| Rio de Janeiro has earned its sexy and scintillating reputation
(and its nickname, “Cidade Maravilhosa,” or “The Marvelous City”)
the easy way — it simply lives up to it everywhere you turn.
The dramatic landmarks of Sugarloaf and the Christ the Redeemer statue
lording over spectacular stretches of famed urban beaches like
#Copacabana and #Ipanema; delicious food and wine with a #Latin flair;
the sensual moves of #samba #dance and #rhythms of traditional music
on display every day of the year including,
of course, the #bacchanalian #Carnival; and a passionate, cosmopolitan
and, most of all, friendly people are only some of the ways that Rio
constantly affirms its status as a favorite travel destination.
Its reputation will only grow when it played host to the
Summer Olympics in 2016.
While not the largest city in the 190 million-resident behemoth that is
Brazil — that honor goes to Sao Paulo — Rio’s six million diverse residents
(called “Cariocas”) are keenly proud of their city’s stature. They are the
most outspoken, lively and just plain fun people you’ll probably ever
encounter. The Cariocas’ unmistakable joie de vivre and welcoming spirit
is infectious, as they’ll gladly share their local secrets on where to go to
experience the most important architectural treasures, the most
cutting-edge art museums, the most action-packed water sports,
or the most memorable caipirinha (the national drink that packs a wallop).
But this isn’t surprising. Who wouldn’t have an open outlook on life living
in this perpetually sunny, joyful and fascinating melange of Portuguese,
African, European and South American cultures!
Another definite advantage to visiting Rio and Brazil as a tourist is that it
remains one of the few true travel bargains left today in this age of the
dollar. Like its more dressed-up cousin to the south, Buenos Aires, Rio
offers the opportunity to live grandly for a day or a week on a much
smaller budget than in comparable cities like Paris or London,
with reasonable prices for five-star accommodations, good bargain prices
for world-class cuisine and wine, and the ability to shop till you drop when searching out the latest trendy fashion items and jewelry.
While inarguably exciting, visiting Rio is still equated with the word
“danger” in some conversations. In reality, there are some safety
concerns if you venture far out of the normal tourist quarters.
But the overall situation for visitors has improved greatly in the
past decade, and pickpocketing and mugging incidents are not common. So kick back and relax as you are drawn into Rio’s magnificent orbit.
I have been to Brazil, from the far North to the far South, and have NEVER
had a negative experience. BUT one must always be ever vigilant,
just like one would be at home. Do not wear expensive jewelry.
do not flash a lot of cash, use good common sense!
JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24|7|365
What to See
 Beautiful and glamorous beaches are the huge attraction in
Rio de Janeiro, and are part of the daily social and recreation fabric
of all Cariocas. The two most famous — Copacabana and Ipanema —
are easily accessible and ideal for day-trippers who want to plunge
headlong into this most democratic of activities (look for raucous kids
from the favelas, or slums, sitting right next to wealthy, posing locals
and hordes of hip gay men from the U.S. and Europe).
Copacabana, a long two-mile stretch, is lined with high-rise hotels and
cafes, and attracts more tourists than locals. The mile-long beach at
Ipanema, south of Copacabana, is more about “the scene”
(the tighter the body, squeezed into the smaller the swimsuit, the better).
But everyone, no matter where they come from or what they look like,
feels welcome at Rio’s beaches. To better take in the remarkable beauty
of the water and beaches (and hone your people-watching skills!),
rent bikes and rollerblades and just hang loose like the locals.
Downtown, there are numerous gorgeous churches dating back to the
17th century. Among those worth seeing is Convento do Santo Antonio
(Largo da Carioca 5), which dates back to 1615; don’t miss its
colonial-era artifacts. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria
(Praca Pio X) represents Brazil’s 18th century.
At the Mosteiro de Sao Bento (Rua Dom Gerardo 32),
the highlight among many is its intricately wood-carved altar.
For those with more contemporary tastes, check out the daring and
modern Catedral de Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro
(Avenue Republica do Chile 245), which was built in the early 1960’s.
Art museum aficionados should head to Rio’s Flamengo neighborhood.
Main attractions there include the Museu de Arte Moderna
(Av. Infante Dom Henrique 85) to see a huge collection of contemporary
works. The Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, otherwise known as the
National Museum of Fine Arts (Av. Rio Branco 199) features Brazil’s
best artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
And for a fun stop, check out the Museu Carmen Miranda
(Av. Rui Barbosa 560), which memorializes Brazil’s most famous
bombshell — not to mention star in the arts of samba, singing, dancing
and acting. Another must-see stop on the cultural radar is the
Oscar Niemeyer-designed Museu de Arte Contemporarea de Niteroi
(Mirante de Boa Viagem, Niteroi), a contemporary art museum where
cutting-edge masterworks meet a striking “spaceship” building with
unparalleled views of the city. Best to do all sightseeing with a guide.
Corcovado: The Art Deco-style statue of Christ the Redeemer is
Rio’s most famous and enduring symbol, perched atop the 2,300-foot
hill of Corcovado. Spectacular views of mountains, bays and beaches
await those who take the easy funicular ride; the trains leave
Cosme Velho station every 20 minutes.
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acugar): The views from the top of this
imposing natural wonder amply demonstrate why no other city in the
world can compete with Rio’s scenic beauty and setting — a magnificent
harbor and impossibly beautiful beaches are nudged tight against
dramatic Tijuca National Park, the largest urban expanse of tropical forest
and mountains on the planet. To get to Sugarloaf, take a taxi to the
cable car station at the base.
The Jardim Botanico (Rua Jardim Botanico 1008) is a lovely, peaceful
respite from always-busy Rio. It’s spread out over 340 acres, and
its biggest attraction is Avenue of the Palms, part of the world’s largest
collection relating to the Amazon.
The Burle Marx House (Estrada da Barra de Guaratiba 2019) is a large,
expansive estate that has morphed into an art gallery and museum
honoring famed Brazilian landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx.
The highlight is the elegant landscaping and plants that surround the
house.
Take in a “fútbol” (soccer) match at Estadio do Maracana,
Rio’s gargantuan stadium (the largest in South America),
which holds nearly 89,000 passionate fans.
Plunge headfirst into the celebration (and madness) of Rio’s
world-famous Carnival celebration by scheduling your trip around this
unique and joyous party. A four-day event, it begins on a Saturday and
ends on Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday); the date changes
every year.
Rio Scenarium (Rua do Lavradio 20) is a large nightclub and restaurant
with eclectic decor that’s part fun house, part antique store. A rotating
selection of local groups plays samba and forro, the accordion music of
Brazil’s northeast, and everyone eventually gets up to dance the night
away.
Take an in-depth tour of Rio’s favelas (translated as “shantytowns”
but actually much more lively and diverse than the name implies).
Marcelo Armstrong is a local insider who helps visitors tour the favelas
safely and offers unique insights into the daily lives of the majority of
Rio residents.
JESS@FriendsTravel.com |
Brazilwithfriendstravel's Weblog 
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