Before setting foot on the airplane for a trip to one of the most visually stunning cities on the planet, there are a few things you should leave behind, mainly your girlfriend. Unless you have a very open relationship, this might be a trip you would ask your college buddies to join in on, because Rio has more temptations than last month's issue of Penthouse.
Along with the ball and chain, your valuables that are not absolutely necessary should also be left at home. Your ice won't impress the ladies at the beach anyway, player. Lastly, any previous knowledge of partying should be thrown out the window. Rio will put your memories of frat parties to shame.
After getting schooled on the basics of Brazilian travel, you should now be ready for what will be one of the most memorable vacations of your life.
the adventure begins
After landing at Aeroporto Galeão, Rio's only international airport, a shuttle bus will take you to the city's historical downtown area, Centro , where all the classic landmarks and industry lie. Rio's layout is pretty straightforward. It is divided into a north and south zone, with a mountain range serving as a barrier as well as a beautiful contrast to the ocean not too far away.As a tourist, you will be spending most of your time on the coast of Rio, which is mostly considered the south zone. The hotels and beaches will be brimming with people, so the wisest thing for you to do is book a hotel in Leme. Smaller and quieter than the other popular hotspots in Rio, Leme is centrally located on the beach. Getting there from the airport is easy: hail a cab, but make sure the driver doesn't offer a fixed rate, because he'll be screwing you royally. Get the guy to turn on his meter, and you'll realize the price will not be as exorbitant.
all the people
Citizens of Rio call themselves Cariocas and upon doing so, they adopt a certain personality as well. Before you even step out of your hotel room for a stroll, you'll notice their carefree, youthful, party centered mindset.The whole city will be alive, and you, my friend, are right in the heart of it. If you have some time, it is strongly recommended you walk the stretch of beaches that lie before you.
You may not have realized it yet, but only a short walking distance away lie two of the most famous beaches in the world, crowded with Cariocas: Copacabana and Ipanema.
the girl from ipanema
Taking Av. Princesa Isabel, you will immediately hit one of the most densely populated areas in the world. With 25,000 people per square kilometer, the town of Copacabana is constantly packed, teeming with beautiful people on the streets, and of course, on the beach.For now, enjoying the sun and renowned Brazilian women is all the entertainment you need. You may stay here and enjoy the view, or keep walking to the trendier, more cultural area of Ipanema, where Rio's best shops lie.
You'll understand why a famous song exists about this place after walking on Av. Vieira Souto: the beach is smaller than at the Copa, but indescribable in beauty. There are tall, leggy brunettes playing beach volleyball and blondes showing off just a peak of their thongs over some short-shorts: many call it heaven.
satisfy all your senses
Getting hungry? Copacabana's beach strip, Av. Atlntica, offers a great many cafs and restaurants. Rio's cosmopolitan nature is of course reflected in its food, where from a vendor, restaurant or stand-up caf one can purchase African, Portuguese and local delights.Getting tired? You'll need energy on this trip, so start getting used to Brazil's powerful coffee, which should keep you going all night. All sorts of food and other delights are available, if not on the beach where you are basking, then on the adjoining pedestrian-only streets.
After soaking in the sun at your choice of beach, the beat of samba music will be overwhelming. On the strip of beach between Ipanema and Copacabana, the best musicians and deejays perform in various bars and discos. Take advantage of the atmosphere and indulge in local drinks until late in the night along the beach, then walk or take a taxi back to the hotel.
more than women?
Amazingly, Rio de Janeiro also offers sites for those interested in something other than drinking and women (is that possible?). Shake away the remnants of your hangover from partying and head for the hills...Only 15 minutes from the urban jungle of Copacabana lies a national park -- Parque Nacional da Tijuca -- boasting trails in a tropical forest where one can catch glimpses of iguana and monkeys.
It is a rare opportunity to escape the bustling city life and experience a taste of nature. The heart of the forest boasts a beautiful 115-foot waterfall, the Cascatinha Taunay, as well as many species of exotic birds.
After exploring the park and perhaps grabbing some lunch and a fresh, cold fruit juice, it is time to check out one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, located at the peak of Corcovado mountain.
You can reach the area by taking a taxi to Rua Cosme Velho, where you can buy tickets for the uphill climb by train. The area around the 125-foot statue provides a 360° postcard-like view of Rio. A museum and an interesting colonial town lie at the base of the mountain and certainly deserve a look.
stop people watching
As today is all about seeing the cultural side of Rio, the next spot you should hit before the sun goes down is Sugarloaf, only a short ride from Leme, where you're staying.
A relatively small hill overlooking Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf is connected by cable car (an adventure to ride) to another small hill named Morro da Urca. Both provide wonderful views of the city and ocean, and at their base, house some of the nicest shopping malls.
If all those wonderful sites are not enough for you, Rio also offers botanical gardens, bike rental shops to ride the numerous paths around the beach, as well as a place called Lagoa, a lake neighboring Copacabana where many go to rent boats and enjoy sporting events, as well as try different gourmet foods at the many kiosks set up. After all the walking you've done, sitting down with a nice beer and a plate of Feijoada , a Brazilian stew, will be well appreciated.
back to the party
As night descends, it's time to remember what you're really here for: more drinking and partying! Take your pick of any bar or outdoor festival, all will be serving drinks and blasting music.If you are not satisfied with one party, turn around and walk for two minutes and there will be more festivities going on. And of course, if you want to relax, only the nicest beaches in the world are at your disposal...
After midnight, the night scene along the beach area heats up. If you visit during Rio's famed Carnaval, it will be even busier. Hit a club and experience something a little different than the samba that surely has been blasting out of people's radios on the beach.
Copacabana houses some of the nicest discos: recommended are Barman Club and BASE. You cannot miss either of them along the beach strip. Girls are notoriously extra-friendly, leaving you no choice but to hit the dance floor with them. Did I mention that Rio is great?
Seeing all these places in Rio de Janeiro, you will realize how utterly amazing the city really is. Although the partying will eventually get old, a short stay allows you to experience some of the most amazing festivities in the world.
With its great beaches, beautiful scenery, amazing people, superb restaurants, and crazy nightlife, Rio de Janeiro is incredible to visit. And during Carnaval, the fun increases tenfold.
It just goes to show what a gem Rio really is, and we didn't even get to see a soccer game. To optimize your enjoyment, here are some tips aimed at eliminating any potential problems.
Resources:
http://www.uoregon.edu/~sergiok/brasil/rio.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/south_america/rio_de_janeiro/
http://www.ipanema.com/
www.riodejaneiroblog.com/
Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide
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