Airport Details
Airport Full Name
Rio de Janeiro International Airport
IATA Code
GIG
Location:
The airport is located on Governor's Island, 12 miles
(20km) north of Rio de Janeiro.
Airport Facilities
The airport is well equipped with facilities including ATMs, banks and bureaux de change, shops, restaurants and bars, duty-free shopping, luggage lockers and a tourist help desk. Facilities for the disabled are good.
Transfers
The easiest and fastest transport from the airport is by taxi. Taxi vouchers should be bought from the Rio de Janeiro State Tourism Authority desk in the arrivals terminal to avoid any hassle and should cost about US$25. Public buses are available and passengers can connect to Rio's Novo Rio Rodoviaria bus station in the city centre. Fares are roughly US$3. More expensive airport shuttles are available to downtown hotels and popular destinations but can have an English speaking guide.
Contact
Tel: +55 21 3398 4106, 3398 4208 or 3398 5050.
Climate Details (C)
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
| Min | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| Max | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 28 |
Travel Guides: Rio de Janeiro
General Information
Mention Rio to anyone and immediately the name evokes images of sultry street parades, the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car, the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado mountain, and the 'itsy-bitsy teeny weeny' bikinis on the beach at Ipanema. The exuberant cultural capital of Brazil is tucked between the mountains and the sea and is endowed with awe-inspiring natural beauty. Rio's beaches, including the famous Ipanema and Copacabana, are a main attraction due to the city's warm climate. It also contains the biggest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca Forest, which was completely replanted during the second half of the 19th century.
The city pulses to the infectious beat of Brazilian music: the choro, the samba and the bossa nova, and the funk carioca, and is the cultural capital of Brazil. Its annual carnival, known simply as Carnaval, draws together the population of the city (known as the 'Cariocas') ranging from the very rich to the very poor, who take to the streets for the world's largest samba parade on the Sambodromo.
Rio is a never-ending story made up of 150 districts, each characterised by unique features like Santa Teresa, a winding maze of streets populated by artists and musicians, which is reached by taking an old tram across an ancient aqueduct called Arcos da Lapa. In the central city area of Rio there are historic monuments and public buildings like the Municipal Theatre, the National Museum of Fine Art, the Itamaraty Palace, the National History Museum, and the National Library. There are also beautiful examples of religious architecture such as the Sao Bento Monastery. No matter how long you spend exploring the city, it will always deliver new surprises.
Rio will be overrun with international sporting events in the next few years, as it is set to be the first South American city to host the Summer Olympics in 2016, and will be the primary host city for the FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament in 2014.
To the north of the city is the Lakes region, which has more than 62 miles (100km) of beaches and sea-water lagoons and is the site of the main tourist resorts of Búzios, Cabo Frio, Arrial do Cabo, Rio das Ostras, Marica and Saquarema.
Getting Around
Although a large and sprawling city, the neighbourhoods most frequented by visitors are easy to access using a combination of Rio's public transport, and one's own feet.
The public transport system in Rio is cheap and efficient, and most places can be reached by metro or bus. By far the quickest and easiest way to get around is by the efficient metro, but there are limits to its coverage of the city with only two lines.
Walking around is generally safe as long as there are crowds of people, although walking in the centre of the city is not recommended after the shops close and their security guards go home.
The most inexpensive form of transport is the local buses, which travel all over the city as fast as the traffic will allow. Unfortunately, they are often badly driven, crowded, and the scene of much petty theft, especially during rush hours when the crowded conditions are ideal for pickpockets. Special care should be taken on buses known to be used by tourists, such as those to the Sugar Loaf. Drivers frequently have little to no change, so don't try to use money in large denominations.
Public transport stops between 11pm and midnight, with some buses operating twenty-four hours, but it is safer to hire a taxi late at night. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, charging a lower rate after 6pm (except Sundays, holidays, and in December). Radiotaxi can be ordered and are said to be safer and more reliable, usually with air-conditioning, but they are thirty percent more expensive than regular taxis. Drivers may add a surcharge for extra luggage.
Driving in Rio is not recommended for overseas visitors do to the chaotic nature of the traffic. To hire a car, though, you'll need an international driver's license, and insurance.
Activities
Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro
Even though Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's foremost holiday destinations, boasting great beaches, vibrant night-life, and significant tourist attractions, the hard fact is that it remains a city of gross economic inequality - as typified by its sprawling urban slums ( favelas), the largest of which, Rocinha, is home to nearly a quarter of a million people. For tourists looking to get to grips with this social reality, a local named Zezinho runs widely-celebrated tours of Rocinha, the favela in which he grew up. Those worrying that it will be a typical, voyeuristic, seen-from-the-back-of-a-Jeep experience can lay those fears to rest - the great strength of Zezinho's tours is that they are conducted out of love for Rocinha, and a desire to share its culture with foreigners. As Zezinho says, 'It is easy to see poverty or poorly built houses, but what I love about Rocinha is the spirit of the people' - and all who partake in his tour of Rocinha agree that it's a valuable, important, and humanising touristic experience.
Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro
You can get away from the city for a day by taking a cruise to Sepetiba Bay and its many scenic tropical islands. The area has calm waters perfect for snorkelling, canoeing and swimming. Islands like Jaguanum, Pombeba, are known for prime nature watching with an abundance of birdlife and dolphins; and Papagaio, Saracura and Bernardo are better for aspiring fishermen. There are also a few good seafood restaurants scattered among the islands.
Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Having had their fill of the beach, tourists seeking the 'real Rio de Janeiro' should make a beeline for one of its most iconic neighbourhoods, Santa Teresa. Located at the top of Santa Teresa Hill, the neighbourhood is famous for its winding, narrow streets, its 19th century architecture, and its amazing array of restaurants, bars, art galleries and eclectic shops. A popular area for local artists and tourists alike, Santa Teresa is best reached using its historic tram service, which runs up the hill from the centro(departing from Largo da Carioca square). The tram line - the only one of its kind in Rio - runs right through Santa Teresa's picturesque streets, offering magnificent views of the city below. By all accounts, no visit to Rio de Janeiro would be complete without spending at least some time in Santa Teresa.
Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
Immortalised in a popular song, 'The girl from Ipanema', this part of Rio offers not only its legendary beach, but numerous excellent hotels, bustling nightlife, sophisticated shopping opportunities and quality restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. Ipanema (the name, incongruously, means 'bad water') is famous for setting fashion trends, particularly in the line of skimpy swimwear, and fashion fundis should look out for the famous bikini boutiques like Salinas , Blue Manand Bum-Bum .Also do not miss exploring the Rua Garcia D'Avila to shop for designer fashion, jewellery and furniture. Visit the Amsterdam Sauer Museum of Gems here for a workshop tour. There are numerous other streets in Ipanema to explore as well, including the attractive commercial street Visconde de Piraja that is lined with speciality shops, bars, restaurants and some of Rio's best boutiques. Visit the hippie fair at General Osorio Square on Sundays for wooden sculptures, handcrafts, exotic musical instruments and artworks.
Botanical Gardens, Rio de Janeiro
Rio's Botanical Gardens were created in 1808 by the Prince Regent of Portugal as a temporary site for acclimatising imported plants. Today it is home to some 2,600 species of plant life, particularly bromeliads and orchids. Colour is added to the botanical treasures by a wealth of wildlife, such as Toucans, Tanagers, Marmoset monkeys and brilliantly coloured butterflies.
Opening Times:
Daily, from 8am to 5pm
Admission:
R$4
Rio Scenarium, Rio de Janeiro
The most festive spot in what is arguably the most festive city in the world. Rio Scenarium is a three-floor dance club dedicated to sultry, sweaty summer salsa nights. The decor is interesting, set in an abandoned antiques warehouse, and the club is adorned with movie props and other oddities. Live acts and dance events take place regularly at the club.
Sugar Loaf, Rio de Janeiro
The summit of Rio's unique 1,299ft high (396m) belvedere, named Sugar Loaf because of its resemblance to the loaves of sugar used by the Portuguese colonists, can be reached by a two-stage cable car ride. The first stage takes visitors up 722ft (220m) to the Morro da Urca, where there is a restaurant, amphitheatre, heliport and spectacular view of the Yacht Club and Botafogo Bay. The second stage takes one the rest of the way to the summit for a panoramic view of the city, and the whole of Copacabana beach. The Sugar Loaf cable car is a major icon of Rio's tourism.
Opening Times:
Open daily, from 8am to 7.50pm
Admission:
Cable Car: R$44 (adults), R$22 (children
6-12)
Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro
The distinctive statue of Christ the Redeemer, arms spread to welcome the world, is the symbol of Rio de Janeiro and one of the seven New Wonders of the Modern World. It rests on top of Rio de Janeiro's Corcovado Mountain, 2,330ft (710m) above the beaches below, and is accessed via a miniature train that runs from the Cosme Vehlo District through the Atlantic rainforest to the foot of the statue. The train ride offers stunning vistas of Rio, and the view from the summit is breathtaking. Spread out beneath the statue is the Tijuca Forest, resplendent with attractions to enchant visitors in the cool of the rainforest among natural pools and waterfalls. There is for example the Mayrink chapel, which features murals painted by Candido Portinari, one of Brazil's best known modern artists, and the Museu do Acude, housing colonial furniture and a collection of china from the East India Company.
Opening Times:
Open daily, from 8.30am to 7pm. Train departs every
30 minutes
Admission:
R$36 (adults), R$18 (children) for a round-trip on the
train
Iguaçu Falls, Rio de Janeiro
The Rio Iguaçu arises in the coastal mountains of Paraná and Santa Catarina and snakes west for 370 miles (600km) before it widens majestically and sweeps around a magnificent jungle stage, plunging and crashing in tiered falls at the border with Argentina and Paraguay. The Foz do Iguaçu (Iguaçu Falls) are over two miles (3km) wide and 262ft (80m) high and their beauty is unsurpassed. Their name, fittingly, comes from the Guarani Indian word meaning 'great waters'. The deep flowing waters of the river tumble down 275 falls (almost twice the height of Niagara Falls) the most famous of which is Devils Throat on the Argentinian border, dropping 230ft (70m). As well as taking in the stunning views, visitors can enjoy kayaking and other watersports in the river. The best time of year to visit is August to November, when there is least risk of floodwaters hindering the approach to the catwalks. The falls are surrounded by the Iguaçu National Park, a huge sub-tropical rainforest covering 135,000 acres that is home to thousands of different species of flora and birds including parrots and hummingbirds.
Getting There:
The easiest way to get to the falls is by air, from Rio.
Alternatively, you can take a bus via Curitiba
Buzios Peninsula, Rio de Janeiro
Once the preserve of pirates and slave traders, the peninsula of Buzios, 105 miles (169km) north east of Rio de Janeiro, is today the haunt of the rich and famous who flock to the city (once a fishing village) to enjoy the twenty or so beaches in the vicinity. The peninsula was popularised by legendary movie star Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, and her statue still graces the main street of Buzios, the Rua des Pedras. The peninsula is a sophisticated beach resort with a very active nightlife and fine restaurants. The west coast beaches offer calm, clear waters while the east coast ones, facing the open sea, are a little wilder and draw the surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Among the most popular beaches are Azeda Beach, Joao Fernandinho Beach (with several bars and known for its good seafood), Ferradura Beach, and Geriba beach, which is popular for surfing.
Getting There:
Buzios can be reached by road from Rio via the
Rio-Niteroi toll bridge, or by bus from the Novo Rio Bus
Station
Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro
This peninsula and group of 365 islands (one for each day of the year!) is a holiday playground that boasts 2,000 beautiful beaches and a natural wonderland of mountains, forests, waterfalls, lakes and secret coves. Visitors can take trips by schooner, yacht or motor launch to explore the delights of the area, particularly the main island, Ilha Grande. Fishing and diving are the favoured activities for tourists, and on land there are hundreds of walking trails giving access to some of the less frequented beaches like Canto, Abraaozinho, Morcego and Grande das Palmas. The beaches of Aventureiro and Lopes Mendes are also popular with surfers.
Getting There:
It can be easily reached from Rio by road in just over
two hours, or accessed by bus with daily departures every hour from
the Novo Rio Bus Station
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
This famous Rio beach neighbourhood was just a small fishing village until a new highway changed the face of it sometime in the 1900s. The Copacabana Palace Hotel first opened its doors in 1923, and since then the area mushroomed with Neoclassical and Art Nouveau skyscrapers, penthouses and apartments. Visitors still flock, as they have always done, to the glamorous Palace Hotel, the place to be seen. Sometimes the visit is only to have tea or a meal at the famed Cipriani restaurant. The beach itself has white sand and calm water and is festooned with kiosks. It is a popular spot for beach sports like soccer and volleyball, and a good place to sunbathe. Copacabana beach is particularly popular on New Year's Day. According to tradition, visitors dress in white and congregate here to celebrate in their droves, counting more than two million people during this time.
Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro
The world's largest urban forest, Tijuca spans 7,900 acres (3,200ha) and sits on Rio's doorstep. Inside the forest, walkabouts will lead you past caves, waterfalls and an abundance of exotic and rare flora and fauna. Stop and enjoy a pre-packed lunch at the 'Mesa do Imperador', a massive granite picnic table. The famous Corovado Mountain and statue of Christ the Redeemer form part of the forest.
Opening Times:
Open daily, from 8.30am to 6.30pm
Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
Built over 50 years ago for use in the Soccer World Cup, this stadium is the largest on the continent, seating a crowd of over 95,000. The stadium is currently used to host the local soccer league games, and is the home of the Brazillian soccer team. The Maracana is also often used by international acts visiting Brazil as a performance venue - Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney being among the big names who have played here. Inside the ground is a Hall of Fame honouring soccer greats such as Pele, Roberto Dinamite, Romário, Valdo and Bebeto all of whom have been honoured by having their footprints cast in the sidewalk. A guided tour will take you through the hall, where you can enjoy a display of historical photographs and a great panoramic view of the city.
Opening Times:
Open daily, from 9am to 5pm
Admission:
R$20
Events
New Year's Eve
Brazilians know how to party and Rio's New Year ( Reveillon) celebrations are ranked among the world's biggest extravaganzas. This jovial city hosts musical shows in several districts to bring in the New Year, and on Copacabana Beach a crowd of over two million people is expected. Partygoers dress in white to bid farewell to the year that is ending and celebrate the arrival of the next. A fabulous display of fireworks illuminates the sky at midnight, amid much festivity, dancing and happiness. Hotels, clubs and restaurants also offer a variety of party options with formal balls, diverse menus and tropical buffets.
Date:
31 December 2011
Venue:
Various
June Bonfire Festivals
An integral part of Brazilian folklore and culture is a New World twist on an old European tradition; coinciding with the feasts of St Anthony, St John and St Peter, June bonfire festivals are held in Rio's squares, clubs, schools and churches. Warmly illuminated by bonfires, the events features mock country weddings, where couples leap over crackling flames, and stalls decorated with streamers and lanterns are set up to resemble village markets. Spectacular fireworks, as well as a good deal of dancing, drinking and eating, accompany this scene.
Date:
13, 24 and 29 June 2012
Venue:
Various
Rio Carnival
Brazil's tradition of throwing wild carnivals early in the year (usually in February or March) is one that was imported along with the colonial Portuguese, adopted and streamlined into today's world-famous Brazilian event of the year. Carnaval stems from a Catholic Church spring thanksgiving celebration dating from the Middle Ages in Europe. Carnival is always held four or five days before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. When the fun-loving Portuguese colonised Brazil they instituted Carnaval as a period of abandoned merriment and street pranks. In 1840 the Italian wife of a Rio de Janeiro hotelier formalised the carnaval celebration by hiring musicians and giving a lavish masked ball. Today each city in Brazil celebrates Carnaval in its own style, but the crème de la crème of Carnaval celebrations is the one held in Rio, where the focus is on the colourful parade of the samba schools, which comes with extravagant floats, brilliant costumes, magical music and amazingly energetic dancers. The action takes place in the Sambodromo, a half-mile long path built specifically for the event in 1984. At the end of the parade the samba schools perform for an hour each in front of stands packed with spectators, vying for the judges' favour and the championship title. Carnaval time is also a time for street parties and elaborate night-long costume balls, which are held in the top hotels.
Date:
18 - 21 February 2012
Venue:
Samba Parade: Sambadrome. Street carnival takes place in
different neighbourhoods
Venue:
9pm to 7am
Restaurants
Carême
They say that dynamite comes in small packages and that couldn't be more true of Carême. Located in a cozy home in Botafogo, the venue exudes romance. The menu is minimalist but packs a delicious punch. The hours are short (only open for dinner) and the time in the restaurant certainly flies. Friendly and efficient service are the cherry on top of delectable French cuisine. Reservations essential.
Address:
113 Rua Visconde de Caravelas
Asia Restaurant
High up in the hills of the Santa Teresa artist community, Asia is a stylish and modern restaurant warmed by dark wood furnishings and a soft paper lantern glow. While Asia is known for its dim sum selection (similar to Spanish tapas), the menu also offers Malaysian stir-fries and satay, as well as various curry and tofu dishes. 'Art in a glass' flower tea adds a beautiful finishing touch. Open on Wednesday for dinner and Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address:
Rua Almirante Alexandrino 256
Fellini
Not only does Fellini offer a variety of international cuisine, with everything from Japanese to Mexican food available, but it's all sold 'by the pound' allowing diners a choice of exactly how big their portions should be. Fellini has a funky, laid-back atmosphere and look to match. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address:
Rua General Urquisa 104
Copacabana Palace Hotel Restaurants
The Copacabana Palace Hotel houses two of Rio de Janeiro's most elegant restaurants. The Hotel Cipriani Restaurant serves excellent north Italian cuisine to guests in an elegant dining area, while the poolside Pérgula Restaurant offers a buffet breakfast, and delicious South American meals. Cipriani is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with Pérgula open for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week and from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on weekends. Reservations required.
Address:
Avenida Atlântica 1702
Palaphita Kitch
With its rustic, eco-friendly décor (couches, wooden tables, lots of palm trees...) and its candlelit dining area, Palaphita Kitch has an idealistic yet somehow romantic atmosphere, backed by excellent views of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. The menu offers a selection of exotic Amazonian cuisine, with its carpaccio being a favourite. Open every night for dinner, reservations recommended.
Address:
Avenida Epitacio Pessoa S/N, Quiosque 20
Paladino
Revel in merriment with the locals at this affordable eatery, where authentic Brazilian cuisine is served generously. Have a plate or platter depending on how hungry you are, the price difference is negligible. Sardine sandwiches are a good bet for your taste buds. The Paladino is always popular and beer flows steadily from the taps. Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 8.30pm, and Saturday from 8am till 12pm. Reservations and credit cards are not accepted.
Address:
226 Rua Uruguaiana
Madame Butterfly
If you're in Ipanema and a sushi fan, be sure to stop by Madame Butterfly for some of the most original sushi to be had south of the equator. The innovation is Not so much the combinations themselves but the shapes, which are creative and, sometimes, a puzzle to eat. The fish with shimeji mushrooms in ginger and sake sauce come highly recommended.
Address:
472 Rua Barão de Torre
Confeitaria Colombo
The Confeitaria Colombo acts as an homage to an age long passed. Established in the late 1800s, this Victorian style hall turned restaurant hasn't changed much in over 100 years, so they must be doing something right. This is considered to be a perfect lunch or light tea spot for execs doing business in the city. Tea meals are complemented by breads and condiments, while the meals are filling and appetising.
Address:
32 Rua Gonçalves Dias
Brasileirinho
Near the beach, this small and comfortable restaurant has an idyllic, rural atmosphere and its décor features handmade arts and crafts. The menu offers authentic, homemade Brazilian cuisine such as a plate of rice, beans, farofa(toasted manioc flour), steak and French fries, or the traditional caldinho de feijãosoup, with beans and bacon. Reservations recommended.
Address:
Rua Jangadeiros 10
Azul Marinho
As the name suggests, Azul Marinho is a quiet, sophisticated restaurant near the beach with a great seafood menu. Famed for their Moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew) with shrimp, cod, lobster, crab and octopus, the restaurant has a lovely outdoor dining area with ocean views from which to enjoy it. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Address:
Avenida Francisco Bhering S/N, Arpoador
