About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second-largest city, is home to around 6.7 million people and is famous for its stunning beaches, towering mountains, and vibrant culture. Once the country’s capital (from 1763 to 1960), Rio remains a major economic and cultural hub, known for landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the world-famous Carnival. With its mix of colonial history, samba rhythms, and breathtaking natural scenery, the city offers an unforgettable experience.
From Ilha Grande to Rio de Janeiro
Ilha Grande is quite close to Rio, and several tour companies on the island offer multiple daily transfers. They drop you off right in front of your accommodation, which is convenient given Rio’s reputation for being much less safe than São Paulo. The ferry and bus journey was supposed to take around three hours, but with Rio’s terrible traffic, it ended up taking six.
Getting around Rio de Janeiro
I think there is no other place I’ve visited where I received more warnings from locals beforehand. Rio has its risks, no doubt, and they are much more prominent than in Sao Paulo. Keep both eyes open while walking around and stick to crowded areas (watch your bags and pockets in those). There is a metro network with a good safety reputation, but I didn’t use it since my time was short, and I ended up doing all my visits either with an organized tour company or by using Ubers. I stayed in Ipanema, south of Copacabana, which is considered one of the safest areas in Rio. Walking around was completely fine, but you should still keep your phone or other valuables in your pockets.
Things to do in Rio
- Join a guided city tour – A great way to see Rio’s highlights efficiently. Most tours include Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, the colorful Selarón Steps, and key historic sites.
- Relax at Copacabana Beach – One of the world’s most famous beaches, perfect for a stroll along the promenade, people-watching, or sipping a coconut while taking in the lively atmosphere.
- Visit a favela – A guided tour of communities like Rocinha or Santa Marta offers insight into daily life in Rio’s favelas beyond the stereotypes. Always go with a reputable guide who works with the community.
- Experience Carnival – If you’re in Rio during Carnival season, watching the samba parades at the Sambadrome or joining a street “bloco” is an unforgettable experience. I didn’t go to the Sambadrome, as the shows only start around 11 p.m., and it’s located in Rio’s old town – one of the city’s more dangerous areas. I didn’t want to end up there in the middle of the night, but I do regret it a bit because, after all, Rio’s samba parades are what I see as the true Carnival experience.
- Explore the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage – A quieter side of Rio, these green spaces offer beautiful nature, colonial-era charm, and great photo opportunities with Christ the Redeemer in the background.
Enjoy the last pictures :
