View from Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car
Rio de Janeiro is a fun and enchanting city! Known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and lively culture, Rio is a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. Whether you're drawn to the rhythmic beats of samba, the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue, or simply the allure of beautiful Copacabana beach, Rio has something to offer everyone. In this blog post, I'll highlight my first trip to Rio de Janeiro, its top attractions, delicious cuisine, and practical travel tips to ensure an unforgettable visit.
I decided to stay at the Ibis Copacabana Posto 5. My friend and I stayed for 6 days, and we were absolutely satisfied with our choice of hotel. It was only a short one-block walk to the beach, shops, and restaurants. The hotel had a restaurant that we ate at once during our stay. The food was satisfying for hotel food. The accommodation was clean and priced right for what we wanted.
Upon arrival, I decided to get a taxi from the airport to the hotel in Copacabana. This turned out to be a big mistake as the person helping travelers catch taxis at the airport tried to hustle me. I think I ended up overpaying for my taxi by about USD 15 and the taxi driver ended up taking me to the wrong Ibis. He dropped me off at a hotel that was 2 blocks from my hotel. I ended up just turning on Google Maps and walking to the correct hotel once the front desk staff informed me of the error. I told the taxi driver the correct hotel he just took me to the only Ibis he knew the location of. My friend, who met me at the hotel, had a better experience arranging transportation from the airport to the hotel because she prearranged her transportation through booking.com, costing around USD 20. This is the method I used to return to the airport once it was time to go back home.
Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches are world-famous beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching. I especially loved how the beaches in Copacabana were a one-stop shop, if that is what you desire. I even bought a silk dress from a vendor on the beach. The peddlers on the beach truly make it unnecessary to go anywhere else to buy anything.
While in Rio we did the typical tourist things such as visit
Christ the Redeemer: Standing tall atop Corcovado Mountain, this iconic statue offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you can see from the photo it was very crowded at the monument and impossible to get a photo without a bunch of tourist in it.
Christ The Redeemer
I took a cable car ride on Sugar Loaf Mountain to the summit to view unmatched vistas of Rio's landscape and coastline.
We visited Tijuca National Park where I managed to glimpse a Toucan taking flight while riding along on a jeep tour.
We booked a tour of the Favelas through an AirBnB experience it was called Get To know Litte Africa in Rio de Janeiro. We thought this tour would be great to gain insight into Rio's diverse culture by exploring its favelas with guided tours that support local communities.
The thing I liked the most about Rio was the street art. Captivating street art and murals adorn the city's walls, telling stories of its people and history.
Rio Street Mural
Street Mural
The one activity we participated in which could be considered partaking in the night life was to go to the Rio Scenarium so that we could hear a live band. The decor in this place is what attracted me to it. It has seven environments on 3 floors. If you want to check it out, I suggest you make a reservation online. The music, food, and drinks did not disappoint.
While Rio is generally safe for tourists, it's important to be cautious, avoid flashing valuables, and heed local advice. We were two female travelers and we never felt unsafe. We used Uber exclusively while in Rio with no problems.
Portuguese is the official language, so learning a few basic phrases can enhance your experience. Also, make sure that you have Google Translate downloaded on your cellphone to assist.
The Brazilian Real (BRL) is the currency, and credit cards are widely accepted.
Rio de Janeiro offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you're exploring its iconic landmarks, indulging in delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in the rhythms of samba, Rio promises an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the magic of Rio de Janeiro. Your Brazilian adventure awaits!
