Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
From NYC, we were not able to directly into Rio so we had a layover in São Paulo, which was another 45’ish minutes to Rio :) From there, a quick (and shockingly cheap Uber ride) we were at our hotel: Copacabana Palace, right on the famous Copacabana beach!
<3
Just across the street from our hotel, the famous Copacabana Beach!
We LOVED how local families just rocked their speedos and two pieces, with bodies to match their awesome kindness and warmth. We immediately fell in love with the place.
The next morning, we were off to see Christ the Redeemer, a wonder of the world! Don’t bother with guided tours. They’re both super-expensive and unnecessary. We reserved our tickets here. We just reserved our Uber, which was ridiculously cheap (like $5 USD for a 25-minute drive! This was true for EVERY Uber ride, so you extra don’t need a car or guide.
We got to the trolly first thing in the morning, (around 6:50a), and on our way out (around 9a), the queue was around the corner, so definitely go early!
The ride up the mountain was stunning since Christo sits on a mountain smothered by the Tijuca National Rainforest!
It’s what I’d imagine an elevator up to heaven would be like. Maybe better.
The Copacabana Hotel also has a couple of their own Michelin Star Restaurants on the ground floor!
And of course, a nightcap of choice by the pool to close her out <3
The next morning, Karla reserved us a samba class with SambaFit Studio. SUCH a good workout and of course, never hurts to humble oneself.
After a siesta, we visited Parque Lage, which tucks up nicely to the largest urban rainforest in the world, The Tijuca!
The next day, we visited Sugar Loaf Mountain, which is STUNNING. We solicited our tickets here.
The views were mesmerizing, and the top of Sugar loaf is quite developed. We stayed there for hours, just enamored by the panoramic views of Rio. And it only gets better at night…
The next day, we visited the incredible Selaron Steps!
For our last night, we wanted to stay on the beach but with a rooftop view, so we booked a stay at PortoBay Hotel, just a block away from Copacabana Hotel, and got more than we hoped for!
Obrigado, Rio! <3
