Visiting Rio de Janeiro with problems
Problems with connection in Paris, and all luggage left behind for two days, disturbed our visit to Rio de Janeiro. We had time to understand why people says “Cidade Maravilhosa”, but not much. However, there must be a next time, and then in the hot days. Till then…
Despite being out of season, the “calçadão” and beaches of Copacabana and Leblon (where we stood) were full of life. Knowing its reputation, we were cautious walking in those areas, but we couldn’t resist, and, at night, we went to the exit of Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon to see what some men were doing there. They were using the tide to fish shrimps, and no one bothered us on any occasion. Just lucky or exaggeration in the news?
Copacabana
The long and lively beach
The heart of Rio beats in Copacabana, where everything happens.
From the Sugar Loaf or the Corcovado, the sights over the beach are awesome.
We were there in winter, and that, probably, makes all the difference about people and life.
Ipanema
Calçadão
Ipanema, Copacabana or Leblon, for an out comer, are just names of successive areas of this beach (with Arpoador in the middle, standing as a geological “accident”) .
We stayed in Leblon, and walking to Copacabana, along Ipanema, allowed us to see how everybody gathers in the “Calçadão”, the long and large foot way along the beaches.
Leblon
The least known of the central beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Leblon is referenced as the safest but the most expensive.
Well, safe it was, expensive… one thing are the patterns for locals, the other is for tourists.
For us, the price is generally higher, no matter the country and town that you visit. So, there was no reason to sacrifice the security, and we didn’t, but we were there in winter, caught some bad days, and swim has been impossible.
The pollution of the lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas, sometimes invades the sea, and the nearby beaches are affected. That was the case of Ipanema during our visit, but not Leblon. But I think you should verify this before any reserve
Botanical Garden
Green on green with flowers
Does it make sense, a tropical garden in a tropical town?
Of course it does.
Profiting the natural easy to grow and maintain decorative plants (from Brazil and elsewhere) in that weather, the Botanic garden is well conceived, and shows an extremely richness of well developed plants.
Almost with 200 years of existence, it is considered one of top 10 in the world, and it is suitable for all kind of visits, since a couple of relaxing hours, for a common adult, to a long studying staying for botanical students, and a chosen place for a children’s loved and safe afternoon.
Christ The Redeemer
Corcovado
Who hasn’t used the expression “breathtaking view”? You have to go to Corcovado and look down to feel the real meaning of the expression.
Suddenly, you feel that you have all the air in the world around you and all for yourself, but… you can’t breathe it.
Depending on the mist conditions, the sights may vary from fabulous to… unbelievable. They say that Rio de Janeiro is the most beautiful town in the world. I don’t know. But, from the Corcovado, no one dares to deny.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Pão de Açucar
One of the references of Rio de Janeiro, this enormous rock provides marvelous views over town, making mandatory the trip to its top.
However, if you are coming from the breathtaking Corcovado, as we were, then those sensations are really diminished.
The trip by cable car, divided in two steps, is for itself a good experience.
Marina Palace – Good hotel, bad option
Marina Palace – Good hotel, bad option
We had trouble in our trip to Rio de Janeiro, arriving late and without luggage. It was not the hotel’s fault, but they gave no help (I don’t know if they could!).
We had chosen that hotel because the kids love pools, and, upon arriving, we found the pool closed, because it was winter and cold (for brazilians). So, just to sleep, we could have payed half the price.
After all, we stayed in a good hotel without the chance to “live” it, with all the time lost “chasing” the luggage.
Address: Av. Delfim Moreira, 630, Rio de Janeiro 22441-000
Train to Corcovado
It’s forbidden to reach the top of the statue’s mount in Rio de Janeiro by private car.
You may use a registered van or a train. That was our choice, and, for R$36 (now 56 in low season and 68 in high season) we had a twenty minutes ride uphill.
