Rio Guide: Things To Do
Copacabana Beach
The most famous beach in Brazil. Continuous 24-hour street life; great for cold draft beer & casual live samba at beach kiosks
Ipanema Beach
Famous sunsets at Arpoador rock, great restaurants & boutiques, and distinct beach sub-cultures by the lifeguard posts (postos). Posto 9 is popular for young crowds, and Posto 8 is a famous LGBTQ+ spot. Ipanema is a less crowded option to Copacabana.
Christ the Redeemer
This iconic symbol of Rio sits on top of Corcovado Mountain & is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. The 38-meter Art Deco monument is known for its and breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Tips: for access take the charming Corcovado Train or official vans. Buy tickets online in advance. Best times to visit is early morning or late afternoon.
Sugarloaf Mountain
A famous 1,299-foot peak in Rio de Janeiro, known for its panoramic city views and historic cable car. Best times to visit are late in the afternoon to watch the sunset and see the city lights turn on, but arrive early to beat long lines. Buy tickets online in advance.
Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro
Located in the Jardim Botânico district in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The Botanical Garden shows the diversity of Brazilian and foreign flora. There are around 6,500 species distributed throughout an area of 54 hectares as well as numerous greenhouses. Buy tickets online in advance.
Iguazu Falls (Iguaçu National Park)
The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls features a single, well-paved main trail that offers stunning, panoramic 360-degree views of the entire 2.7-kilometer waterfall system. Time needed is about half a day, as the single main trail is shorter than the Argentine side. Buy your tickets online in advance to secure a specific entry time & avoid long lines. They list the best hours to visit for fewer crowds as 9-9:30 am and from 2-4 pm. The fastest/best way to get to Iguazu Falls from Rio is to take a 2-hour direct flight to Foz do Iguaçu Airport
São Paulo
Vibrant big city (think the NYC of Brazil), with cultural institutions and a rich architectural tradition. Its iconic buildings range from its neo-Gothic cathedral & the 1929 Martinelli skyscraper to modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer’s curvy Edifício Copan. The fastest/best way to get to São Paulo is a 1-hour direct flight to Guarulhos Int'l Airport (GRU). Driving or bus takes about 5-6 hours.
