Dec. 21 - 24, 2023 (4D3N): At the end of our Antarctica journey, we took advantage of being in South America by visiting Rio before flying back to JFK from Buenos Aires. Known for its iconic beaches, vibrant Carnaval, and breathtaking landscapes, Rio offers travelers a mix of natural beauty and urban culture. Visiting the Santa Marta Favala was one of the most humbling experiences. Don’t forget to drink as many caipirinhas as possible!

*Highly Recommended for food & drinks

Day 1

• Afternoon arrival at GIG from AEP (direct via LATAM)

• 3 pm: Check-in @ Airbnb* (Atlantico Flat Service; Uber ride took about 1.5 hr during rush hour but very affordable - $18)

• Copacabana Beach

• Early dinner @ Novo

• Sunset @ Mureta da Urca

Day 2

• 9:30-12 pm: The best Free walking tour in Rio

  • Praca Alagoas

  • Rio de Janeiro Municipal Theatre

  • Camara Municipal do Rio de Janeiro

  • Passeio Publico

  • Escadaria de Selaron/Selaron Steps

  • Largo de Lapa

  • Arcos da Lapa

  • Booze Bar

  • Masonic Palace Lavradio

  • Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao

  • Church of Saint Francis of Penance

  • Confeitaria Colombo

  • Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel of the Old Cathedral

  • Paco Imperial

• Gelato @ Confeitaria Colombo*

• Lunch @ Amor Quiosque in Copacabana

• Ipanema:

  • Ipanema Beach

  • Dinner @ Boteco Belmonte*

  • Gelato @ Momo Gelato Ipanema

  • Shop @ Havaianas

Day 3

• 9 am: Christ the Redeemer*(High Season R$122.5; 8 am to 5/6 pm; suggested duration 1.5hrs including train ride; must visit in the morning to avoid the crowd and be able to see the statue)

  • 40 mins RT Train ride from Cosme Velho (map Uber ride here) to Cristo Redentor

  • Chocolate & coffee @ Lugano Gramado*

• Mirante Dona Marta* (free; a beautiful view of Christ the Redeemer and an overlook of the city)

• Sugarloaf Mountain* (R$185; 8 am - 9 pm; suggested duration 1 hr)

• Snacks @ Praia Vermelha

• Lunch @ Gato Cafe*

• 2 - 4:30 pm: Favela Santa Marta Tour* (or Rocinha Lucky Tour - free walking tour to see Rocinha)

  • Funicular to the top

  • Church

  • Michael Jackson Square

  • Local bar

• Sunset @ Praia do Leme

• Lapa:

  • Dinner @ Boteco Belmonte

  • Cocktails @ Cafe Cultural Sacrilegio* (good samba music)

  • Cachaca shots @ Bar da Cachaca* (for the cachaca shot lovers)

Day 4

• Morning flight to JFK from GIG via Delta (access airport lounges via Priority Pass - Gol Smiles Lounge*)

Other points of interest & food:

• Swim @ Praia do Leblon; Praia da Barra da Tijuca

• Boulevard Olimpico

• Museu do Amanhã

• Santa Teresa

• Drinks @ Bar Carioca da Gema; Acadenua da Cachaca

• Dine @ Cafe Lamas; Joaquina; Restaurante Shirley; Terra Brasillis; Plage Cafe; Árabe Urca

• Shop @ Gilson Martins Copacabana

Tips:

• For first-time visitors, an accommodation in Ipanema would provide a younger vibe.

• Be wary of handling your cell phones in public

• Rio is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so hit up the beaches between December and March for some heat.

• To avoid crowds at Christ the Redeemer, look for a helicopter tour.

• Make sure you only go up to Sugarloaf on a clear day; sunset is the best time to visit but we enjoyed it during the middle of the day.

• If you are looking for the best souvenirs, grab some pairs of Havaianas!!