RIO DE JANEIRO: FESTIVE | VIBRANT | PROVOCATIVE
Descend upon this vibrant city to experience the world’s largest Carnival, the gorgeous soft white sand of Ipanema Beach, and the lively beat of the samba. Presiding over Copacabana Beach is the renowned Christ the Redeemer monument which beckons visitors to the majestic Corcovado Mountain. A fabulous day usually begins with a refreshing cup of fresh fruit juice, a little capoeira at the beach, churrascaria for lunch, followed by cachaça-fueled caipirinhas as the sun sets. With its stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and colorful art deco architecture, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro.
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BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
The best way to get around Rio is by foot or taxi. Taxis are plentiful, relatively inexpensive, and easy to hail on the city's main streets. For reliable service though, ask your concierge to arrange a taxi for you.
For transfer service to and from Rio de Janeiro International Airport, it’s best to make arrangements ahead of time. Renting a car isn’t the best mode of transportation, as Rio has some of the world’s most congested traffic.
STAY
Hotels in Rio de Janeiro capture the glamour of the 1920s as well as the relaxed ambience of the Bossa Nova era without sacrificing a truly exceptional experience. Most properties are mere steps from Copacabana Beach, but there are a few tucked discreetly away from all of the activity.
EAT
Brazilian cuisine reflects the melting pot of people, languages, and customs of the different regions. Many of the top restaurants in the city however, don’t shy away from offering an innovative take on their country’s cuisine from the Amazonia.
Lasai - Michelin Starred
Le Pré Catelan - Michelin Starred
MEE - Michelin Starred
Olympe - Michelin Starred
Roberta Sudbrack - Michelin Starred
DRINKS
Nightlife in Rio de Janeiro starts early and continues late. Very late. The key is to learn to pace yourself. While many revelers enjoy the raucous energy of street parties, a host of sleek and chic lounges and upmarket gastro-bars are welcome alternatives.
Rio Scenarium-Pavilhão da Cultura
SEE & DO
Soaring mountains, cerulean waters, and sexy samba captivate all who visit this dazzling city. One of the Seven Wonders of the World looks out over the jaw-dropping scenery and once a year, the streets fill with music and ornately costumed Carnival dancers. So much to do. So little time.
Armação dos Búzios - Day Trip
Christ the Redeemer - UNESCO
Ilha Grande - Day Trip
Paraty - Day Trip
SPA
Spas in Rio de Janeiro are not as plentiful as one might expect but there are a select few which cater to the wellbeing of the heart, body and soul. Pampering yourself here won’t be a problem.
SHOP
Brazil produces 30 to 35 percent of the world’s coffee but the kind that should take up space in your luggage is Santos. Stop by Armazém do Café to pick some up as souvenirs.
Brazil is the birthplace of Havaianas. Created in 1962, these fun and colorful flip-flops have become a way of life for most Brazilians.
Cachaça 51 is the most popular brand of cachaça in Brazil with about 30% of the market share. It should be simple to find and is considered to be of the best quality among its competitors.
For a fun cachaça gift, look into Cachaça Germana. It is an artisanal cachaça sold in a premium bottle wrapped in sugarcane leaves. One of the newest brands, Novo Fogo, is from a boutique distillery based in the mountains of Southern Brazil.