Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Maybe the most picturesque city in the world—vibrant, alive, and entirely unique. Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil’s most iconic destinations, especially known for hosting the biggest Carnaval in the world, its golden beaches, and vibrant culture. On the other hand though, many can say that Rio is not for everyone. Its high crime rates and general insecurity make many tourists hesitant about visiting—and for good reason. Don’t get me wrong, Rio is an unbelievable city with stunning views, world-class attractions, warm people, and unforgettable experiences. But I’ll let you decide whether it’s worth the trip or not.

We landed at Galeão International Airport, which was about a 40-minute drive to our hotel. After collecting our luggage, we ordered an Uber. One of the first things we noticed about Rio was that drivers don’t stop at red lights at night. To avoid becoming targets for robbery, they slow down, check both sides, and roll through the lights cautiously. I had read about this online before coming, but seeing it in real life was a whole other experience. Thankfully, we arrived at our hotel safely. We stayed at Orla Copacabana Hotel, located right in Copacabana (Insider tip: great value for money). After a shower and some rest, we got ready for our first full day.

Day 1: Dream Comes True

A big day was ahead! It had always been my dream to try hang gliding in Rio, just like in the Disney movie Rio. I would recommend you to reserve a slot before arriving to make sure you will have your spot! On the way there, the adrenaline was filling my nerves however, I was super excited about it. And yes—you guessed it—it was one of the best experiences of my life. The views, the freedom, the adrenaline, the feeling of flying on top of the world was all unforgettable making this experience one of the highlights of the trip. For the adrenaline lovers, hang gliding is a must! Afterwards, we took an Uber to Barra da Tijuca for a stroll along the beach and a refreshing coconut drink and then we moved to Arpoador, then walked along Copacabana and Ipanema beach. We had lunch at Restaurante Garota de Ipanema, a cozy spot with history and good food, before heading back to the hotel to rest. The evening? Probably one of the highlights of the trip. We left our phones and valuables behind, went straight to the beach, and truly lived the moment. We played soccer, interacted with locals, and enjoyed one of the most beautiful, raw sunsets I’ve ever seen. It’s a memory etched in our minds and hearts.

Day 2: The Must See in Rio

We woke up early to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue. After a relatively short wait, we boarded the Corcovado tram, which I highly recommend—comfortable and much safer than hiking up. Though clouds blocked much of the view, the statue itself was awe-inspiring. Afterward, we headed to Parque Lage, which honestly felt a bit underwhelming. Instagram made it seem more exciting than it was. It’s a small park with a café and a central pond—nice, but not worth long lines. (Insider tip: If you don’t have a lot of time, I recommend you to skip this park, it is truly not worth your precious time) Next, we visited Maracanã Stadium. The Uber ride there gave us a glimpse into several favelas—visibly different and humbling. The area around the stadium felt a bit unsafe, and getting an Uber out was tricky. (Insider tip: Take an Uber there but leave by one of the taxis usually parked nearby—it’s quicker and safer) The stadium tour itself was magnificent—a must for football lovers. The way the stadium is build it makes it almost feel like a cave, making you imagine how electric the atmosphere must be during a full match. After a quick lunch at a stadium’s restaurant, we headed to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). We took the two-stage cable car ride up. At the first stop, we enjoyed music from a live DJ with panoramic views. At the summit, the sunset over Rio was absolutely breathtaking and for sure it is one of the most ‘’RIO’’ experiences you may have. We closed the night with a all you can eat dinner at the famous Marius Degustare—an exceptional experience in a uniquely decorated place. The exceptional quality of the meat and seafood and uniqueness of the service, highlighted by our national flag placed on the table, made the experience truly special. This is the perfect spot for an extraordinary dinner in an extraordinary city!

Day 3: Arts, Colors & Lasting Impressions

For our final full day, we explored downtown Rio. First stop: the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)—incredible mosaic artwork that ties cultures together. Very photogenic, but expect crowds. (insider tip: Try to look for the tile of your own country!) Next, we visited the Lapa Arches and Rio Cathedral, both unique and worth the visit. The surrounding area felt a little run-down but not dangerous. Entry to the cathedral is free, and the architecture is very impressive. Afterwards, we hopped on the tram to Santa Teresa, a charming, bohemian neighborhood with rustic restaurants and a true local vibe. Great for coffee or lunch. The train itself has a long wait so be prepared for a long wait! (Insider tip: Better buy your tickets there as it is a bit complicated to buy online) The route goes through some real lower level neighbourhoods that you can get a true taste of what a Rio resident feels like. It is a great way to escape from the typical touristic areas in a secure way! From there, we explored Rio downtown further—visiting the Royal Portugal Cabinet of Reading and Municipal Theatre. (Hidden gem*: Nearby is a huge outdoor market where you can find souvenirs, clothes, and local street food in Uruguaiana street) Later in the afternoon, we visited the Museum ofTomorrow (Museu do Amanhã)—a futuristic building and calm place to unwind and reflect. As the day closed, we made our way to Pedra do Arpoador, a famous rock formation between Ipanema and Copacabana, to enjoy one final sunset. A beautiful, emotional end to our Rio adventure. (Word of caution: Be very careful where you buy drinks or coconuts on the beach. Some stalls leave food and drinks under the sun all day, and it could upset your stomach) We closed the day with a luxurious dinner at Fogo de Chão, a famous Brazilian steakhouse. Great variety, excellent service, and surprisingly reasonable prices for the quality.

Rio gave us some of the most unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. BUT, Rio is not for everyone. It’s best to travel with people who are aware of their surroundings, tech-savvy, and experienced travelers. That said, Rio is amazing, picturesque, rich in culture, and bursting with life. The food is excellent, the variety is endless, and the locals are friendly and full of energy.

Is Rio dangerous? Not inherently—but you do need to stay alert. Watch your belongings, avoid sketchy areas, and use your common sense. If you do that, I’m confident you’ll have a great time—just like we did.