Rio de Janeiro has for a long time been a bit of a fantasy destination. While I never have made plans to go, the city keeps presenting itself as it signs up to host world events like the World Cup of 2014 and the next Olympics. I recently had some work plans which took me to Sao Paulo, so I thought I would add on a few days to explore this less business focused side of Brazil. It was only a two day stay, but I felt I got a great taste for the energy of the city and warmth of its people.

EXPERIENCE

Rio, like many seaside towns, is a great place for a holiday whether you are a Brazilian or tourist. The city is loaded with attractions both natural and man made, and home to one of the modern world wonders, Christ the Redeemer. Obvious attractions begin with the beaches. Impanema and Copacabana are just stunning with mountain views in the distance and beautiful Brazilian bodies basking in the foreground. These beaches are great to relax on, but be sure to save time for a walk along the boardwalk to take in the surfer culture and artistic sand castles. 

I had a very limited amount of time while in Rio and was traveling this portion of my trip solo. Rio is not particularly easy to get around, so I took a day tour. I’d highly recommend the company I went with, please feel free to inquire for details, but both the company and my guide were exceptional and it made sightseeing much more efficient. Stops included Paineiras, Monument to Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Tourist Complex, Maracanã Soccer Stadium, Sambodrome, Metropolitan Cathedral, Escadaria Selarón’s Lapa Steps and São Bento Monastery. The day began with a hotel pickup and we were off to Corcovado Hill (Christ the Redeemer Statue), then Sugar Loaf Mountain and Downtown Rio. I really enjoyed getting a taste of the rainforest in Tijuca National Forest. And nothing makes me happier than a chance to see wild monkeys! We had a few hiccups being a rainy day and the final day of Carnaval, but the experience was fantastic. This is a city I’d love to return to, perhaps even to get a better look at this modern world wonder.

I happened to get lucky and be in Rio for the final night of Rio’s famous Carnaval. I was able to attend the Samba Schools Winner’s Parade in Sambodrome. This was an experience I will never forget. Depsite the rain, the show went on and was more lavish and over the top than I could have ever imagined. If you have the chance to attend, I assure you it is worth it!

STAY

While in Rio I only had two nights in the city and chose to stay in Impanema near the beach.  I was told this area was particularly safe and provides easy access to both the beach and restaurants. Copacabana is another nice beach area, which is very similar. If you are seeking a more secluded experience you may try exploring up the hillside and looking at Maria Theresa. Be aware that the streetcar that travels up to this area has been broken down for a long time, this area is beautiful, but very hilly so getting around will be significantly more challenging. I stayed at the Promenade Visconti, which proved very nice. This place has a great location, a gym, though no pool. For a few nights, I felt very safe, had lot of space and found the beaches a fine place to swim and sun. 

EAT

Rio is a city on the sea. The highlights of my eating experience reflected this as well as the climate. This seems to be the ideal country for growing fruit, exotic fruit. I managed to piece together many sugar rich meals from the farmer’s market near my hotel. One day I experienced Brazilian barbecue, there are many options for the meat hungry, but I had a wonderful experience at Carretao. I’d suggest doing the on/off meat card style meal as a lunch, it is simply too heavy for the evening. Buffets are popular here for lunch and dinner and can often be more than enough if you just visit the salads side. Dinner in Brazil is enjoyed very late at night, so plan ahead with snacks and a late lunch to tide you over. Other favorite food items here included ceviche stops and fruity caipirinhas. 

The brightness of the scenery, people and cuisine make Rio a magical and enticing place. It is hard to imagine another city with as much energy as this place seems to radiate. If I have the chance to return to Brazil one day, the Amazon Rainforest and Iguazu Falls are at the top of my list– however Rio De Janerio is a place I see myself visiting again in the future.