Travelling to Brazil without going through Rio de Janeiro is like visiting Paris for the first time and forgetting to greet the Eiffel Tower. The second most populated city in the country after São Paulo, the "wonderful city" as the Cariocas affectionately call it, its inhabitants, Rio is the undeniable tourist capital of Brazil. A fiery and feverish metropolis founded in one of the most beautiful settings of all, between bays, heavenly beaches, hills and lush tropical forest under the protection of the famous statue of the Redeeming Christ up there on the Corcovado. An urban jungle that can be explored for days with a Rio tour guide without feeling like you're going in circles.
Going to Rio is like strolling in havaianas on the miles of beach of the mythical Copacabana and Ipanema, sipping a caïpirinha in the bohemian and arty district of Santa Teresa, dancing samba until the end of the night outside the 4 days of the Carnival in Lapa, is to climb the cable car on the Sugar Loaf mountain, to attend the great football mass in the Maracana stadium where the 2014 World Cup final took place, to hike and swim in the waterfalls of the Tijuca National Park. It also means, above all, meeting a warm and colourful population.
The best time to leave for Rio de Janeiro is in the early southern autumn (mid-March to mid-May), when the heat is becoming less severe, while maintaining a very bright sunshine and still (relatively) long days. Of course, the summer period, from the beginning of December to the end of February, is advisable if you want to experience the Rio 40° graus (Rio 40°C!) and if you don't want to miss anything of the tourist season, whose peak takes place of course during the four days of the Carnival (February or March depending on the year). But expect to have strong sweat (the atmosphere is full of humidity, we are in the Tropic of Capricorn, by the sea)... and not to be alone: the months of January and February are synonymous with large crowds on the beaches of Rio. On the other hand, if possible, avoid the months of October and November, which are certainly the rainiest, and, if you suffer from heat, those of July and August, when the thermometer does not exceed 20°C during the day and 15°C in the evening.
In Rio, the climate is tropical Atlantic and the weather is therefore very seasonal. In summer, from December to March, it is hot in Rio... very hot even! This is the hottest time of the year, with temperatures as high as 40°C and a humidity level of 90%! Strong tropical storms can break out at the end of the day. In winter, from June to September, it is milder in Rio, between 20 and 25 °C and some nights can be cool.
In Rio, hotel and tourist service rates vary enormously depending on the season and events. From December to February (including the carnival period) and in July, prices are doubled. That is why it is strongly recommended to negotiate. The low season runs from March to June and from August to November. The local currency is the real. In the restaurant, the service is included and represents 10 % of the total amount.
There is no need to apply for a visa for a stay in Brazil of less than 3 months, a passport valid for 6 months is sufficient. To obtain an additional 3 months' delay, you must go, with your passport, to the federal police headquarters of the city where you are located. All you have to do is fill out forms and pay a small fee.
There is no mandatory vaccine to travel to Rio. However, remember that wounds in hot and humid climates take a long time to heal and can even become infected. It is strongly recommended not to drink tap water, which is often not drinkable, even in Rio. Use only mineral water bottles - more expensive than bière ! - after checking that they are properly sealed.
You will find many specialized tour operators for a stay in Rio. They produce their own trips and are usually very good advice because they know the city inside out. It should be noted that their rates are often slightly higher than those of general agencies.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThere are many direct flights to Rio de Janeiro. The great event for which hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists travel is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, the world's largest celebration! It takes place in February, but preparations are intensified and the excitement gradually increases from the end of December
The fastest way to get around Rio is by metro, which connects the city's main districts and operates every day from 5am to midnight (7am-11pm on Sundays). The bus is also very convenient and the network serves even the most remote parts of the city. Otherwise, there are always taxis, numerous and cheap, with a counter to support them.
The best time to leave for Rio de Janeiro is in the early southern autumn (mid-March to mid-May), when the heat is be...
Read more about it
In Rio, the climate is tropical Atlantic and the weather is therefore very seasonal. In summer, from December to Marc...
Read more about it
In Rio, hotel and tourist service rates vary enormously depending on the season and events. From December to February...
Read more about it
There is no need to apply for a visa for a stay in Brazil of less than 3 months, a passport valid for 6 months is suf...
Read more about it
There is no mandatory vaccine to travel to Rio. However, remember that wounds in hot and humid climates take a long t...
Read more about it
There are many direct flights to Rio de Janeiro. The great event for which hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists...
Read more about it
You will find many specialized tour operators for a stay in Rio. They produce their own trips and are usually very go...
Read more about it
The fastest way to get around Rio is by metro, which connects the city's main districts and operates every day from 5...
Read more about it
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