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http://www.SearchingCities.com/rio_de_janeiro_travel.htm Rio de
Janeiro is my favorite city in the world. The main thing I am
impressed with is the natural beauty of one of the world's
largest cities. I call the "Urban Jungle," which I suppose has a
double entendre. One of my friends lives in an area just past
Ipanema called Leblon. He walks down the street his apartment is
on to get to the beach. It's about a five block walk. Meanwhile,
although there are highrises and busy streets and restaurants
and shops, it's in the middle of a jungle. Somehow, this factor
makes living there much less stressful. The view from his 12th
floor balcony looks over the mountainside and the mansions that
cover it. Of course, you can also see the ocean. Here's a quick
list of tips for your trip to Rio: 1) Find a good driver and get
his cellphone number. It's better to have someone who knows to
expect you than to rely on a cab. Take his advice as to where to
go, and, more importantly, where not to go! This one factor
alone will dramatically improve your security while in Rio. 2)
Eat at the following restaurants: Puercao (Churrascuria),
Esplandada Grill, Leblon Sushi (Best Sushi in the World, bar
none. Also a great “see and be seen” place. They were shooting a
commercial right next to me last time I was there.), Esch Cafe
(for drinks, light snacks, and cigars), Satyricon (fancy seafood
place). 3) Stay at Ipanema, not Copacabana. It's worth the extra
money because it's safer, more classy, cleaner, and less
crowded. 4) Caesar Park Towers is a great place to stay in a
great location and has great service if you can handle the
price. 5) Eat lots of Pao de Quesia. You'll understand when you
get there. Brazilian food is a little salty, but it's really
good. The salads with hearts of palm are great. There are lots
of rice dishes that are fabulous, many with bits of dried meat
in them. Make sure to go to a Churrascuria while you are there.
Unlike the copies in the US, most of the Churrascuria's in
Rio/Sao Paulo have the most amazing buffets you've ever seen. 6)
Remember that in Rio, most "discos" are actually pick up
locations for prostitutes (yes, that's true for the famous club
"Help" too), so find a local (or a hotel concierge) to recommend
a place if you are really going out to dance. 7) Cabo Frio,
about two hours from Rio, has great fishing. You can catch your
fill of sailfish and often blue marlin. Paulo, the world record
holder for the largest blue marlin ever caught lives a few hours
east and north of Rio. It's worth the ride to charter his boat
and have him take you out. He also has a couple of apartments
that he rents out to fishing clients. I highly recommend you go
stay with him and utilize his skills at finding the fish. 8)
Beach. Beach. Beach. More stuff to see and do in Rio: Christ,
the Redeemer Statue On top of the Corcovado Mountain at a height
of 710 meters, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the
world's most-visited monuments. Hire a driver and have him take
you through the mountains and the Atlantic Rainforest up to the
statue. Along the way and once you arrive, you will see several
amazing views of Rio from many different angles. From the top,
the view is nothing short of phenomenal. You can see Copacabana,
Ipanema, Leblon, the Botanical Gardens, the Jockey Club, and the
Lagoon. The entire city spreads out in an unbelievable panorama
during the day, and it glistens beautifully after dark.
Botanical Gardens Rio is home to an impressive Botanical Garden.
You will find many examples of plant life in this huge garden.
The Imperial Palms are among its most impressive attractions,
planted in 1809 by Prince Regent D. João VI.
There are huge trees decked with orchids that contrast with
giant victoria-regia, lilies, bromeliads, royal poincianas, and
tropical foliage, making the Botanical Gardens a favorite
tourist attraction. Sugar Loaf Rio's signature landmark is at
the entrance of Guanabara Bay-- the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Take a “bondinho” (cable car) to the top of Morro da Urca and
eat a snack while admiring one of the most beautiful views in
the world. Then, continue on to the peak of Sugar Loaf and enjoy
a complete view of the Bay and the beautiful Rio beaches.
Island of Paqueta Visit the beautiful island of Paquetá, lying
in the middle of Guanabara Bay, just one hour from downtown by
ferry. The only means to get to the island is by boat as there
are no bridges linking it to the continent. The only cars on
Paquetá are one ambulance, one police car, and one fire truck.
The beauty of this excursion begins when you board the ferry at
Praça XV (downtown). Bring or wear a bathing suit and towel,
because once you are on Paquetá, you will love the beautiful
beaches, the quaint atmosphere, and the unforgettable sunset.
There are some wonderful photo opportunities on the island as
well. Modern Art Museum Be sure to check out the Modern Art
Museum located in Flamengo Park close to downtown. The museum is
home to 1,700 works, including paintings, sculptures and
engravings by Brazilian and foreign artists. It's definitely
worth your time to visit.
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