I planned a trip to Rio de Janeiro for ten days back in 2013. That ten days turned into five weeks. I absolutely fell in love with this vibrant energetic city. Rio is fricken awesome.
1: DOS IRMAOS HIKE
I’ve posted about this hike before and I will continue to write about it for several reasons, it’s not only a fantastic hike but it’s a cultural experience as well. To get to the top of the famous Dos Irmaos (translates into “Two Brothers,”) the two mountains you usually see when looking at pictures of Rio, it takes several forms of transportation.
Dos Irmaos at the end of Ipanema Beach
This way of taking different forms of transportation allows you to see many different neighborhoods of Rio. It might seem a little confusing but it’s not, and if all else fails just point to the top of the mountain and people will know where you’re trying to go.
First, you take a taxi to the base of the mountain. Once there you’ll see a bunch of guys on their motorbikes. These guys are here to take not only tourists but also the locals to their houses in the favela. You hire one of these motorbikes to take you through the favela. Hold on, it might get a little intense. Once they drop you off, they point you in the direction of the trail head. It’s a short walk through someone’s yard, and then bam…you’re finally at the base of the trailhead. The hike takes about forty-five minutes to an hour once you’ve reached the bottom of the trail. If it’s a warm day be sure to pack some water as you’re very exposed to the sun and heat throughout a majority of the hike. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be speechless.
On top of Dos Irmaos in Rio de Janeiro
2: CERVANTES BAR & RESTAURANTE IN COPACABANA
Known for their pineapple and steak sandwiches, this place is a traditional Brazilian sandwich joint in Rio. It’s always packed no matter what hour of the day. I went at 2am and almost couldn’t get a table. The waiters are friendly and helped us get seated in just a few minutes. The service is very fast and the food is bomb: Cervantes
3: SANTA TERESA NEIGHBORHOOD
This bohemian and artsy neighborhood is located up on a hillside near the celebrated Selaron Steps.
It’s a very boutique-like, laidback neighborhood up on top of Rio. I came up to Santa Teresa on a Sunday afternoon and had some beers at a café. It’s a great place to just relax with good people and listen to some good live music. You can spend hours walking around gawking at the Brazilian hillside homes.
4: PARTY IN LAPA
This is the spot to party. All the nightlife you’ve heard about in Rio takes place here. Lapa is filled with samba clubs, live music and people in the streets going wild until the wee hours of the morning.
Lapa
Watching the sunrise on Copacabana after a night in Lapa
5: CHURRASCARIA IN RIO
If you’re in Brazil you must go to a churrascaria! These are barbeque meat restaurants where you generally pay a flat fee and they serve you endless grilled meats until you can’t move.
Anything from chicken hearts to perfectly cooked cuts of steak are a go. Indulge.
Chicken Hearts!
6: THE CRISTO IN RIO
Everyone has to do this. I know it’s touristy but once you’re up there you won’t believe how massive the Cristo actually is, it’s mind blowing and the views are killer.
7: IPANEMA BEACH
Hands down the best beach in Rio. It’s always a good time and will NEVER disappoint. Not to put down Copacabana but Copa has nothing on Ipanema. Ipanema is the place to be.
You’re bound to run into some guys in their songas juggling a soccer ball or a group of bare-bummed ladies. Always drink lots and lots of capirinhas and acai.
8: THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Botanical Gardens in Rio are a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the loud city streets. It’s fairly large and secluded from the surrounding city.
It’s a very peaceful place to walk around, read a book, or grab some lunch at the trendy cafe onsite.
9: CONFEITARIA COLOMBO
This historical cafe was used over a hundred years ago to treat royalty, hold elaborate balls, and sip on afternoon tea. It was frequented by the upper class and now is a city staple located near the city center of Rio. The art-nouveau decor accompanied by the Belgian mirrors, French stained glass and Portugal tiles makes this building one to remember: Confeitaria Colombo
It’s known for their delectable small bites and desserts. The surrounding area is also filled with bargain shopping if you’re in the mood. Just remember to watch your bag!
10: ACAI
Make sure to eat as much Acai as humanly possible. The Acai berry, coming from South America is used in fruit smoothies that are said to help health and speed up metabolism. Although these claims are yet to be proven, it is no secret that Acai is catching on quickly. It is so refreshing and so so tasty.
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