Sports and leisure activities Rio De Janeiro

Budget & Tips

The practice of exercise and sports in general is widespread in all Brazilian metropolises. Almost all types of sports activities are offered. The cult of the body is omnipresent. You can stretch your legs, ride a bike or rollerblade without paying a cent, as there are many free facilities in the Brazilian cities. The South zone of Rio (Lagoa, Ipanema beaches, Copabana, Leblon, up to Barra da Tijucá) is very well equipped for bikes, rollerblades and jogging. With the Roller Rio association (https://www.facebook.com/rolleriorj/), you can do rollerblading tours in groups. Belo Horizonte's parks and bike paths are great for getting in shape or getting back in shape. In Rio, some roads are closed to vehicles on Sundays and dedicated to "soft transport". The famous Avenida Atlântica in Rio is "abandoned" to joggers, rollerbladers or other cyclists. One could go for a walk in the forest in Rio from the botanical garden. The Tijucá forest is the largest urban forest in the world, but we do not recommend it because of the numerous attacks on the paths that lead to the Corcovado. In many places in the morros or in the mountains, there are equipped climbing routes. Of course, if you prefer to relax and enjoy the passing of time, the beach is a free option... You can rent surfboards. For other extreme sports activities, such as rafting, canyoning, paragliding, you will have to plan a more substantial budget.

What's very local

You can walk, bike or rollerblade through the cities, especially on weekends, in the middle of a crowd of people with fluorescent colors and tanned skin. One is rarely alone running between Copacabana and the Lagoa. It is certainly very Brazilian but is it really different from Venice Beach? Nothing is less sure. To test your "Brazilianness", you have to try the futevôlei. This is often a test for gringos. One only agrees to play futevôlei for a long time with someone whose abilities in this very technical sport are recognized. As you can see, futevôlei is a very Brazilian mix between beach soccer and beach volleyball. We play soccer on a volleyball court, with the rules of soccer, bunting, head and feet. It is always very spectacular and we understand that the reputation of technicality of Brazilian footballers is not usurped. It is always the assurance to attend passionate games in Copacabana.

Your documents please

Brazilian maritime legislation states that the boat rental company must have the renter fill out a register informing him/her of the conditions and instructions for navigation and safety, and that his/her identity must be specified on the register, as evidenced by a Brazilian identity card or passport. It goes without saying that you will be asked to prove your identity when renting expensive equipment. It is not uncommon for you to be asked to sign a waiver if you are involved in "risky" sports or activities, such as horseback riding for example.

To be booked

Some major events attract large crowds. For example, soccer matches during the final stages of the "Brasileirão", the Brazilian championship, require advance notice, even when they are played at the Maracanã stadium with its 100,000 seats. During the Brazilian Grand Prix, which is normally held in November, it may be wise to make reservations, as Brazilians are passionate about motor sports and Formula 1.

Main events

Brazil is the country of soccer. The whole country is thrilled for its favorite team between May and December during the "Brasilerão Serie A", where the 20 best teams in Brazil play. The Copa Libertadores will see the best Brazilian teams (including those from Rio and Belo Horizonte) compete against the best teams from South America between January and November.

In May, surfing enthusiasts will be able to go to Saquarema, north of Rio de Janeiro, to watch a World Cup surfing stage on the beautiful left beach of Itaùna. Exit, the pollution and the doubtful rollers of Barra da Tijucá. The residents of the CT (Championship Tour or World Cup) are there largely since 2017 and delight more and more fans

The superliga of volei reaches its peak in April May during the final stages. Volleyball is a sport particularly appreciated in Brazil, which produces a large number of stars playing in the biggest European clubs. The winner of the last edition was Funvic, a club from Taubaté, in the state of São Paulo.

The Rio de JaneiroMarathon is held in mid-June. It is possible to participate in some of the big events like these (you often have to show a medical certificate proving your physical fitness).

Tourist traps

We strongly advise against buying tickets from scalpers. The commissions can be exorbitant.