Have you ever been to Rio de Janeiro - Brazil? Are you going to Olympic Games? Then you can check below some tips.

Hi guys!!

Today I'll talk a little bit about Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). I'm living in Wellington - New Zealand, and sometimes someone ask me about Rio de Janeiro.

Well, in my country, Rio de Janeiro is called "wonderful city". I agree with this "nickname", because this city is really beautiful, however you need to know important tips how: where can you go, transports, prices...

I visited Rio de Janeiro in one weekend, I think it was time enough for to see the main attractions.

- Morro do Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain):

You'll take a good Sugarloaf Mountain's picture from Botafogo Praia Shopping. This Mall has an open balcony/restaurant. Take a coffee or lunch and enjoy it. This beach, in front off the Mall, is awful, the seashore is disgusting, dirty and not safe!

- Bondinho (cable car):

The cable car is really expensive ($20 per person), but you need to give a try. Take it in Praia Vermelha (Red Beach). The scene is nice and it's the most important attraction in Rio de Janeiro. The first stop is Morro da Urca. Take off in this point, enjoy!

Tip: I took a helicopter in this point. It's expensive too, but it worths! The flight costs at least $77 per person. You will see the best Rio de Janeiro's places: Christ the Redeemer, Praia Vermelha (Red Beach), Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), Copacabana Beach,  Ipanema Beach and Leblon Beach. 

After Morro da Urca, take the cable car again and go to the Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain). Look this link above, it's interesting:

http://www.bondinho.com.br/mapa-interativo/


-  Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches


These beaches are the most popular in Rio de Janeiro. You can ride a bike, walk, run or just enjoy the nice beaches. In Brazil, you can drink a beer in the beach. If you like vodca, you should try "Caipirinha", it's the vodca mixed with fruit (lime, strawberry, kiwi or passion fruit), it's really tastes good.

If you want to rent a bike, you will see some points with orange bikes by Itau Bank on the main street (Atlanta Ave). 

Pay attention: ride a bike just in the bike lanes, it's safer for you.

- Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer - Statue)

Take the Corcovado Train and go to the up hill. It's costs around $15 per person. Take notes of the address: Rua Smith de Vasconcelos, number 27.

Rio de Janeiro has some hiking trails in Christ Statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, but I don't recommend it, because you can have a problems with pickpockets and if you need some information or help the people don't speak English.


Accommodations:

Book a room in Ibis Hotel. They have good prices, with breakfast included and they are located in a good location. Brazil doesn't have good hostels (we call it "Albergue") therefore I don't recommend it.

Gold tips:

Take a taxi, and don't rent a car. Rio de Janeiro isn't safe for it. This city has a lot of "favelas" (slums - poor/danger locations) and if you walk into some "favela", Gosh, I don't know what can happen to you :(

Avoid walk alone in the night. Don't use watches, jewelry nor carry lot of money. Be careful with your camera and mobile phone!

Sometimes people talk about Funk Party. I've never been there, it can be dreadful. I hate funk, and these places are hazard areas! Please, take care!!!

Don't leave your belongs (or rental bike) alone! Never!  Did you understand me? Never! Rio de Janeiro has a lot of pickpockets! 

What's the best season to visit Rio de Janeiro?

The best season to visit Rio de Janeiro is between November and February, because it's Summer. During the Summer, Rio de Janeiro gets hot (between 35ºC and 40ºC).

The next post I'll post about Ilha Grande (Big Island). This island is located in Rio de Janeiro too, but you need more days for this travel (at least 2 days).