Rio de Janeiro
Lots to see and do
Rio de Janeiro is also called 'Cidade Maravilhosa', or the marvellous city. We fully agree with this. The city is a great place to start or end your unique journey through Brazil. There is much to see and do in Rio de Janeiro. Of course you know the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Corcovado and the famous beaches Copacabana and Ipanema. However, there is so much more to discover. Get inspired by our recommendations for Rio de Janeiro below.
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The story of Max Westerman in Rio
Known for being a news correspondent for the US in the Netherlands, Max Westerman has been living and working in Rio de Janeiro for many years now. Johan had a conversation with Max about this city, in which he talks about why Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world. If you would like to know more about Rio, you can read all about it in our blog.
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View from the Sugarloaf Mountain
The Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of the two icons of the city. A cable lift will take you to the top of the mountain where an impressive view of the city will be waiting for you.
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Explore the city by bike
Together with a guide you can explore the city by bike. You will use the enormous network of beautifully constructed cycle paths that the city has to offer. You will start and end at the Copacabana, but during your tour, you will pass many other districts, including Flamengo, Botafogo, Lapa, Santa Teresa and the historical centre.
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Christ the Redeemer
The gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer, right on top of the 710 meter high Corcovado is, in addition to the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the symbol of Rio de Janeiro. Visit the statue and get surprised by its size. At the statue you will also have a great view over the city.
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The nicest district of the city
Santa Teresa is one of the oldest and nicest neighbourhoods of the city. Nearly all of the beautiful villas in this part of the city were built at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twenteith century. Attractions in the Santa Teresa district are the Escadaria Selarón, the colourful staircase with all kinds of tiles and the Santa Teresa tram, of course. It is a lively district with many nice shops, bars and good restaurants.
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Choose to stay in Santa Teresa
The hotel Mama Ruisa in the Santa Teresa district is one of the nicest small boutique hotels in town. Here, the exotic of Brazil is combined with French influences. Personal service is the flagship of Jean-Michel Ruis, the owner of the hotel: you will want for nothing during your stay at this hotel.
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Flying over Rio
TIP! A helicopter flight over Rio de Janeiro with its beautiful bays is a great experience!
Rio de Janeiro: famous for its highlights
Rio de Janeiro is a city with many famous attractions. The city is world famous for its crowded beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer on top of the 710 meters high Corcovado mountain and the so-called Sugar Loaf Mountain. Rio de Janeiro is also home to four soccer clubs that play at the highest level. The Maracanã is one of the largest football stadiums in the world. In July 2012, the city of Rio de Janeiro was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Because of the many sights in Rio de Janeiro you can easily stay here for several days. As far as we are concerned, the Santa Teresa district is one of the nicest areas to spend the night, but you will also find great accommodations on the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Carnival and New Year's Eve
The exuberantly celebrated Carnival and New Year’s Eve are two events in Rio de Janeiro that are visited by travellers from all over the world. It is extremely important to start arranging your trip in time for this travel period. Availability will be limited for these periods, and especially closer to the date, there will be greatly increased prices for flights and hotels.
The Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro is the stadium through which the carnival parade passes. It consists of the 'Parade Avenue' and on both sides there are stands for the public. The Sambodromo, designed by the world famous Brazilian architect Niemeyer, was officially inaugurated in 1984. A visit to the Sambodromo during Carnival is an overwhelming experience! New Year’s Eve is also a happening in Brazil. Good to know; wearing black clothes during this party is 'not-done'! The Brazilians wear white or coloured clothing, where the colour has a certain meaning. The Brazilians believe that wearing certain colours during New Year’s Eve can have an influence on the 'energy' of the coming year. White clothing stands for peace, yellow for money and wealth, pink for luck in love, red for passion, blue for inner peace, green for hope and balance, orange for financial success and purple for inspiration and stability. This can, however, vary per region. Visiting Rio de Janeiro during Carnival and/or New Year’s Eve is certainly not a cheap affair, but a very special experience!
Travel through Brazil?
Would you like to make a trip through Brazil yourself, including a visit to Rio de Janeiro, and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.