Rio de Janeiro: Puentes Destination Guide

Rio de Janeiro, located in the south of Brazil, is the second-most populous city in Brazil and a top destination for travelers to South America. Rio de Janeiro is known for it’s lively culture, beautiful beaches, “samba” music and dance, and friendly “carioca” locals. From visiting Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) to taking in the incredible views at Pão de Açucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) to enjoying the long coastline of beaches, there’s more than enough to do in Rio de Janeiro. We recommend visiting for 5 days if you’d like to explore all the cultural offerings — otherwise, it’s a great weekend trip if you plan to prioritize time on the beach.

HOw to get there

There are direct flights from Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP), Aeropuerto Internacional de Ezeiza - Ministro Pistarini (EZE), and Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco (MVD). Most flights land in RIOgaleão - Aeroporto Internacional Tom Jobim (GIG). It takes 3 hours by flight from Buenos Aires or Montevideo. From the RIOgaleão airport, it’s a 40-minute drive to the main tourist neighborhoods.

WHERE TO STAY

We recommended staying in the neighborhoods of Ipanema, Leblon, or the southern part of Copacabana, ideally near a subway station so you can take advantage of the efficient public transportation system in Rio de Janeiro. These neighborhoods have access to the beach and great restaurants and bars, and are considered to be safer options for tourists.

In Copacabana, we recommend Copa Sul Hotel and Palace Beach Hostel. In Ipanema, we recommend Ipanema Beach House and Hotel Vermont Ipanema. In Leblon, we recommend Hostel Leblon or searching for an apartment on AirBnb or Booking.com.

WHAT TO DO

See the largest and most famous Art Deco statue in the world, the Cristo Redentor (Christ Redeemer). You can take the Trem do Corcovado (train) or hike from Parque Lage for about an hour and half up to the top of the mountain. The hike is free of cost, but you’ll need to pay an entrance fee upon arriving to the statue. Make sure to go on a clear day so you can see the city from the top of the mountain!
Visit the Pão de Açucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) for breathtaking views of the city. Take the cable cars from Parque Bondinho. Make sure to go on a clear day, and if possible, go around sunset.
Explore the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon, Botafogo, Copacabana, and Barra da Tijuca.
Take a free walking tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Stop by the famous Escadaria Selarón for a classic photo on the famous stairs.
Visit the Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro (Metropolitan Cathedral).
Visit the Museu do Amanhã (Tomorrow Musem), a museum focused on climate change and our changing Earth.
Take the Bondinho de Santa Teresa, a traditional tram through the neighborhood of Santa Teresa.
Go to the birthplace of “samba,” Pedra do Sal, for a night of music and dancing. Be careful with your belongings!
Take a stroll through the Jardim Botánico (Botanical Garden).
Spend some time in the Atlantic rainforest at the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, a national park nestled within the urban backdrop of Rio de Janeiro.
If you’re a soccer fan, take a tour of the famous Maracanã stadium.