Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro

Advantages: Spectacular, exciting and perfect for budget travellers.
Disadvantages: Is that a knife in your pocket or are you just trying to rob me?

...overflows with things to do and places to see. It would be easy to fill a fortnights stay in the town and surprisingly most things can be done adequately on a shoestring budget. The city's most recognisable sight is Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), that world famous statue of Christ on the hunchback mountain of Concovado. Any visit to Rio must include a visit to this icon. To get there just hop on a 583 local bus from Copacabana (take the 584 back, costs R$1.30 each way). To get the top of Concovado you need to take the 20 minute cog train (R$25 return) that often speeds up at near right angles (a cheaper option, but one that lacks imagination is to take a taxi to the top). Once at the summit the panoramic views of the Maracana stadium, the lagoon, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Sugarloaf, city racetack and Tijuca National Park... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Beaches, gorgeous tropical islands, unbelievably great value.
Disadvantages: Having to keep your wits about you, but no real problem.

...Health Centre to check whether you will need any necessary vaccines. It is important to do this at least 3 months in advance as many vaccines require more than one visit. FLIGHTS ------------- We flew by Air France, which involved a one hour flight to Paris first, then an 10 hour flight to Rio airport. Lengthy yes, but worth it in the end. I cannot mention ticket prices as I did not purchase them. I believe it is more affordable to fly straight to the city of Sau Paulo (south of Rio de Janeiro), then travel to Rio from there, usually another flight. The flight lengths do not differ, but the cost may. WHO SHOULD GO? ------------------------- I would recommend a trip to Rio de Janeiro to adults mainly. Children would enjoy the city, beaches and excursions, but it is not the kind of holiday to expect amusement parks or the like... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Rio
Disadvantages: Violence

...Rio de Janeiro "River of January" is the second major city of Brazil, behind only São Paulo. Its 8 million inhabitants occupy an area of 485 square miles. There are three main city districts: Centre, South, and North. The city centre is the financial and business district of Rio. After the transfer of the capital to Brasília, in 1960, the process of economic transfer to São Paulo was increased. The summer months officially begin around November and end in March. Rio has a Tropical climate.The temperature can occasionally reach 40°C in inland areas of the city, The official song of Rio de Janeiro is "Cidade Maravilhosa", which means "marvelous city". The song is considered the "civic anthem" of Rio, and is the favourite song during Rio's Carnival in February.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful