Activities & sites to see!
Rio de Janeiro is an incredible city with a wealth of things to experience! We highly recommend making a longer trip out of our wedding celebrations, if you’re able.
Below are a couple of things we recommend you bake into your trip (WILL CONTINUE ADDING TO THIS LIST!)
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How to get there & some tips:
1. Train (Trem do Corcovado)
The Corcovado Train is the most traditional and scenic way to reach Christ the Redeemer. The first train departs at 7:20 AM, and if you book your ticket in advance for the earliest departure, you’ll have the best chance to enjoy the statue without crowds.
Where to board: The train departs from Cosme Velho Station.
Duration: The ride takes about 20 minutes through the Tijuca Forest.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets online to secure a seat on the earliest train.
2. Vans (Official Shuttle Service)
The official Paineiras Corcovado vans are another way to reach the top. These vans leave from designated locations in Largo do Machado, Copacabana, and Paineiras.
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Parque Lage is a public park at the base of Corcovado Mountain, where you can grab brunch and wander through the tropical botanical gardens.
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Between Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods you’ll find the most colorful stairs in Rio known as Selaron Stairs or Escadaria Selaron. Snoop Dogg and Pharrell filmed a music video here ;)
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There are so many famous beaches in Rio! Ipanema, Praia Vermelha, Grumari, and Prainha are our favorites! (Copacabana is overrated and a bit more dangerous)
If you go to Ipanema, we recommend that you situate yourself at the Uruguay Tent (Barraca do Uruguai) - look it up on Google Maps.
They will take great care of you (you can order food, fresh coconut waters, caipirinhas & more)
Things to keep in mind: there are MANY beach vendors who will try to sell you random stuff & walk around with card readers, and you are American. DON’T IMMEDIATELY TAP YOUR PHONE/CARD ON THEIR READERS! They will upcharge anything and everything!
How to blend in like a local:
Don’t bring a towel - everyone uses “cangas” which you can buy on the beach
Havaianas! No sneakers
Carry a light/discreet bag and keep any valuables in hotel
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TRAILS:
Rio de Janeiro has a ton of great hikes to offer! Download the AllTrails app to explore some of the recommended hikes and read the reviews. We’d recommend only going on trails that are super well-known and busy.
Here is a link to the trails in/around Tijuca National Park.
GUIDED TOURS:
Then, there are also guided tours, like this Tijuca National Forest tour, that look pretty dope.
Other guided tours include:
Morro Dois Irmãos. More insane views! The trailhead starts in the Vidigal favela, and being with someone who knows their way around will make for a better experience.
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If you’ve ever thought about hang-gliding, there’s probably no better place to do it than Rio. Check it out at this link.
If you’re as into rock climbing as John’s parents are… You could climb the Sugar Loaf mountain with a tour guide.
If you love to drink on boats, maybe check out this tour of the Guanabara Bay ORRRR this one
If you want to try out a Favela Tour with a reputable tour guide who speaks English and who lives out there, check out this guy - instagram: @ryaanlouis, and visit his tour guide page