Rio de Janeiro

Almost everyone has heard of Rio de Janeiro. It’s been featured in countless films, has its iconic Christ the Redeemer, a vibrant nightlife, and the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana where people from all walks of life mingle. Rio is enveloped by the stunning Atlantic Rainforest and dramatic hills, offering a landscape that truly has it all. It's one of the most beautiful and iconic cities in the world in our opinion.

However, like any large city, Rio faces challenges when it comes to safety. We've never encountered any issues ourselves in countless trips there, but it is best to take care.

Highlights

beach

city

hiking

culture

adventure

When to Go

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You can visit Rio de Janeiro any time of the year — there's no bad season! However, summers (december to march) can be quite hot, while winters (june to august) are generally mild and rarely cold. Since Rio’s beauty lies in its breathtaking views, you'll want clear skies to fully appreciate the scenery. The best chance for clear skies is between April and June, when the city is also less crowded. Weather is unpredictable here, though, and we've experienced similar conditions no matter the season.

How to Get There

Rio de Janeiro is served by two airports: the international Galeão (GIG) and the domestic Santos Dumont (SDU). If you have a choice, opt for Santos Dumont due to its convenient location near the city center.You can also reach Rio by car or bus from São Paulo, either along the coastal route or via the highway, which takes around 6.5 hours. For those who don't mind sleeping on the road, an overnight bus is a popular option from São Paulo.

How Long to Stay

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We recommend staying 3 to 6 days. While you can cover the main highlights in 2 days, it’ll be rushed, and your chances of getting a sunny day are slimmer. With 3 days, you’ll have time to see the tourist landmarks, enjoy the beach, and leave a buffer for any unexpected weather. For those who love vibrant city life and want to truly "experience" Rio, 6 days will give you plenty of time to dive deeper and explore more.

Where to Stay

When choosing accommodation in Rio, we usually recommend staying in Copacabana or Ipanema. Both are safer neighborhoods, well connected to most attractions and walking distance to the beach (So you can leave your belongings in the hotel). Copacabana is the most popular area, but Ipanema is a bit more upscale.

Getting Around

We recommend using ride-hailing apps like Uber or 99 in Rio—it’s easier and usually more convenient than renting a car. Depending on your destination, the metro is also a reliable and affordable option.