We started our trip to Rio with a short flight from Salvador. Luca has been there a few times. He thinks that it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so I was very happy to see the city for the first time. From the airport we took an Uber to our hotel which is called „Miramar Hotel by Windsor“ and is located directly at the Copacabana. The hotel was amazing, we loved the view from the rooftop pool where we almost saw the whole Copacabana. I have never seen such a huge beach like this. The first evening we enjoyed dinner in the hotel also with view on the beach.
Starting a day trip to the statue of Christ (Cristo Redentor)
The next morning we were picked up by a Brazilian guide who knows Luca’s family. She showed us the most beautiful parts and viewpoints of Rio. We started our tour early in the morning with a viewpoint called Dona Marta where we could see the famous statue of Christ. After that we wanted to get closer to the statue, so we drove with a car to the last possible point. There were many busses which took the people to the last step: an elevator and stairs which led to the statue of Christ. We decided to take the elevator up and to walk down. The visit of the statue started at 8 am and although we were there only half an hour later it was already crowded. Our guide said that it gets much more crowded later and so we took the chance to take some great pictures.
The city of variety
Our next stop was in a big park to see as well the beautiful nature of Rio de Janeiro. There was a very beautiful waterfall as well as a sea and many tropic trees, for example banana trees. Because of all the trees and the nature in general there was a high level of humidity. The nature without many people was a big contrast to the crowded statue of Christ. This diversity is one of the great things in Rio. But there are also big differences between rich and poor people. So the cityscape is also characterized by many Favelas which are sometimes very dangerous. Another contrast of nature were those big mountains like the Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de açúcar) on the one hand and the huge and beautiful beaches on the other.
As we have seen the Copacabana already we decided to visit another beach in a new district called Barra. There, for the first time, we ate something called Açaí. It is like a dark violett ice cream but it’s only made of fruits. It was so tasty that after it, we have eaten it nearly every day we have been in Brazil. And that’s how our guided tour ended.
Photo shooting and enjoying the sunset
In the evening we booked a photographer to take some pictures at our hotel pool and as well at the Copacabana and Ipanema. Ipanema is another beach which is connected with the Copacabana. Although it was a little bit difficult to communicate with him because he couldn’t speak English very well, it has been a great shooting. We walked along the Copacabana while taking pictures. Then we arrived at the connection of Copacabana and Ipanema where are many beautiful stones and an amazing view on the ocean. We decided to watch the sunset at this place.
The most famous stairs
We haven’t seen the most famous stairs so far. So we decided to do a small sightseeing tour next day. We went to the city with an Uber and started our tour in front of the Arcos da Lapa which are very beautiful and impressive arches. A women from Argentina asked us for the way to the Escaderia de Selarón and as we wanted to go there as well, we walked together to the famous stairs. It was very crowded there but we could take same beautiful pictures in front of it anyway. Although it was really hot we wanted to go up the whole stairs and it was definitely worth it.
After that we walked to a tram station where very old trams called “Bonde” are driving. The Bonde drove on the Arcos da Lapa and leaded us to the artists’ quarter Santa Teresa. We sat there in a small bar and took a pause. At the end of the day I wanted to see the Sambadrom as well, so we took another Uber to get there. It was so impressive to see this and it was the perfect end of the day.
A relaxing beach day in Barra
The next day we decided to do a relaxing day at the beach. Because of a great one we have seen in Barra we drove with Uber to this beach again. It was amazing because of the clear blue water and the sand beach for miles. For me it was even more beautiful than the Copacabana because there were less people. In the evening we went to a typical Brazilian restaurant. I liked the garnish but it has been too much meat. But all in all it was a great experience.
Things you should have done in Rio de Janeiro
- enjoy a beach day on the Copacabana and Ipanema
- visit the statue of Christ
- see the beautiful and pristine nature of Rio
- go to the famous stairs: Escaderia de Selarón
- visit the Sambadrom
- visit the new district Barra
- eat Açai
Tipps for safety
- drive with Uber or Taxi in the evening/night or with luggage
- don’t show your expensive smartphone or camera often
- try to be nearby the police
- leave Carnival until 3 am later it gets more dangerous