RIO DE JANIERO – Brazil

Rio de Janiero Samba! Caipirinhas! Carnaval! Thongs!
The drive from Galeão – Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport into the city gives you a taste of the wonder that is Rio de Janiero- “River of January” – a city of extremes and one that never sleeps!

Set between the sea and the mountains the city is simply gorgeous. Locals love Rio calling it “cidade maravilhosa” or the marvellous city and referring to themselves as Cariocas for being part of what is undoubtedly the world’s most beautiful city setting. One of the world’s densest cities, it never sleeps and it is easy to get around day or night. Cariocas are friendly folks who always have time for the sensual pleasures of good living and the rhythm of samba. The smell, sights and sounds all add to this thrill! My first adjective for Rio was – ‘sensual’ and I still maintain it.

Rio by Night - From Sugar Loaf Mountains

Once again my experience of this city was an action packed 3 nights when I soaked in as much of the flavours, colours, sights and oomph of the city. Let me take you through the must dos if you embark here and do not have much time in hand. You can still return soaked in attitude with a perpetual desire to come back.

Copacabana and Ipanema: are the two most famous urban beaches in the world and very honestly this city has worked hard to keep these treasures in pristine yet earthy shape, that allows you to indulge. 45 miles of white sand fringes the city and a walk down either beach makes you welcome no matter who you are – its for every one and has something for every one too! Must do:Don’t miss the green coconut, a hand of beach volley ball and if possible a massage on the beach – divine experience!
Must Not Do: Be on the sands after sun down – you are inviting trouble – although you could happily walk on the paved paths anytime.

Ipanema

Ipanema is a neighborhood that summarizes the best Rio de Janeiro has to offer. There’s a legendary beach, a bustling nightlife, restaurants to write home about, the most sophisticated street shopping in town, cultural centers, museums, excellent hotels in all price ranges…Better yet, everything is in a walking distance, and it’s easy to find your way around. Streets are lined up in a grid, and you have the beach and Lagoa as your references. If you had only one day in Rio, and you want to experience the city like a local instead of a tourist, this is the place you would be heading to.

Copacabana is one of the reasons why people fall in love at first sight with Rio. The Princess of the Sea is one of the best areas for you to stay, with a higher concentration of hotels than any other neighborhood in town. Like Ipanema and Leblon, Copacabana and Leme share the same beach. This is where Rio’s New Year’s Celebrations happen, attracting 2 million people every year.
The Tijuca Forest (Floresta da Tijuca in Portuguese) is a mountainous hand-planted rainforest in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the world’s largest urban forest, covering some 32 km².

Inside Tijuca Forest

This forest is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many threatened by extinction, found only in the Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlântica in Portuguese). After all the original forest had been destroyed to make way for coffee farms, Tijuca was replanted by Major Manuel Gomes Archer in the second half of the 19th century, in a successful effort to protect Rio’s water supply.

Christ The Redeemer & Corcovado Mountains: The trip to Tijuca Forest starts at the Corcovado Mountains which hosts the famous landmark of Rio – the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The statue stands on the hill of Corcovado, which is 710 m tall (about 2,400 feet). The Statue of Christ stands 30 meters high (100 feet), covered in a mosaic of soapstone. On its base there is a small chapel. You may prefer to go with a group on a guided tour, so you have someone giving you tips about the city’s geography, the neighborhoods and some landmarks and attractions. The train ride up the mountain is a plus, as it goes through a nature trail.

Christ The Redeemer

Sugar Loaf Mountains: A must visit on your own – try being there around 4pm so that you can experience the sun set and Rio coming alive with lights!

Do a guided tour of the city which is a must. Pick-up is generally at the Hotel or at a pre-designated point, going through the South Zone Beaches, it stops for photos at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, and following to the Corcovado, where you will get on board the train to visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Stop for lunch in a Churrascaria, moving on to Morro da Urca, where you will get on board the Cable Cars to visit Sugarloaf with beautiful sights of Rio. Tour passes by the Guanabara Bay, Botafogo, Flamengo, Gloria with views of monuments, parks and churches. Visit to downtown, Lapa, Metropolitan Cathedral and Rio Branco Avenue with views of historical buildings. Tickets to to the attractions and lunch is generally included in the deal.

Inside Maracana Stadium

Maracana Stadium:One of the largest football stadiums in the world, this spectacle is worth a visit – the greats like Pele, Garrincha, Zico, Romario are immortalised with their trophies, jerseys, footprints etc. Spend an hour there if you love football.

Food:

Casa da Feijoada a restaurant in Ipanema, specialising in Brazilian food. It’s a cozy place to go with your date, friends or family.
Here you can taste the most famous Brazilian plate – Feijoada! They serve a very tasty one and besides that, the staff there will take good care of you.
Rua Prudente de Moraes, 10 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
Phone#:(55)(21) 2523-4994

Sobrenatural:This restaurant is located in a very traditional quarter in Rio de Janeiro. Sobrenatural is located in the heart of Santa Teresa, right next to handmade arts and crafts stores and local artists’ workshops. The neighbourhood’s very famous and charming tram passes by a few feet away from the restaurant. It is famous for the fresh fish that goes to the restaurant right after being caught. The music is nice too as they play good Brazilian music.
Rua Almirante Alexandrino 432, St. Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
(55)(21)2244-1003

Rio Scenarium

Miam Miam:An amazing restaurant, with great food, delicious drinks and unique decoration. It looks like an antique shop and they can also sell the furniture if you like. Highly recommended.
www.miammiam.com.br/
Rua Gòes Monteiro 34
Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
+55 21 2244-0125

Palaphita Kitch:Here you can order good native food from northern Brazil and eat looking at Rodrigo de Freitas’s Lagoon. You can feel closer to nature and have a fantastic view with your meal. Pai d’égua e arrombado is recommended – Delicious!
Avenida Epitácio Pessoa, S/N Qiosque 20 – Parque do Cantagalo – Lagoa
(55) (21) 2227-0837

Marius: If you are willing to spend slightly more, try Marius. A real nice restaurant. It looks like a bit like an under water cave. Very nice ambience, the waiters always pays attention and are very friendly.
The food is very good. You can choose between meat dishes or fish dishes. You also have a huge salad bar and buffet with oysters and other sea fruits.
They have a good wine selection and if you have too much to drink – men, you have a chance to relive yourselves on crushed ice!!! Honest….
Avenue Atlantica – 290, Copacabana, Rio de Janiero

Copacabana

Must Do:
Rio Scenarium:
Rio Scenarium stands out among Rio de Janeiro bars, as it helped trigger a renovation trend in Lapa, a historic district with a strong musical and nightlife tradition dating back to the first half of the twentieth century.

Rio Scenarium is in one of three major nightlife hubs you’ll find once you pass the eighteenth-century Lapa arches, a gateway to the district: the maracatu area at and around Parada da Lapa, where you can listen to this vibrant northeastern rhythm, the bars on Rua Mem de Sá, including also-famous Estrela da Lapa, and the Rua do Lavradio area, where Rio Scenarium is located.

Please don’t miss this place…..definitely worth it!!!