There are few cities you can travel to that have a more stunning natural landscape than Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. With mountains on one side, the ocean on the other, and even a patch of rain forest (called Tijuca National Park), the exotic setting in Rio exudes drama and romance.
Before You Go: Need-to-know info
Language: Portuguese
Entry requirements: Passport with at least one blank page, US citizens need a visa to enter Brazil (find more info here )
Currency: Real (R$)
Flight times: 10 hours from New York City; 14 hours from LA
Getting around: Subway, bus and taxi
When to Go: Rio de Janeiro at its best
Best weather: The seasons are the opposite in Rio from the States. From June to September, it’s technically winter there, so you can save money on flights and hotels but enjoy balmy weather (in July and August you can expect highs of 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
What to Do
Find an amazing view: Take a trip to the peak of Corcovado Mountain, atop of which stands the 125-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer statue. For another spectacular vantage, ride a cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain for a view over the entire city.
Celebrate Carnival: There’s perhaps no vision of Rio more vivid than the sparkling costumes, elaborate floats and packed streets of Carnival. Try to plan your getaway for this famous festival, which takes place each year in February. If you happen to be in Rio on New Year’s Eve, the place to party is Copacabana Beach (be sure to wear white).
Try a traditional dish: Order a bowl of feijoada, a stew made of black beans, a variety of meats and veggies.
Stroll along Copacabana: The sidewalk that lines one of the world’s most famous beaches is just as memorable as the sand. Walk along the wavy mosaic of tiles in the sidewalk and stop in one of the many bars that line the promenade for a traditional caipirinha (a cocktail made with cachaça, sugar and lime).
Hit the beach: It’s not often that you can combine a city vacation with a trip to the beach, so take full advantage with a stop at Ipanema Beach, which is adjacent to Copacabana.
