The Great Outdoors
Alongside the beautiful coast, Rio’s landscape is dominated by soaring peaks. Take a thrilling and scenic cable car ride up to the peak of Pão de Açúcar, the summit standing 396m above the city. Absorb breathtaking views of Rio and Mount Corcovado’s Christ the Redeemer statue, or head up in the evening for glorious sunset surroundings. The Tijuca National Park stretches over 39-sq-km and is the only remaining part of the Atlantic Rainforest. Marvel at countless trees and gushing waterfalls as you wander along the trail system. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, meanwhile, is a fabulous lake surrounded by walking and cycling paths – hire a bike or paddle boat and get exploring!
Beautiful Beaches
The vibrant city of Rio is perfectly matched by the golden sands of its coastline. One of the most famous beaches in the world, Copacabana stretches for an impressive 4-kilometres, the soft sand leading towards the shimmering waves of the South Atlantic Ocean. Soak up the South American sunshine as you lie back with a refreshing cocktail, before cooling off with a dip in the water. Ipanema Beach, comprising sun-dappled, golden sand, is another great spot. Separated by postos (posts), each section offers a slightly different beach experience, alongside a great glimpse into Rio life.
Sports
An iconic destination on any sporting map, Rio is home to the unique Maracaña stadium, built in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup. Take a tour around the field, press box and locker rooms; pay tribute to Brazil’s football icons, such as Pelé and Garrincha; or feel utter euphoria as you attend a match at this flagship stadium. The sport doesn’t stop at football: the stunning Olympic Park, built for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, comprises seven world-class arenas for tennis, aquatics, cycling, basketball and more!
A Glimpse at Local Life
A city renowned for its rhythm, music and exotic dance, join a traditional Samba class; a dance style characterised by hip-shaking and fast footwork, live like a Rio local for an evening. Climb the striking Escadaria Selarón stairs, covered in colourful mosaics and dedicated to the Brazilian people, or visit the glorious Instituto Moreira Salles. The latter housing a selection of local exhibitions, prepare to be awed by the art work of Brazil’s up-and-coming photographers and artists. Often showcasing an exhibition about Rio itself, this centre is a great destination for a glimpse into the city’s art scene.
Cuisine
Often simple, yet flavoursome and utterly delicious, Brazilian cuisine ranks among the best in the world. Feira Nordestina is a bustling fair with over 600 stalls, many of which are Brazilian food stalls, named barracas. Sample traditional dishes, such as flame-grilled meat and Brazilian beans, as well as local beer and Rio’s cachaça cane liquor. For a fine dining experience, our featured property, Belmond Copacabana Palace, is home to three stunning restaurants. Among the first in South America to receive a Michelin Star, MEE serves world-class Pan-Asian cuisine, while the Cipriani Restaurant is also highly decorated.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.