"Hanging out in Rio" Rio de Janeiro by toonsarah

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: 3,628 reviews and 6,543 photos

Rio with Corcovado beyond, from the Sugarloaf

We started our trip to Brazil, as I imagine most people must do, with a few days in Rio de Janeiro. I have always loved cities by the sea, and Rio fits the bill beautifully.

The sweep of each bay is perfectly set between a series of headlands, the most famous of which is the steep outcrop of the Sugarloaf or the Pau de Açucar. And behind the city the hills are still covered in places by vestiges of the ancient rainforests, while on the highest the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer stands as if to protect the city.

This beauty of course masks considerable poverty, which it is all too easy for the short-term visitor to forget. But that doesn’t make this anything other than an amazing destination and one to which I would love to return some day.

Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado

Although we only had a few days we managed to see quite a lot. Of course we went up the Sugar Loaf mountain, and also up to the Christ the Redeemer statue.

We spent time on Copacabana and Ipanema, soaking up the atmosphere and sipping coconut juice. And we went to a match at the Maracanã Stadium, a must for any football fan!

Match at the Maracanã Stadium

Remember that we were here some years ago. I’ve done my best to check that all my info is up to date but I appreciate things may have changed. Please do let me know if you spot any errors or discover changes that I should correct.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A stunning setting for a city, and lots to see and do
Cons:The sights are quite spread out

Last visit to Rio de Janeiro: Oct 2001
Intro Updated Dec 24, 2011
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (13)

Copacabana and beyond, from the Sugarloaf - Rio de Janeiro

City by the sea Favorites (1)

The coastline of Rio is a series of bays, each with its own character. Those nearer the city centre, such as Flamengo... more travel advice

Parati Off The Beaten Path (1)

About a four hour drive south of Rio is the pretty colonial town of Parati, which is well worth a visit if you have... more travel advice

Seafood and local cuisine - Rio de Janeiro

Seafood and local cuisine Restaurants (1)

We ate one evening at the Copacabana branch of this small Rio restaurant chain. Websites say that it can get busy after... more travel advice

Coconuts Local Customs (2)

At regular intervals along Copacabana, Ipanema and the other beaches you will find little stalls selling refreshments... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Stone's throw from Copacabana
Been to Rio de Janeiro?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (18)

Reply
- Report abuse
balhannah Aug 13, 2012 at 3:55 AM

I would like to see Christ the Redeemer. Sounds like it is just as big as it looks! Your page which made me wonder just how busy it will be when the Olympics are held here!
Reply
- Report abuse
magor65 Jan 29, 2011 at 12:29 PM

All those familiar names like Corcovado or Copocabana affect my senses so much that I would go there straight away. As it's not possible at the moment, I've enjoyed really much my little virtual trip with you.
Reply
- Report abuse
Yaqui Oct 29, 2010 at 9:14 AM

A trip to Rio de Janeiro wouldn't be complete without visiting The Christ Monument in Corcovado. Absolutely fabulous. Although, the cathedral in Rio looks wonderful too. The stained glass is spectacular! Excellent page!
Reply
- Report abuse
Arkeolog Feb 28, 2009 at 10:50 AM

Great page with good photos and useful tips. congrats. best wishes. Bora
Reply
- Report abuse
robertgaz Feb 3, 2009 at 4:27 PM

A cool Coco Gelado at the oh so cool Copacabana!
Reply
- Report abuse
ATXtraveler Oct 20, 2008 at 10:33 AM

Your trip mirrored our own experience with Rio... I would go back in a heart beat! Sorry to hear of your Botafogo loss, we watched them win a match.
Reply
- Report abuse
yumyum Oct 5, 2008 at 7:57 AM

I started a cruise from Rio at the beginning of January 2000.
Reply
- Report abuse
sourbugger Sep 11, 2008 at 5:48 AM

if i was walking along the copacabana i doubt my eyes would be turned by a hotel !
Reply
- Report abuse
deecat Apr 4, 2008 at 8:29 AM

Accolades for an alluring groups of tips with vivid descriptions and much variation. The information about the food game and stadium were great. Your articulate, astute, and captivating narratives are, indeed, a delight to read.
Reply
- Report abuse
HORSCHECK Mar 27, 2008 at 1:06 PM

Fabulous updates here. I would love to take the train to Corcovado. Well done. :-)