Quick Facts:
- Population: ~ 14 million in Greater Rio de Janeiro area
- Currency: Brazilian Real
Did you Know?
- The Caipirinha, Brazil’s famous cocktail, was originally used as a remedy for the Spanish flu… That’s medicine that goes down easy!!
Getting Around:
- The Metro is a clean and safe way to travel between the Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches and the City Center.
- During rush hours, the Metro features certain cars for women only.
- Licensed taxis and rideshares (e.g. Uber) are best at night.
- Don’t walk through unknown places at night.
What kind of electrical outlets do they have in Rio de Janeiro? Click here to find out!
Rio is a high-energy cultural blast of dramatic peaks, beautiful beaches and a rhythm that keeps you moving!
Even before arriving in Rio, I was super excited about visiting the Christ the Redeemer monument. This towering statue appears in every picture you see of Rio, so it’s a must stop for every visitor of this exciting city. We took the ride up both famous peaks of Rio – Corcovado Mountain (where the Christ statue stands) and Sugarloaf Mountain, famously featured in the James Bond film, Moonraker. Both sites gave expansive views of the city below that did not disappoint.
Our hotel stood along the beautiful Copacabana Beach. While walking along the beach, you can instantly see why Brazilians love the ocean scene. There is activity everywhere – sunbathers, beach ball players and, of course, vendors coaxing you to buy their wares. It’s an experience to tickle all of your senses. Ipanema Beach, just a short hop away, is just as lovely as it gives a more upscale, chic vibe.
For a change of pace, we visited the hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa. This neighborhood features the Escadaria Selarón, the world-famous steps covered in vibrant tiles.
A word of caution – as vibrant and exciting as Rio can be, this is a place where you want to keep your safety senses activated. I witnessed a fellow traveler having his phone snatched from his hands just steps from our hotel. Absolutely enjoy Rio but go as an alert traveler.