves that went into slavery in America, went to Brazil) so lots of our people are there and you feel right at home. The locals are friendly and there are so many things to do in Rio from hiking to dance classes. You just have to go see for yourself.
Praia de Icaraí, ótimo luga para lazer em geral, seja um final de semana com a família como também um bom lugar pra relaxar e recarregar as energias, praia ótima e muita opção de lazer como uma área turística, areas para a pratica esportiva e lugares próximos com boa comida, é um ótimo lugar para viajar!
Icaraí beach, great place for leisure in general, be it a weekend with the family as well as a good place to relax and recharge your batteries, great beach and a lot of leisure options as a tourist area, areas for sports and places with good food, is a great place to travel.
Rio is really affordable and there is so much to do.
Hotels are not expensive and they often offer amazing views and rooftops. I’m not familiar with their Air Bnb options but hotels are usually a safe bet. I would avoid taxis as they often try to take advantage of tourists especially due to the language barrier. Uber is available and usually significantly cheaper. We kept getting warned about how dangerous Rio was even while in line boarding the plane but I would say its just like any place – just be respectful and aware of your surroundings. The beaches are stunning.
Must see:
Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
Cristo Redento
Sugarloaf Mountain
Escadaria Selaron & Lapa neighborhood
Pedra do Telegrafo
Futbol game
Favela walking tour
Parque Lage
Have a Caiprihana
Try Cuisine: Churrascaria, batatas (anything)
I am ready to move permanently to Brazil, that’s how much fun I had. The people are friendly despite the language barrier. Forget the stereotype about the danger of visiting the city. One just needs to be cautious like you would anywhere else.
A few places to check out for delicious meal and mean drinks (alcohol), do check out
*the TBT house (Rio Sul Mall)
* Astor bar for their sea food mean and most wonderful drinks
*fogo da chao, for the food and beauty view of Rio’s attractions
I just came back from Rio 2 weeks ago and it was my first trip of 2019. Overall, this has been one of my favorite places to visit and I would definitely go back. The weather was hit or miss while I was there due to tropical rain. I was able to spend time at the beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, and LeBlon), go to the top of Christ The Redeemer and Sugar Loaf, went to a favela at night to get some good food (worth it), and met plenty of friendly people and was able to hang with locals. After all that, the number one reason why this trip will be memorable to me is because I went hang gliding for the very first time! I loved it and now that I have a taste, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again as well as trying other activities like skydiving.
Rio De Janeiro, very beautiful place! Decided to take a solo trip here, I was a lil worried at first but it turned out to be fine. I didn’t do any nightlife activities but daily it was much to do. They have several beaches, hang gliding, parasailing, much more to name. I mainly enjoyed the beaches because I was alone it was great for relaxation.
I thought Rio was a vibrant city with great weather, food and things to do. Starting with food: if you love Caviche, La Carioca Cevicheria is a must. They have the best Caviche I’ve ever had in my life. The sangria was good also. I also enjoyed the Salmon and risotto dish. Another fav restaurant was at ZaZa Bistro , a Moroccan, Brazilian and Meditaranian fusion. I loved the Moroccan styled second floor seating – great date night spot. For a good tasting American breakfast, try Gringo Cafe.
Here are a few things I did in Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Cable Car, Ipanema Beach, A Escadaria Selaron, Gabinete Portugues de leitura (reading room), rich Street art on Olympic Boulevard and the Rio Botanical Gardens.
All of the activities were either free or low cost. The views from Sugarloaf was amazing and is a MUST SEE. It’s where you can catch the best landscape of Rio which is a mix of mountain, jungle, lagoons, city and beaches. Speaking of beaches, I prefer Ipanema over Copacabana. Copacabana had more children and tourist than Ipanema.
As for nightlife, their are numerous clubs in the lapa district. “Fosfobox” isn’t in the lapa district but was my favorite place to party on their hiphop night. It was such a vibe. Btw, I stayed at an Airbnb that was walking distance near Ipanema Beach.
While in Rio, I used an Uber to get around EVERYWHERE. Every ride was between $2-10. It also helped with the language barrier. Seems like only 10% of the population spoke English. Lastly, Rio was very diverse so traveling while black made me fit right in.
I’ve been to Rio twice and every time I fall in love with it more. This 5 year Visa (for Canadians) is definitely gonna get used up.
Things to do:
Free walking tour with Rio By Foot (very informative)
Copacabana and Ipanema beach bumin (same strip, different sections and vibes)
Visit Christ the Redeemer
Sugarloaf Mountain
Visit the Escadaria Selaron in Lapa (during the day)
Party in Lapa (it’s Caiprihana time)
Hike Pedra do Telegrafo (about an hour and half drive away from Rio and 45 minute – 1 hour hike but totally worth it)
See a football match
Visit a Favela
Island Hopping from Rio (12-hour tour)
Roam the streets and check out food spots
Came to visit Brazil for my fiance’s birthday a while back. (QUICK NOTE: Their summer is from December-March, so it’s a good winter trip coming from the U.S.) This city stands alone to me. The city was so relaxing and beautiful. We stayed at the Hilton Barra hotel for a few nights first, then we stayed on Copacabana Beach at the PortoBay International Hotel. Top notch if you get one of the suites. Rio has some of the most beautiful beaches and the best steakhouses in the world. The steakhouses do get pricey though($50/person), so prepare. We did a tour booked through the Hilton which covered Christ The Reedemer, the Selaron Steps, The Cathedral Of Lapa, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the Sambodrome Stadium where they party for Rio Carnival. Also included steak house lunch at Carretao. Rio is very affordable, once you get pas the plane ticket & hotel. Another thing I love about Rio is that Black people get treated generally well, as long as you respect their culture, and make an effort to try local cuisines and customs. Also , they have Uber, and it’s cheap. And you can get an English driver if you don’t speak Portuguese. Traffic can get really bad at various points of the day, so get out early in the day and get your sightseeing done & give yourself enough time to take it all in. DO THE HANG GLIDING! Once in a lifetime experience!!! It’s my favorite city on the world, and I’ll definitely be back.
Heyyyy guys!! Sending love from Rio De Janeiro!! Came to visit Brazil for my 30th Birthday!! This was such a relaxing and beautiful experience. I was able to catch a 3 full days of good weather; I’m here during the their winter. The time I spent here consist of the Beach Drinking hanging with the locals and of course sight seeing. We did a 8 hour tour which covered Christ The Reedemer Selaron Steps Cathedral Of Lapa Sugar Loaf and samba Stadium. Also included steak house dinner at Carrareta amazing all of this for $98 per person. Rio in my opinion is inexpensive. When visiting I really suggest doing the tours because it gave us VIP to each landmark
I have been to Rio twice now, amidst preparations for the Olympics the first time, and the World Cup secondly. Nonetheless, it never gets old. Each time I stayed on the beach either a hotel on Copacabana or Airbnb on Lima. To get a better understanding of the beach, it spans from Lima to Copacabana to Ipanema. Lima is nearer to a military fort and thus quieter and more secure. Copacabana known to have many tourists while Ipanema has more locals. Arpoador rock, at the meeting of Copacabana and Ipanema, is one of the best places to catch the sunset. They’re always pickup sports and competitions on the beach, and frequent exercise in the early mornings and evenings on the strip. It’s not recommended to be on the beach at night for personal safety. Outside of the beach, there’s tons more to do. Brazil is known for its steak houses which can get a bit pricey and per kilo restaurants where you pay for the amount you eat. my ultimate favorites are the juice bars. Be sure to get a sucos de laranja and acai bowl with granola, because nowhere else will compare. Visiting Corcovado aka Christ the Redeemer is a must do as well as Sugarloaf Mountain. Some companies offer a direct transit to Christ the Redeemer, but I encourage opting for the train ride up for the full experience impact of scenery and live samba band.
I have Always love traveling to Rio De Janerio, it’s an iconic city from sights of Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer Statue that can be seen from many spots in the city..The beautiful beaches Ipanema,and Famous Copacobana beach lines with beautiful hotels, roof deck pool and sceneries .. also to visit the Tijuca Rainforest if you got the time is a Must see…I would recommend booking your tours through “Blame it on Rio Tour” his name is Bobby he will take good care of you… so much to see and do in a beautiful city…
Rio was definitely a monumental sight to see. I recommend exchanging money before you travel to Brazil. Rio has some of the most beautiful beaches and best Brazilian Steakhouses. People were friendly, especially when booking hotels and Airbnb host,
Activities I recommend is the Cristo, cable carts, Latin dance nights, Black slave museum (Museu Afro Pelourinho, Museu Naval, Museu Costa Pinto, Museu Culinária-SENAC, Museu Capoeira), cathedrals, capoeira, botanical gardens, river cruise and Sugar loaf mountain
Brazil was an amazing experience from beginning to end!!! However, I highly recommend exchanging your money before arriving in Brazil due to the fact the exchange rate will be much different. Contact your bank a few days before your trip and take it from there.
Set up an arrangement to be picked up from the airport prior to your arrival. But be ready to be haggled by many car companies while you make your way out of the airport. A firm “No” probably wont be enough. Just keep walking.
It is extremely easy to find affordable accommodations in Brazil. Take your time and do your research. I stayed in a hotel. But im sure I would’ve perferred an apartment for the days there.
Food there is interesting.
Go on as many tours of the country as you can. Thats where you will get to experience historical Brazil. But make sure u shop around. While there my group found a really great tour guide who drove us around to each site and food was included in the price. It was a full day tour for $120 USD
I write this review as I am in my hotel room in Rio and the time is about 6:30am while back at home I’m South Africa ?? they are 5 hours ahead.
Let me start by saying that Rio is an absolutely beautiful city. This city has so much life at every moment & when I say every moment I also mean in the early hours of the morning. People is Rio are always on the streets , working, jogging, partying or eating.
We came to Rio from South Africa using one of the national airlines called Latam, we flew to São Paulo and then took a connecting flight to Rio. In total it was close to 24 hours traveling time.
I really thought after all that traveling we would sleep the whole day, but to my surprise we were up after a 4 hour nap and we hit the streets of Rio. We headed straight to the beach , the promenade is extremely long and has restaurants at every 300 meters. Also on the promenade you’ll find plenty of locals selling souvenirs which go for an average of $2-5. I must say given all I heard with regards to crime, this is a really safe city with friendly people who are willing to help tourists that don’t speak Portuguese.
Some of the experiences in terms of local tours were:
A city tour which takes you to Christ the Redeemer , Sugarloaf Moutain, the famous steps known as Escadaria Selaron as well as a tour of the city of Rio. This tour for two cost about $100 per person.
We also went on a yatch cruise around Rio and parked in a remote spot where we could have late afternoon drinks (supplied by us) and take in the scenery of all the mountains , this cruise was $200 to rent the yatch for half the day.
Food in Rio is affordable, costing on average $8 person excluding drinks. The local drink of choice is the caparihana($1), it’s rwally strong but definitely worth it.
On Sundays the streets along the pomerade are closed off from cars , allowing for bikes and people to walk or skate through each beach. These is a flurry of activity during this time and the beach is packed and buzzing with life.
I would also encourage you to go on a guided Favela tour and see how most of the locals live , this tour is done my the Favela Brothers and is for a good cause. The money you pay towards the tour goes into an English school which teaches adults and kids in the Favela how to speak English. The tour will cost you about $40
I’m still here experiencing more of what this beautiful city has to offer.
I was in Rio with friends, it was a great experience.
It was like a dream come true when I saw the Cristo Redentor on the Corcovado, it’s just Amazing.
If you like sunset you have to go to Ipanema beach, and Pão de Azucar, both are great for beautiful Sunset.
You can see magnificent street art like the Mural of Eduardo Kobra « Etnias » it’s so wonderful.
Don’t miss the Escadaria Selaron, very famous in Rio, a lot of people make a line to take pictures there.
To get souvenirs cheaper, you can go to the Saara shopping district.
And you have to go to the big beach of Copacabana, a little bit cold at first but after 5 minutes in, you wouldn’t get out.
Brazilian are kind, Rio is a great city to visit.
We chose Rio de Janeiro as our honeymoon destination. It was everything we expected and much more! We purchased a hotel & flight package deal with Expedia.com and stayed 7 nights at the beautiful Orla Copacabana Beach Hotel. As American citizens, you’ll have to apply for a visa at your local consulate. That was the hardest part of our travel and everything was so easy. Although we went in July, it is Winter in Rio so there were hardly any tourists there. We never waited long for anything which was a bonus!
Since we were staying right on Copacabana Beach, we had easy access to shops, foods, banks and taxis. With the help of the hotel receptionist, we were able to book all our tours and excursions with just 1 day notice. We took a total of 5 tours during our honeymoon, Rochina Favela, a City tour and a Helicopter Tour Samba Show and day trip to Buzios. The Rochina Tour was the most heartwarming, we met locals, purchased art, visited schools and got to learn about the history and the future of the favela. The City tour was action packed! We visited Maracena Futbol stadium, Sambadrone, Oludum favela, Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, Corcovada Mountain,and Christ the Redeemer statue. We booked a helicopter tour over the city to get an up close and personal view of Christ the Redeemer.
We went to a fancy Samba show and we got a nice dinner, caprihinias and a history lesson of samba and capoeira. Finally our day tour to Buzios was a lovely romantic day island hopping on a small boat.
We felt very comfortable and safe during our visit. Our hotel receptionist would ask where we were going so he could provide info & safety tips. Even during a quick trip to the beach, he warned us to leave everything in the room and not leave anything unattended. Luckily we purchased fanny packs before our visit and it came in handy.
We are foodies but when we are traveling we tend to spend as little as possible on food and it helps us maintain our physique. Fast food is cheap ad plentiful in Rio. We would walk to a supermarket or food stand to get snacks, acai smoothies or small patties. We treated ourselves to a fancy Brazilian buffet recommenced by our hotel staff at Marius. So far it is the best (and most expensive) restaurant we have ever been too. We literally ate for about 3 hours gourmet seafood and fine meats. It was worth every penny!
We loved Brazil so much that we even considered moving there one day. We met a lot of ex-pats and were welcomed by almost anyone we encountered. For our honeymoon, we had a mix of everything, romance, adventure, relaxation and fun! It has something for every kind of traveler.
Rio is a beautiful city with endless great views. The culture is VERY laid back, the beach scene rules, they have late night parties and soccer games in the street and plazas. Make sure you go during the right time of year. Their high season (summer) is from Dec-Mar. Winter (Jun-Sept) is pretty slow in terms of nightlife and partying but is a great time to come and relax at the beach all day (the weather is still mid 70’s). The beach water was warm when I went in May, like Miami warm. Beware – The current in Ipanema is pretty strong so I wouldn’t recommend it for swimming. Mainly for getting sun, enjoying the ocean breeze, having a drink, playing volleyball, and people watching (and there is ALOT to watch, trust me!). It’s a pretty lively scene. There are locals on the beach all day serving drinks. They can get pretty aggressive so be firm if you don’t want anything and they’ll eventually leave you alone. One of the things I appreciated most about Brazil is that they don’t really have a ‘look’… there are Black Brazilians, white Brazilians, and everything in between. But to them you are just a ‘gringo’.
Rio was an amazing city to travel through with a group of black girlfriends! We went for a friends 30th birthday and truly enjoyed ourselves!
Flying from LA, the flight experience was decent, about 14 hours total. Once we hit the ground, we stayed in the Sheraton Hotel which we found to be beautiful. Not only did the hotel have 2 pools, but also boasted beautiful views of the city. We ventured out in the Leblon neighborhood which has fun upscale bars and restaurants. We also each picked an activity that we “had to do” in Rio which consisted of Christ the Redeemer statue (one of the 7 wonders of the world!), Rio cable car tour, famous escadaria painted stairs, iPanema beach and a fun night out in the Lapa area.
In terms of eats, you can stick to super cheap street food or high end top restaurants that could run you $150 a plate, it’s all up to your pockets and what your stomach can handle! If you’re a brave foodie, try the chicken hearts and popular Brazilian dish feijoada.
We truly felt welcomed as black travelers there, given that many people mistook us for being Afro-Brazilian and often tried speaking Portuguese to us by accident! Rio is truly a great place for friends, family and couples alike given all that there is to do around the city! I will definitely be returning soon!
I literally spent a day and a half in Brazil. I was pressed for time but i really want to visit Rio. I was able to visit the Christ add Redeemer, the famous red stairs, had dinner in the city, the food was amazing, the weather was great. I went around February. Went to the beach, there was a cool breeze but people where still on there swimming. The water was wayyy too cold for me. The clear blue sky was to die for !
My experience in Rio was quite mediocre but fun overall. There are quite a few sites to go see, but nothing beats the food and drink scene. On Copacabana beach and surrounding area there are several bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the sites and local cuisine. I can “caipirinha e’erday” if given a chance, but a must do is a Brazilian steak house in Brazil. Leave room for everything, starts slow the good stuff comes later!
Let me just say RIO is everything you’ve heard and more. Off the hook!! The real city that never sleeps. I was outside at midnight watching 4 different soccer games going on. We stayed in the Flamingo Hotel so we were in middle of it all. So many tours. We did a seven hour tour one day. So much culture and music and food. We toured the favela were Michael Jackson filmed “They Dont Care About Us.” We saw Pele’s house. We of course went to Lapa where Snoop and Pharrell did the video for “Beautiful.” So much too see and the city was very clean. We went after Carnival but they were setting up for the Olympics. Good times man can’t wait to go back.
My first impression of Rio is that this trip was going to be more of a cultural experience than a relaxing vacation (which is cool just a heads up). Navigating the city reminded me of NYC in some ways. There is a looot of energy in this city which is amazing to take in and can be a lot in moments.
One of my favorite moments was finally making it to the beach and having beer and snacks at one of the many beach bars.
I feel like my trip was simply walking from one place to eat to another. I LOVED trying traditional dishes that were so rich in flavor and culture – pao de queijo, feijoada, caipirinhas, etc. I can definitely say that my trip was FULLfilling in many ways.
Brazil was a great experience and a recommend for all. We were fortunate to find a guide that took us around and recommended the most affordable way to experience Brazil without paying extra for an excursion. Great night life and food. Most things were/are between affordable to mildly affordable. Airbnb can be best for places to stay.
Rio De Janeiro was one of the first places I’ve ever visited outside of the United States. I had just an okay experience. I should have done proper research before going because i went during the winter season so instead of having fun in the sun it was a bit chilly. The beaches were full of locals hounding you to buy things. I couldn’t close my eyes to relax without someone asking me to buy something. I went on a Jeep tour that took us to a couple of beautiful views. The highlight of my trip was visiting the slums. At first i was hesitant to visit because i didn’t want it to seem as if i was using someone’s struggle as my own entertainment. I am so glad i went, the money that we spent on the tour was donated to a school. It really gave me a better understanding of the culture and made me so grateful for the little things. We also volunteered at a the school we donated to. We were able to play with the kids and get a hands on understanding of what it’s like living there.
Brazil is one of my favorite places to go. Top 2 in my book. I love Copacabana Beach and the culture. There are tons of things to do if you are adventurous. I’ve been there 5 times and it never gets old. If you’re a single man, it is heaven on earth. I wish I saw more sistas from the states travel here. You rarely see African American women traveling here. Although they speak Portuguese some of the locals understand Spanish and the longer you’re there, the more you will pick up the language.
The touristy area is considered Copacabana and Inpanema. However, even in these areas the is an alarming amount of poverty. And depending where you are it can get a bit sketchy at night. If you want a more relaxed vibe with good dining options I’d also consider Leblon. Santa Teresa seemed like a viable option as well. I went durning carnival so we paid 3 times what the properties are typically worth but generally speaking most hotels these areas are very affordable by American standards Barra de tijuca seemed like you could get a lot more bang for your buck. The hotels are a lot more modern but it’s quite a ways out (about 30 min without traffic to Copacabana).
Rio is without a doubt one of my favorite cities. I visited in September 2016 and the weather was hot, but nice and cool at night.
I stayed within walking distance of Impanema Beach, close to a lot of great shops.
For night life I visited both Leblon and Lappa and had much more fun in Lappa. Keep in mind a lot of bars keep your ID, and if you loose your drink card there’s a larger fee to pay.
Tourists attractions like Christ the Reedeemer, Sugar Loaf and the mosaic stairs are must sees.
Be smart and keep to populated, well lit areas and you’ll be safe from any crime.
Make sure you try a caipirinha and brazilian barbeque at least once!
Went to Rio in October 2017 and absolutely loved it! The temperature was perfect, 25-32 degrees celsius with minimal rain. I stayed in Leblon, right by the beach which was central to both the subway and getting around.
Recommendations in the city:
Food:
– Copacabana Palace for Sunday brunch, slightly pricey but well worth the trip
– For fine dining dinner, I would try Oro, they were given a Michelin star in 2017 and 2018 and by far one of the best meals of my life for half the cost of a normal Michelin star meal.
– For great affordable meal, I would recommend Miam Miam, they are rated great value and have the best beignets :)
– Jobi is a great place for a traditional local meal and not too expensive!
Places to see:
– Ipanema beach, I would rent a local bike and ride down the cost- it’s super safe during the day/ weekends and a great way to get exercise
– Christ the Redeemer is a MUST SEE, try and get there as early as possible. With he heat and the crowds of people you want to ensure you get a great shot!
– Sugarloaf mountain is fantastic, I would recommend going a couple hours before sunset and then staying to watch it, its one of the best sunsets I’ve seen in my entire life.
– Escaderia Selaron is a great tourist attraction. Be careful when heading there as it’s super close to downtown Rio and that area is not always the safest. Just be alert, try and put your phone away if possible.
RIO DE JANEIRO was definitely a BEAUTIFUL place. My husband and I stayed on Copacabana beach and had an AMAZING view of the beach from our hotel. Rio is a place filled was so much culture. Their is also a lot of sightseeing to do in the city. We took a helicopter tour around the city and the view was absolutely breathtaking. The Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf mountain, Copacabana, and Ipanema beach are a MUST when visiting this city and the views are beautiful. One of the most amazing things in RIO is the FOOD!! OMG we ate so much meat and until we were stuffed at the Brazilian steakhouses and wow do they continue to bring you meat. So much delicious food its unbelievable. The two things I will say about Rio that a traveler should know beforehand is the safety as it is known as a place to always be aware of your surroundings when out walking and also the cost. The cost in RIO is pricey compared to other Brazilian cities. However, this city should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list. We stayed for a week and loved it!
Rio was great!! Not only for the weather and the beautiful women, but the welcome we received from the locals. They were friendly and very helpful, when help with direction was needed, the ones who spoke English at least. From meeting new friends, to nightlife, attractions etc. Rio had all the above to offer with great pleasure. It reminded me of my hometown, Jamaica, and how the locals are rich in life despite some areas being poor. Christ the Redeemer is a masterpiece and a must see if visiting. The beaches were amazing and so was the weather (September ‘16). I would def recommend visiting Rio!