Rio de janeiro

Due to its numerous facets, Rio de Janeiro the marvelous city, is the focus of the tourism industry in Latin America. Besides the incomparable natural beauty, its history and the contagious joy of its inhabitants helped to create a very special picture that reaches its highest point when it celebrates New Year’s Eve and Carnival. Rio de janeiro the marvelous city

The tourist looking for a place that also offers a sophisticated infrastructure of a modern city find everything he wants in Rio de Janeiro. The fact that the city is situated between a tropical rainforest and beaches, makes a variety of products offered in a single tourist destination.

Rio is a city of contrasts: the colonial architecture recalls the past while striking modern buildings provide a vision of the future. Two landmarks, real postcards are known worldwide: the Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer statue. As a tourist destination, Rio does not depend of the seasons, since the climate is temperate all year and its attractions can be enjoyed almost any time of the year. Something is always happening in Rio – exhibitions, concerts, dance and music, sporting events. Rio is righ on the beach and you will for sure spend sometimes either in the famous Copacabana or Ipanema beaches.

Being a city with huge tourist potential, there are attractions throughout the year in Rio. Summer (December to April) is the season when the city receives more tourists, but along the year, there are many occasions that become special when harnessing the pleasure of the city. Carnival and Rio’s New Year’s Eve are good opportunities to enjoy what the city has to offer. Those who know do not forget!

Weather in Rio de Janeiro

The humid tropical climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, fits with the city’s beauty. Temperature variations occur according to the location, height and the proximity of the sea, but the annual average is 24 ° C. The rainy season lasts from December to March (summer).

The lowest temperatures occur from June to August, when it rains less (average between 18 ° C and 25 ° C). High temperatures are registered throughout the year, but in summer they rise from truth and reach 40 ° C.

During the summer the beaches are full, because of the intense heat. If you want to know Rio at another season, go to the beach too! The sun is there all year round.

Rio is a city so large that allows you to arrive in unusual ways, such as ship. Overall, there are many transportation options: planes and buses arrive all day, from various Brazilian cities.
The highlight, however, is due to the numerous flights arriving to the two airports of Rio’s capital:

Rio de Janeiro International Airport / Galeão / Tom Jobim (GIG) 

Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)

By plane

Both International Airport Antonio Carlos Jobim (Galeao) and Santos Dumont Airport are good options to reach the city. Rio de Janeiro is always part of the promotions of airlines and has a very many flights departing to various Brazilian cities.

Travel to Rio by flight is usually cheaper when the journey is made by Galeao (GIG), but this airport, unfortunately, does not have the best of locations and is farther from the city center.

Arriving at Santos Dumont is a lot easier not only for the central location but also by the variety of transport.

By bus

The Rio de Janeiro bus station (Rodoviária in Portuguese), which is close to the center and the South Zone (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon), has daily arrivals and departures of the main Brazilian bus company, as Águia Branca, 1001, Itapemirim e São Geraldo.

By sea

Cruises usually also make stops at Rio de Janeiro, which vary according to the company and packages. A good time to meet Rio de Janeiro with a cruise is New Year’s Eve where several ships are close to Copacabana beach to watch the beautiful fireworks display from a different angle. It’s worth spending the New Year’s Eve in Copacabana, at least once in life. The fireworks show is unforgettable!

Two words about taxis

A tip in relation to Rio taxis, is to use the ordinary taxi with yellow paint and blue stripe. The yellow taxis have a taximeter, while the blue paint taxis charge tariff prices. Another tip is to prefer newest vehicles and from taxi association to have more security and comfort.

What do you do? Go to the beach? Visit historic buildings? Make a cultural tour? Rest outdoors? Know good restaurants? The city is democratic and not let anyone without nothing to do.

Be sure to visit the South Zone and to stop by in Copacabana. For those who prefer a more focused ride in history, the center of Rio, with its old buildings, is the place where you should go. Rio has a bit of everything and is lively day and night. Just choose what to do!

What to consider before traveling?

Point to be aware in Rio is robs. Despite being visibly improving, it is very important to always be careful with your belongings. Avoid walking with valuables. Leave your passport at your hotel when hidden and take only your national ID on the street. Passport is essential to get back home.

Another important fact to know is that the yellow cabs are those with best price. Blue taxis, despite being minority, are special and charge higher fixed prices. In Rio, the yellow cabs are a good choice of cost-effective. Still on this subject, warning: avoid pirate taxi! It is not safe and many people have suffered such blows. It is safer to look for taxis with new cars and which belong to taxi associations.

When you make an appointment, set up time in advanced. Rio is a big city with an intense traffic and often the places are slow to arrive, especially if there is congestion.

Rio summer is very hot. Remember to wear light clothing and always bring and put sunscreen, even for a small walk (%) at least). Better to slightly tanned than to be over burnt.

Metro is fine and fast. Take the metro to the closest station near your destination point and take a taxi. You will find all necessary information about the metro HERE