Full of stunning beaches and mesmerizing landscapes, Rio De Janeiro is a must-see for any adventurous traveler. Here is the perfect two-day itinerary to explore Rio and experience the city’s magic.
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Transportation
First things first: let’s talk logistics. If you are traveling to Rio from overseas, you will arrive at either of these two airports: Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG) or the Rio de Janeiro Airport (RJ Santos Dumont). However, nearly all international flights arrive at GIG airport. There are taxi and uber services available to get from the airport to your place of accommodation.
If you are already in Brazil, you can often easily access the bus to get to Rio. For example, the bus ride from Sao Paulo to Rio is only 6 hours! Buses tend to run on time and if you buy tickets ahead of time, you can show up to your gate and be ready to go with your ticket. Make sure to pack an extra sweatshirt and comfortable shoes for the ride and remember to leave valuable items behind. Once you are in Rio, the city’s major tourist attractions are accessible by uber, taxi or by foot. Renting a car probably isn’t the best mode of transportation, as traffic tends to be heavy and the roads challenging to navigate for the non-portugese speaker.
Accommodation
Rio offers excellent accommodation options. While there are Airbnb and other hotel options near downtown, I prefer to stay near the lively beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
Copacabana Palace – Luxury
Located in the heart of Copacabana beach, this five-star hotel offers rooms with style and luxury. Known to host renowned celebrities, Belmont is a historic hotel bringing comfort and fine cuisine to the world. Your stay in this fabulous hotel will not disappoint! For fellow diplomats out there, the hotel has significant discount so make sure to inquire about the discount before booking at the hotel.
Hotel Arpoador – Mid-Range
Hotel Arpoador offers a beachy vibe, with room options full of bohemian hammocks. The restaurant has great sea food options for dinner and the staff are simply amazing. The hotel is next to its own beach, Arpoador, and offers exclusive beach experience in the often crowded areas of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.
Hotel Vermont – Budget
Situated in the heart of Ipanema, Hotel Vermont raves excellent location near the Ipanema beach and great restaurants in the neighborhood. Offering free wifi and buffet-style breakfast with fresh fruits and sucos (juices), Hotel Vermont remains a great option for travelers on a budget.
Two-Day Overview
Now that we have covered some transportation and accommodation logistics, here is an overview of our two-days itinerary in Rio:
Day 1: Cristo Redentor, Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Hotel, Ipanema/Copacabana Beach, Garota de Ipanema, Escadaria Selarion
Day 2: Jardim Botanico, Urban Arts Walking Tour, Pao de Acucar
Visit Cristo Redentor
Assuming you arrived in Rio the night before, the first thing you need to do is visit the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue. You should plan on going before 8:30 AM to beat the traffic of tourists. Listed as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the colossal statue of Jesus Christ is an iconic attraction in Brazil. The statue was completed in 1931 and stands 98 feet tall with a beautiful, sacred chapel at the base of the statue.
Although some people walk/hike up the summit, my personal recommendation is to take the funicular train from the train station at the bottom of Mount Corcovado (R. Cosme Velho). The cost of the train ride varies depending on when you go: R$67 in the low season and R$82 in the high season. You can either purchase tickets at the train station or on-line.
Breakfast at Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Hotel
After the site visit, head to to Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana Hotel for their incredible brunch on the rooftop! Make sure to arrive before 10:00 AM and enjoy the beautiful view overlooking Rio’s stunning beaches. The staff are incredibly friendly there and will offer all their local insights on what to see and do in Rio!
Relax at Ipanema or Copacabana Beach
Take some time to enjoy some caipirinhas (Brazilian cocktail) on the incredible beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema. I prefer Ipanema because it tends to be less touristy. If you are still up for a relaxing walk, go on a stroll along Copacabana’s promenade lavished with black and white mosaic tiles. The tiles run parallel to the 2.5-mile stretch of sand that leads to leading to a peninsula housing a fort.
Dine at Garota de Ipanema
After you finish basking in the sun, It’s now time to go to Garota de Ipanema. This famous restaurant derives its name from the famous song “Girl from Ipanema.” You will feel like a true carioca (name for native Brazilians born in Rio) sitting at the rustic tables and eating delicious picanha (Brazil’s favorite cut of beef).
Explore Escadaria Selarion
It is now time to visit the iconomic Rio stairs: Escadaria Selarion. The colorful stairs are the historic work of Chilean painter and ceramist, Jorge Selaron. The stairs connect two bohemian neighborhoods, Lapa and Santa Teresa, and mark a sweet spot for more people watching and socializing.
Day 2: Jardim Botanico, Urban Arts Walking Tour, Pao de Acucar
Enjoy Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro
Start your second day surrounded by exotic plants at the Jardim Botancio (Botanical Garden). The garden houses 6,500 specifies of Brazilian and foreign plants. From wild monkeys to various species of birds, the garden is truly a diverse oasis of natural wonder. In addition to its biodiversity, the garden houses cafes, museums and other various facilities for tourists. The Avenue of Royal Palms, a 750 meter path fringed with 134 perfectly structured palms, graces the garden with grandeur and beauty.
Do an Urban Arts Walking Tour
Rio’s Urban Arts Walking Tour offers a unique experience for the creative enthusiast. Through this walking tour, you get a glimpse of Rio’s diverse artistic neighborhoods and marvel at the world’s largest street mural. The Ethnias (Ethnicities) mural on Olimpic boulevard, designed by the artist Eduardo Kobra, showcases five indigenous faces. These faces represent the five continents and by extension, the five Olympic rings. The theme behind the biggest graffiti mural on the planet is that of oneness and unity. You can book this tour and other tours to enjoy Rio here.
Marvel at the Sight of Pao de Acucar
After gazing at breathtaking art, it’s now time to head to the iconic Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain). Designated as a World Heritage Site, the landscape is composed of two morros (hills): Urca and Sugarloaf. Although there are many ways of getting to Urca, the most common for tourists is taking an uber to Bondinho de Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Cable Car) for an ultimate panoramic view of the city. You are able to purchase the tickets at the entrance (R$44 for adults and R$22 for children) or online.
If you are curious to explore more amazing cities in Brazil, check out the link below:
11 Places You Need To Visit in Ouro Preto in 2022
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