South America
Welcome Kit
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
Río de Janeiro, comúnmente conocido como Río. Reconocido como la “Reina del Carnaval”, las festividades anuales son una explosión de color y energía que muestran el espíritu animado de la ciudad. Una ciudad cautivadora de contrastes, que combina belleza natural, riqueza cultural y desafíos sociales.
Highlights
Rio de Janeiro offers captivating attractions, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue—one of the New Seven Wonders. The majestic Sugarloaf Mountain provides breathtaking vistas, while the exuberant Carnival brings streets alive with vibrant costumes and infectious samba rhythms.
For adventurers, there’s exhilarating paragliding above picturesque landscapes and thrilling surfing on renowned waves. Nature enthusiasts can explore Tijuca National Park, revealing hidden waterfalls and a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, uncovering new facets of Rio’s untamed beauty.
General Facts
Rio de Janeiro is located in southeastern Brazil and is the second most populous city, one of the main economic sources of the country, and has a great amount of financial and cultural resources. It is the most popular tourist destination in Brazil and has the privilege of being the first city in South America to host an Olympic Games. This city is known as the “Wonderful City” (cidade maravilhosa in Portuguese) because it elegantly combines urban life with nature, culture, history, and entertainment. Rio de Janeiro is established in an area that is not very conducive to the establishment of a large city due to the geographical characteristics of the area, which is limited between the mountains and the ocean. All these characteristics demanded effort from urban planners to design various bridges and tunnels for transportation, as the city’s width is sometimes limited to no more than 10 blocks.
Map Location
Documentation
A valid Passport.
Most countries in America and
Western Europe do not require a visa.
Insurance information.
Best Time to Go
For the ideal climate and a truly vibrant experience, consider traveling to Rio de Janeiro during the months of October, November, and early December. During this time, the days are pleasantly hot, and the city buzzes with excitement and anticipation as Carnival preparations are in full swing.
If you prefer a slightly quieter ambiance but still delightful weather, March, April, and May are excellent choices. These months offer a more relaxed atmosphere as Carnival has come to an end, but the weather remains pleasant and enjoyable.
Keep in mind that while September and October may experience a higher amount of precipitation throughout the year, don’t be discouraged from visiting during the summer months. Rainfall during the summer is often brief and characterized by refreshing, short showers that quickly give way to the sun’s return.
Regardless of when you visit, Rio de Janeiro’s captivating charm and natural beauty will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Clothing
When visiting Rio de Janeiro, it’s essential to consider the city’s tropical climate, beach culture, and diverse activities. Here are some tips on how to dress for your trip to Rio:
1. A pair of jeans: although Rio is mainly hot, you may want to bring a pair of jeans due to their versatility. Jeans can be heavy and take up a lot of space in your suitcase, but they can also be used for various occasions.
2. A pair of shorts.
3. Short-sleeved shirts.
4. Dress shirt: this garment is important if you plan to eat at a fancy restaurant or attend a formal event, etc.
5. Rain jacket: to protect yourself from the rain, you may want to bring a rain jacket.
6. Jacket: although it is not too cold in Rio, you may want to bring a jacket to keep warm on the plane or when the temperature drops at night.
7. Sneakers and sandals.
9. And the swimsuit is a must.
Healthcare
Packing
Rio’s flights allow, as their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person.
Currency
The Brazilian currency is the Real.
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity
Rio de Janeiro: 2 voltages, 127v (110v) and 220v.
Outlets have 3 holes, while the plug can have two or three round plugs.
This plug model is relatively new in Brazil, so in many cases the old outlets (one round hole and two flat plugs) coexist with the new ones.
Local Taxes
Foodie
The gastronomy of Rio de Janeiro is characterized by the use of seafood and meats. Also, most carioca dishes are served with beans, rice, and/or potatoes. Like typical Brazilian cuisine, Rio’s gastronomy has culinary influences from indigenous, Arab, Italian, but mostly Portuguese and African cultures.
Some typical dishes are:
Feijoada: It is a stew that mixes black beans and pork in various presentations such as bacon and sausage. It is usually served with white rice, collard greens, and oranges. It is the most consumed dish in Rio de Janeiro and the flagship dish of typical Brazilian food.
Churrascos: It is a carioca dish that contains various types of meats, all cooked on the grill. It can be served with rice, beans, French fries, and salad.
Leão Veloso: It is a seafood soup that uses shrimp, lobsters, and fish. It also includes tomatoes and saffron.
Moqueca: It is an orange seafood soup. It contains fish, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, pepper, palm oil, and coconut milk.
Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Codfish Balls): These are crispy buns made from codfish, potatoes, eggs, parsley, and onion. This dish is also consumed in Italy, France, and Spain.
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Activities
Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant city nestled between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, boasts a rich tapestry of culture, natural wonders, and lively festivities. Here are some of the highlights that make Rio a captivating destination:
Christ the Redeemer: definitely one of the must-visit places in Rio de Janeiro, it holds a place of honor. Seeing in person this impressive image, recognized worldwide, is undoubtedly one of those experiences that quicken the heart and remain etched in the retina forever. The gigantic 30-meter-high and 1,200-ton sculpture is not only the most famous Art Deco sculpture in the world but since 2007, it is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Sugarloaf Mountain: at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, one of the emblematic symbols of the city is located, the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, a spectacular granite peak, practically without vegetation, which rises directly from the sea, giving it an incomparable charm and allowing privileged views of Rio de Janeiro from its 396 meters’ height. Sugarloaf Mountain is not only one of the biggest tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro but also a key place in the history of the city.
Maracanã Stadium: known worldwide as the “Temple of Football”, Maracanã Stadium is undoubtedly one of the must-see places in Rio de Janeiro. It is the largest stadium in the country and for years held the title of the largest in the world. The most prominent football stars such as Pelé, Ronaldo, and Maradona have graced its grass. No matter which teams face each other on the field, attending a football match at Maracanã is a unique experience, always full of music and color. It is here, more than anywhere else, where you can understand the magnitude of the love Brazilians feel for football, the “king of sports”.
Metropolitan Cathedral: officially called “Cathedral of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro”, the Metropolitan Cathedral is a monumental construction that surprises a lot, a place to visit in Rio de Janeiro, for sure. From the outside, its peculiar conical pyramid shape makes it unique, and inside its impressive stained glass windows create a truly fascinating light effect. Located in the financial heart of the city and easily recognizable from all its viewpoints, the Cathedral does not leave anyone indifferent.
Ipanema Beach: its two kilometers of coastline and soft white sand make Ipanema Beach one of the favorites for cariocas and one of the most attractive tourist sites in Rio. A perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy the sea, but also to do sports or simply watch and be seen.
Copacabana Beach: framed by mountains covered in green vegetation, Copacabana Beach is undoubtedly the most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro and all of Brazil, one of its greatest tourist attractions. The image of its famous promenade is recognizable anywhere in the world, and there is probably no place in the whole city with more ambiance and animation than its boardwalk. No one visits Rio without stopping by its famous beach.
Selarón Steps: located between the neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa, the colorful Selarón Steps, also known as the “Santa Teresa Steps” or the “colors of Rio Steps,” have become a symbol of the creativity and bohemian atmosphere of a vibrant neighborhood, full of music and color. Formed by 215 steps covered with more than two thousand different tiles from over sixty countries, the staircase displays images and reflections of what Rio de Janeiro meant to its creator.
Tijuca National Park: few cities in the world can boast of being located in such a surprising natural setting as Rio de Janeiro. This giant urban forest located in the heart of the city, commonly known as the “Floresta da Tijuca”, is the largest urban forest in the world and is the main green area of Rio de Janeiro, which aims to preserve the water springs that supply the city.
Carnival and Sambadrome: Every year, thousands of dancers, singers, and musicians from the samba schools come to Rio Carnival to present their floats, costumes, and rhythms at the Sambadrome. The performances are sumptuous and grand during the approximately 85 minutes that each school has to demonstrate the result of a year’s work. Thousands of tourists from all over the world gather in Rio to witness the Samba Parade and celebrate the party in pure Brazilian style. The event is broadcasted worldwide for those who cannot be present at “The Greatest Party on Earth”.