Rio de Janeiro Things to Do Tips by tere1

Corcovado is the mountain dominating the Rio skyline. On the top is the statue of "Cristo Redentor" , Christ the Redeemer. This statue was built to commemorate 100 years of Brazilian independence. The view of the city from the top is amazing and well worth a visit!

More than a postcard, the statue of Christ has been elected “The Wonder of Rio” by residents. From its location at the top of the 710 meters high Corcovado Mountain, the 38-meter statue is the image of the faith and friendliness of cariocas. With arms boldly stretched in welcome, he embraces the city and the magnificent Bay over which he looks.

To get to Corcovado there is a train that crosses the the biggest urban forest in the world: the Tijuca National Park, a stretch of the Atlantic Forest that is considered a example of the nature's preservation.

Leave a Comment

Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca

The height and unmistakable outline of Sugarloaf makes it one of the main attractions of Rio de Janeiro.

The most popular way of reaching the top is to take the cable car ( bondinho). Going up, you will first pass by the Praia Vermelha (Red Beach). Reaching the top, you will find out the Sugarloaf offers incredible views of the oceans and beaches, the city and the mountains as far away as the Tijuca National Park.

Access to the cable car is located across the General Tiburcio square and tickets for both legs are sold at the ground station for $8 per person. The station holds a basic infrastructure comprising souvenir stores, toilets, an information office, schedule boards and photographs of the cable car history.

The service runs every 30 minutes from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Leave a Comment

Address: Avenida Pasteur, 520 - Urca

The Botanical Gardens are a true ecological sanctuary and one of the ten most important in the world. Besides housing the rarest species of plants from the flora of Brazil and other countries, it is also an excellent leisure option for children and adults and a delight for those who wish to contemplate nature.

Among the approximately 8200 specimens of the gardens’ live collection, the highlights are the imperial palm trees and threatened species such as “pau-brasil”, “acará amarelo” and “pau mulato”, the medicinal plots and the Japanese gardens. The orchid house is a spectacle by itself !

The Botanical Gardens are open everyday from 8 am to 5 pm. If you are going to Rio you shouldn't give it a miss!

Leave a Comment

Address: Rua Jardim Botânico
Website: www.jbrj.gov.br

Ipanema is situated between the Copacabana and Leblon areas and for me it's one of the best areas in town.

This sophisticated district offers a lively night life scene with an enticing blend of beach, bars and boutiques. A major attraction throughout the day, its sands also welcome countless after-dark visitors, including joggers and other athletes who cluster at its kiosks, pedal along the bicycle path and make good use of special lighting to exercise and relax.

Some of the best shops and restaurants are situated in the Ipanema area.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Between Copacabana and Leblon.

Copacabana is a well known area of Rio . I personally don't like much the area as it's gettin more and more unsafe, specially if you go to the interior zone. The beachfront though is still safe. Here is where the famous hotel Copacabana Palace is situated.

A center of activity both night and day, its beach is lined with kiosks, a bicycle path and racks, lifeguard posts, public showers and bathrooms, hotels, bars and open-air restaurants.

There are two separate beaches here: Leme and Copacabana. Copacabana remains one of the favourite beaches for tourists who travel to Rio.

Leave a Comment

Home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, found only in the Atlantic Rainforest, the Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban forest, covering some 3,200 hectares.

It's situated just a short drive from the financial center downtown, the North Zone and Rio's smart beach districts, its attractions include the Cascatinha Waterfallll, the Mayrink Chapel, the Excelsior Lookout Point and the Paul and Virginia Grotto.

This forest is a privileged place where nature and culture harmonize and complement each other.

Leave a Comment

Address: Praça Afonso Viseu, Alto da Boa Vista - Tijuca

Carnaval is a special date for Brazilians. In Rio then "cariocas" have the best party of all!
The Carnaval partying begins on Friday and lasts until tuesday.

There is a big parade in the Sambodromo, where all the samba schools compete for the best of the year. Each district chooses a theme and the parade is about that theme. All clothes , alegoric cars and everything begins to be prepared for the next year as soon as that year's Carnaval is over.

It's an amazing show, full of colour, music, rhythm and lights and no one who goes to Rio at that time of year should miss it. To have a place at the Sambodromo you have to buy a ticket. They usually cost $200-300 but it's well worth the money. It's a life time experience!

Leave a Comment

Surrounded by Rio’s favourite neighborhoods _ Lagoa, Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea e Jardim Botânico – framed by mountains and embraced by Christ the Redeemer, the Lagoon is an impressive sight at sunset as the light reflects on its serene quiet waters and it becomes a meeting place for cariocas and visitors.

The banks of the lagoon contain one of the best-equipped leisure areas in the city and invite the visitor to go walking, jogging or cycling on bicycles hired on the spot. There are 3 parks that offer countless sporting and gastronomic options.

It's a delightful place to go unwind and relax for a couple of hours.

Leave a Comment

Address: Avenida Epitácio Pessoa e Avenida Borges de Medeir

Sao Conrado is one of of Rio de Janeiro's prettiest neighborhoods. It's about 10 minutes away from Leblon.

São Conrado has two condominiums with luxury apartment buildings. They are home to many of Rio's rich and famous, including the mayor. There are also private streets up the hills lined up with posh mansions.

The area is served by the Fashion Mall. This sophisticated shopping center featuring world-famous labels has movie theaters, and good restaurants and eateries.

In contrast to all the glitz and glamour, São Conrado is where you will find Rocinha. Rio de Janeiro's largest favela.

And if you ever considered hanggliding, this is the spot for you to get started. You may go on a dual flight with an experienced professional, and the view is simply fantastic.

Leave a Comment

Directions: 10 minutes from Leblon.

The Visconde de Pirajá may be the most attractive commercial street in Rio - especially if you are not a fan of hyper malls, like me. It's situated in Ipanema.

The street is lined up with banks, bars, restaurants, travel agencies and some of Rio's best boutiques. There are also many specialty shops, hotels, gyms, night clubs, 24-hour bookstands, drugstores... you will find everything you could be looking for, and then some more.

It's my favourite place for shopping in Rio!

Leave a Comment

Directions: Ipanema