Sightseeing

Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain):

• Hop on 2 cable cars to ascend Pão de Açúcar, offering breathtaking vistas of Rio's skyline, beaches, and Guanabara Bay. There are nice walks, shops, and snacks at the top. 
• Sunset is an especially magical time to visit, as the city lights begin to twinkle against the dusky sky.
• We also love going up early in the day, before it gets too hot or too crowded.
• * Maggie's favorite attraction in Rio (besides the beach, of course)

Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer):

• No visit to Rio is complete without marveling at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Take a scenic train ride through Tijuca National Park to reach the base, then ascend to enjoy panoramic views of the city and coastline.
• You can also hire a driver at the bottom of the hill to take you up. They'll usually stop halfway up for some great views - there are a series of steps at that stops. Then you get tickets, get in line, and get into another van to get up to the top. 

Jardim Botânico and Parque Lage (Botanical Garden):

Nestled at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, the Jardim Botânico is a verdant oasis spanning over 340 acres, showcasing a diverse collection of tropical flora from around the world. Highlights include:

• Parque Lage (Lage Park): Located at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, Parque Lage is a historic public park nestled within the grounds of a former coffee plantation. Explore its enchanting landscape and architectural treasures. Palácio do Lage: Marvel at the neoclassical mansion, Palácio do Lage, which serves as a cultural center and houses art exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year. *You need to prebook this or wait in a very chaotic line.
• Orchidarium: Wander through the Orchid House, home to over 7000 species of orchids, including rare and endangered varieties.
• Imperial Palms Avenue: Stroll along the iconic palm-lined avenue, flanked by towering royal palms that date back to the garden's founding in the early 19th century.

• Sensorial Garden: Engage your senses in the Sensorial Garden, where aromatic herbs, tactile plants, and soothing sounds create a sensory journey through nature.

Beaches

Beach Culture: 

• Each beach has Postos (like numbered lifeguard posts) as well as numbered beach stalls that set up chairs, umbrellas, and make sure you don't go thirsty!
• Try the agua de coco (fresh coconut water), a caipirinha (get creative with the fruit choices - maracujá = passionfruit, abacaxi = pineapple), and a caipiroska - made with vodka instead of cachaça.
• There's also vendors selling loads of food - you should probably avoid the shrimp (unless the vendor has a grill - then go for it), but otherwise anything is fair game. Including beach corn!
• Get your bikinis out! Or go shop for a tiny one. You'll see every body shape, shade, size - everyone's having a great time! No shame here. 
• Here's a helpful guide to the postos: https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/brazil/articles/a-postos-guide-to-the-beaches-of-rio-de-janeiro 
• We will share the number of the beach flags where we are in the Whatsapp Group Chat (info to come)

Copacabana Beach:

Relax on the world-famous Copacabana Beach, with its golden sands stretching for 4 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. Rent a beach chair, sip on refreshing caipirinhas, and soak up the sun while watching beach volleyball matches and lively street performers.

Ipanema Beach:

Join the fashionable crowd at Ipanema Beach, known for its trendy vibe, clear waters, and stunning sunset views. Walk along the promenade, known as the "Calçadão," to browse boutique shops, sip coconut water, and sample local snacks like grilled cheese on the beach. Sunset is incredible - a must-expierence!

Eating + Drinking

More info to come

I hope you like barbeque. 

Other Hotels

Here are a few other options for hotels if you are looking for something different than the Pestana Atlantico, where we'll be staying. There are a variety of choices for all preferences and price points. Keep in mind Rio is different - the quality may not be what you expect. Inside the red mark are nice and safe areas that are close to the beach. The closer to the beach, the better! Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana and Leme are all nice places to stay.

Reasonable Accommodation: 

• Selina Copacabana
• Orla Copacabana
• Hilton Copacabana
• Yoo2 Botafogo
• Windsor (brand with lots of options)

Higher End Accommodation: 

• Hotel Emiliano
• Hotel Fasano
• Belmond Copacabana Palace
• Santa Teresa Hotel RJ MGallery
• Janeiro
• Hotel Aproprador

Get to Know Rio: Pre-Trip Recs

A few things to get you excited

Here are some great movies, shows, music and books to get you in the Carioca spirit. 

• How to Be a Carioca - a heartwarming 6 episode show that gives a perfect intro to Rio (our top recommendation)
• Rio - great animated movie that takes place in the city, so cute. And Rio 2 is based in the Amazon, also cute. 
• Classic Rio movies: (don't get scared about  the violence, it's just a movie)
  • Era Uma Vez (Once upon a time in Rio) - star crossed lovers
  • Tropa de Elite (Elite Squad) - good special police drama

• Dona Flor and her Two Husbands - a movie and a book!
• The Seven Sisters - cheesy fiction, with a bit of a historical love story, easy read. Recommended by Suzy Bomze, and as a bonus - here's the locations in the book 
• Not about Rio, but Willian says Senna is an iconic F1 Driver from Brasil and the movie is worth watching

Frequently Asked Questions