Rio De Janeiro tourist attractions: State must visit’s

I’ve been dreaming about visiting Brazil for years. Then the opportunity showed up. And it was not any. I not only was accepted to help organize the Olympic Games of 2016, but I also stayed in one of my dream countries for two months! I visited Rio de Janeiro, one of the main tourist attractions in Brazil and I loved each day I had spent there, here is why:

Copacabana

Planing your trip to Brazil? Check my post about Brazil highlights and must visit’s

First things first about Rio De Janeiro tourist attractions! Two miles long and bordered on one side by four kilometers of white sand and breaking surf, Copacabana is one of the most known beaches in the world. Luxury and comfort are all that this is about. You will find hotels and expensive homes and more modest homes scattered everywhere. What a contrast. You wanna also walk on the famous beautiful boardwalk with a black and white checked pattern that reminds of streets in Lisbon, Portugal.

I enjoyed Copa differently. Although you have to be sometimes careful where to head to in order not to enter any dangerous Favela, I wandered at the beach usually early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Make also sure to visit Pedra do Arpoador which a great viewpoint that separates Ipanema from Copacabana. It is worth it.

I can also recommend a couple of hotels worth staying at:

Budget: Copacabana Best Deal Guest House – famous for its amazing and welcoming host!
Mid: Mar Palace Copacabana Hotel – central location and provides a great price / quality service
Luxury: 55/RIO Copacabana – Beach-property with a great view on the ocean.

Rio De Janeiro tourist attractions: Pedra da Gávea

Wondering what this is? Well, it is one of the highest mountains ending up at the ocean in the world! Pedra da Gávea, 844m high, is actually a mountain top made of granite and gneiss with quite a steep (but not that long to do) ascension. The hike starts in the tropical forest Barra da Tijuca. Make sure you hike in a group and register yourself at the ranger’s office at the trail start.

Bring enough water as it could be really hot during the day and mind the curious monkeys. Once you reach the top, you will forget the 3-hour long trail as the view is just terrific.

Trail difficulty: medium
Fresh forest water on the way: yes
Trail start point: here
Trail distance to the top: 3 km

Christo Redentor

Touted as among the seven wonders of the modern world, the 98 ft. tall statue (125 ft. with its pedestal) Christo Redentor gracefully stands on Corcovado Mountain and is a tourist’s top pick to visit in Rio de Janeiro. Also known as Christ the Redeemer, making it see it can be straight forward. To get to Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, you can take public transportation which is really good in Rio or maybe share an Uber.

You can go up there either by train which leaves from Cosme Velho or you can hike. I went for the second option and hiked through the great Tijuca Forest. The hike starts at Parque Lage. At some point at the top, you will find stairs to climb and an elevator (for people with impediments). The view of the city of Rio Christo from the Christo Redentor is what you shouldn’t miss especially if it’s a clear day.

In High season, a Christo ticket costs R$79,000 and R$65, 000 per adult in the Low season. But to avoid unnecessary waiting, endeavor to secure your tickets earlier before setting out to the site. Also, don’t buy souvenirs, water, snacks, towel/handkerchief on the Corcovado. They are too overpriced. To enjoy your time seeing Christ the Redeemer, go early in the morning. Afternoons can be really hot. And if you can. Visit when on a clear day without fogs or clouds, it’s such a lovely experience up there.

Things to do in Ilha Grande, a hidden Rio De Janeiro tourist attraction

Also known as the ‘Big Island’, there are a LOT of things to do in Ilha Grande. It is actually is only 2 hours away by bus and a lovely island off Rio de Janeiro. Perhaps because of its history, it is mostly undeveloped. The island was initially a leper colony then it housed a maximum prison which closed down in 1994. As a result, beautiful tropical beaches and virgin Atlantic rain forests have flourished on the island. With about 1,900 inhabitants, Vila do Abraao is the largest city on Ilha Grande. You want also to keep in mind that motorized vehicles are prohibited.

I was backpacking on the island for three days and I had an awesome time off. Among the Things to do in Ilha Grande, you can enjoy virgin beaches such as Praia da Cachoeira, Praia do Aventureiro and Santo Antonio. If you want to stay at Vila do Abraao and do day-trips, I can recommend where to stay:

Lonier Praia Inn Flats: central location with a roof breakfast
Pousada Mãe Natureza: amazingly-welcoming personal

From Ilha Grande to Paraty

Getting from Ilha Grande to Paraty is quite easy. You just have to take the ferry from Vila do Abraao to Angra dos Reis. Check the time table onsite, because online you will find only private and expensive transfers.

From Angra dos Reis, there is a public bus which takes around two to three hours. It is right next to the ferry stations. Also, make sure to enjoy the scenic road this bus will take! That’s it, getting from Ilha Grande to Paraty take around half a day.

Once in Paraty, get ready for the walk of your life. You have to walk-in Paraty. Also here, Motor vehicles aren’t allowed in the historic town center. Here you get to see colorful buildings. The center is Brazil’s highly prized historic site. Situated around 200 km South of Rio, the town used to be a major exporter of gold to Europe.

Paraty is a calm peace of history where you can also enjoy mother nature. We rented a bike and made some “waterfalls chasing” for the whole day. To summarize, the experience was unforgettable, especially the cold fresh shower you can reward yourself with after each ride.

The city is also well famous among volunteers and work away travelers. You will find many great hostels run by volunteers who are traveling around for free. Here where you can stay in Paraty:

Maracujá Hostel: this hostel has a great terrasse near the water and gives delicious breakfast
Che Lagarto Hostel Paraty: suggests original outdoors activities around Paraty.

Last but not least: gotta LOVE the food!

With cultural roots from West Africa and West Africa, there are a lot of food options on Brazilian streets for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Try the Picanha if you love spiced barbequed meat. Certainly, it will make you keep licking your fingers long after you’re done eating. Pao de quejo is another common food that graces the street. Actually, you can try this baked cheese roll better at breakfast. Indulge the goodness of açai na tigela, made from açai palm fruit. Perfect for the summer. Brazilians make it into a smoothie topped off with fruits, seeds, and granola. A good combination with bread, the acaraje with vetapa has its roots in the shores of West Africa. It is made with mashed beans and onions stuffed with vetapa which itself is made of shrimp, peanuts, and coconut milk. It is common on the street when you need a quick bite.

Well, there are so many spots to visit and enjoy in Rio. Just ensure you keep a well-thought itinerary and you are good to go. While walking around Rio, you will find places that clearly tell the times when the city was capital. With its beaches, cultural attractions, rich culinary, and fascinating natural tourism, the city should top your list of South American cities to visit. If you are looking for more travel inspiration, have a look at On A voyagé Pour Vous on Instagram.