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Trip Report
Rio de Janeiro: An Unforgettable Journey from Bustling City to Tranquil Island
I spent two weeks in and around Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of my South America travels. Here you will find the perfect itinerary for two weeks.
+ 6
South AmericaBrazil12 days / June 2023
Highs & Lows
Isla grande
Safety in Rio - Rio is not the safest city, so make sure to keep your belongings close to your body
Itinerary Overview
I arrived in Rio de Janeiro with a 10 hour flight from Lisbon. Initially I just planned a quick stopover on my way to Peru. I fall in love with the city and the culture so I stayed for two weeks, but I could have easily stayed for two months.
My first week I spend in Rio exploring the city and of course a samba party.
Contrary to the busy city I spend the second week on a chill and tranquil island - isla grande.
Rio de Janeiro Delving into Rio's Contrasting Neighborhoods: Lapa's Historical Charm and Leblon's Affluence
2+I arrived in Rio in the middle of a night and was still stuck in traffic for an hour. It’s a very busy and vibrant city and you will feel it within the second you arrive.
On my first day I did a free walking tour with David - organized by the discovery hostel. David is a perfect guide and showed us all the historical important parts of lapa and it’s surroundings (historical part of Rio). Lapa is not the safest area so watch your belongings.
After the tour we went to explore the famous Ipanema beach and the neighborhood of leblon - it’s probably one of the richest neighborhoods in Rio and very contrary to lapa. Highly recommendation for food when you are in leblon is the restaurant „NOLA“ - a bit more expensive but amazing food.
On our second day we did a guided tour in the favela of Santa Marta. The tour is organized by a local guide and the proceeds go to the community. It was very impressive to get an insight into life inside the favela.
As Rio is the only city with a rainforest within its borders - we of course did a hike in the Tijuca rainforest. The hike to the top of Pedra da Gavea was pretty tough but worth it the views.
Other things to do in Rio: visit Christ the redeemer, go to a samba party in bodega.
Ilha Grande
1+We arrived on isla grande after a 3 hour bus and a 1 hour boat ride.
There are no cars allowed on the island so we went for a little hike to our accommodation somewhere in the middle of the rainforest.
The island is very relaxing and tranquil and especially after a week in Rio you feel like in a different country. We went for a lot of hikes to beaches close by. For the return to the main town of the island „Abraão„ it’s possible to take a Taxi boat from the beach. So you just have to hike on way and enjoy the nice views from the boat on your way back.
Recommendation for food on isla grande is the restaurant „Canoas„. Best hikes are to the beaches of Praia brava and Praia da feiticeira.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
I would have spent more time in Brazil. The country is huge and there is so much to see.Restaurant recommendations?
NOLA in Rio de JaneiroTips you would give a friend?
Don’t be afraid of Brazil’s bad reputation of safety - if you take the right precautions you will be finePacking tips?
It’s all year warm so no need for warm clothes. Leave some space in your backpack as there are a lot of nice markets to go shoppingTransportation Tips?
It’s all year warm so no need for warm clothes. Leave some space in your backpack as there are a lot of nice markets to go shoppingAny surprises?
Rio and it’s atmosphere was a big suprise but also the contrasts in the city between poverty and wealth
Lodging
Discovery hostel - highly recommended. It’s close to the metro station so you can easily reach every part of the city. We always felt safe using the metro (unlike the busses). The hostel is also very social and makes it easy to meet new people.
Airbnb in the middle of the jungle