Entry by Juergen Keller, CEO SouthAmerica.travel | 

After thirty-one years of traveling to and through South America – and now living between Brazil and Argentina, with my many European friends asking me, “Hey, where should I go in South America?” – I decided to write the definitive “Best Places to Visit in South America” entry. It might help many others decide as well.

Admittedly, there are not really “best to visit” countries; rather it is in my opinion places where you must go in South America. Therefore, let me start with my favorite South American places, which from the bottom of my heart, I can recommend seeing.

1. Brazil

I am a bit biased, I must say. I spend most of my time in Brazil. I love its people and the peace-loving history of the country reflected in their spirit. Top of the list is the colorful, culturally diverse heartland of landlocked Minas Gerais state. Tiradentes, Congonhas do Campo, Ouro Preto and not to forget: the breathtaking open-air sensation of Inhotim.

Inhotim

The contrasts could not be bigger: Inhotim, combining a Museum of Modern Art, modern architecture, and modern landscaping – all in one enormous space – contrasting with the colonial gems of the historic towns surrounding it. On top of that, it must be mentioned that the area has the best food in Brazil!

Rio de Janeiro

You’ll likely be flying in- and/or out of Rio de Janeiro, so it’s best to reserve a minimum of 3 nights for “the Marvelous City”. Rio has so much to offer, make sure to see more than just the Corcovado and the Sugar Loaf: the historical city center with lunch in the Palacio Imperial, the “Museum of Tomorrow” in the revitalized port area, Santa Tereza’s Parque das Ruinas and the Botanical Gardens are all not to be missed.

Discovering how this country – bigger than the continental US, and half of the South American continent – got away from the colonial power of Portugal without any war or force, then you’ll understand why Brazilians are such a warm and welcoming people.

Certainly, like any city of Rio’s size petty crime does exist. With minimal precautions however this won’t tarnish your experience as a visitor. Only people looking for trouble – trying to purchase drugs in the favelas, for example – will land you in trouble. I always tell my friends that we would not have lived there so many years if it were a dangerous place.

The Pantanal

The National Park alone is worth a visit, and staying in a Jungle Lodge is no problem either. Do not wait for the Jaguars: these cats are very shy and can perfectly hide in the forest. Animals hiding in the forest? Not in the Brazilian Pantanal! Jaguar watching? Yes! A wet savannah-like flat the size of Texas, surrounded by rainforest, cut by rivers full of fish and occasionally all flooded (Don’t worry, everybody is prepared for when that happens around February!). The perfect hunting ground for all types of animals and birds. The Brazilian caiman, a type of alligator, finds so much food in the rivers that they won’t even bother to look at you. Even horses graze right next to them, not even three feet away.

Then there are the Capivaras, the biggest rodents of the planet, and giant storks… There are perfect Explorer Lodges in the Pantanal, mostly run by ecologically-careful people. Guides are mostly from the area and know all the animals and the right places to see them. Make sure you book an English-speaking guide, for they are locals that learned the language, whereas a German- or French-speaking guide is generally not from the area, with more knowledge of the language than the wildlife. There can be a bit of a trade-off!

2. The Amazon Rainforest

Brazil Amazon Cruise

Recently, for the first time ever, I took advantage of some friends’ request to take an Amazon Cruise, and discovered a new passion. Four days, five nights up the river on a modified Motor Yacht, with only 11 cabins. Being a business owner, the best part was: No internet, no WhatsApp, no news…just nature and animals. The total disconnect. Perfect. Whether on land excursions or just hanging out in my hammock and waiting for dinner, a 100% Zen-Moment!

Peru Amazon

As a bird lover, I also loved the Amazon Rainforest in Peru! The Peruvian Amazon sits at a slightly higher altitude than in Brazil and therefore is less dense, which makes it the perfect spot for birding. Talking about Zen: this being a tropical rainforest, there is always a thunderstorm around midday, lunchtime. After that storm, the jungle is awkwardly quiet: no wind, no animals to hear. That is the moment to climb up the canopy tower of your lodge and watch how the forest reawakens from the storm. All the sudden parrots flying by, in pairs, groups of six or more, green, yellow, then red, flying over this broccoli-like canopy of the green rainforest. Pivot around and you’ll see – in Peru – the white snow-capped mountains of the Andes in the background. And all this just 35 minutes flight from Cusco.

3. Peru

Peru, anyway, is maybe the best place for the first visit to South America, even for the not-so-adventurous. Peruvians working in tourism are all very well educated and professional, the infrastructure, hotels, and services are of the highest level and best of all: not much flying necessary. Aside from the 35-minute flight to the rainforest, an overwhelming amount of sights can be seen around Cusco. Best known of them all: Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and another of my favorites: Arequipa, the “White City”, and nearby Colca Canyon, with giant Condors circling over your head.

Lima

And then there is the food in Peru! All those ingredients from the mountains infusion with the seafood from the coast. You have never seen bigger and more colorful corn. Or have you seen blue potatoes? Or quinoa: the white, black, and red versions of it? Gotta try it! Food leads me to wine, of course. Peruvian wines have tremendously improved over just the last ten years. But then there is South America’s other gourmet powerhouse: Argentina.

4. Argentina

Buenos Aires

Arguably the best wines of South America or perhaps even of the world! Pair it with a famous Argentine steak, while watching a Tango show in Buenos Aires, the “Paris of the South”. You’ll need to stop there any way on your way to most destinations in Argentina, so take advantage of it, with 3 nights being a minimum!

Mendoza & Patagonia

Then head to the wine-growing region of Mendoza and on to Patagonia. Flying into the airport of El Calafate, where you’ll first visit the glaciers, can connect you easily to the Chilean Patagonia with it’s Torres del Paine National Park. Bariloche in Northern Argentine Patagonia is a heaven for skiers and snow-borders.

Iguazu Falls

For those of you interested more in the warmth of the subtropics, head to the North of Argentina, to the Iguazú Falls (“Iguassu” in Portuguese) You can spend a full day in the National Park, exploring several smaller falls and all the vegetation – and birds – with it. Take a boat ride right under the main thundering falls – you will never forget the experience! The falls and the National Park are shared with Brazil and are therefore the ideal waypoint between the two countries.

Best South America Tours

How to get to all these places? How much time do you have?

Let me outline the best itinerary as a base: Start with Peru! Lima the former Vice Capital of the Spanish Empire, to Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, followed by the day train over to Cusco/Sacred Valley Machu Picchu…11 nights in Peru.

Fly on to Iguassu Falls – Yes, the Brazilian side of the falls has an international airport – on to Rio de Janeiro, to Minas Gerais with Tiradentes, Congonhas, Ouro Preto, and Inhotim fly to Manaus for the Amazon River a number of nights, say to and fly out from Manaus to Miami and onward to the rest of the world. 23 to 25 days for this conveniently circular route with no backtracking.

If you want to add Argentina with Patagonia between Peru and Iguazú, add a week or so. The above mentioned circular route only minimizes flying. Take into account that these are big countries. It is worthwhile coming again and visiting each individual country for two weeks at a time. Driving, for the most part, shows you landscapes anywhere from great, to awesome, to overwhelming! And driving in South America is no longer a big hassle. Just bring your phone’s navigation app and you are set to rent a car if you wish to do so. I still prefer to have a driver: not too expensive, and more than compensating by knowing where the next radar sits – which is often behind some subtropical vegetation!

The Quintessential Rio de Janeiro Experience

A Corcovado Brazil Tour is a must-see on any tour of Brazil or Rio de Janeiro. Corcovado Mountain is sometimes referred to as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World because it is home to perhaps Brazil’s most famous site, Christ the Redeemer! No tour of Brazil would be complete without a Corcovado Brazil tour!

Christ the Redeemer | Corcovado Brazil Tour

The Christ the Redeemer Statue is a 98-foot tall statue of Jesus Christ. The statue sits on top of the 2,300 foot (710 meters) Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue was designed by French Sculptor Paul Landowski between 1922-1931. It is made of a mixture of concrete and soapstone. The statue was designed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Today, it draws millions of visitors per year to tour Corcovado Mountain because it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience in Brazil.

A Corcovado Brazil Tour is a can’t miss Brazil experience. If a train ride is more your style, you can hop on a scenic train ride through Tijuana Forest National Park all the way to the top. Luckily for you, on your Corcovado Mountain Tour, the cost of the train ride or your private car to the top is included in the cost! All you have to worry about is enjoying yourself and taking beautiful pictures! Now, let’s explore all the facts about a Corcovado Brazil Tour.

Corcovado Brazil Tour

A Corcovado Brazil Tour can easily be combined with a tour of Sugarloaf Mountain and Tijuca Forest National Park. A Sugarloaf Mountain Tour or Tijuca Forest National Park tour are a PERFECT addition to see all the best sites in Rio de Janeiro. We highly recommend and nearly always set our guests up to combined a Rio de Janeiro day tour into a Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain tour at least one day on a visit to Brazil. This ensures they see and experience these Rio adventures the way they are meant to be experienced.

Let’s explore the best Brazil tours and multi-country trips that include a trip to Corcovado.

Rio de Janeiro and The Route of Gold Tour

On our Rio de Janeiro and The Route of Gold Tour, you will; combine your Corcovado Brazil tour with a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain, a trip to Paraty to explore Paraty’s islands on a boat ride, and finish your tour in the absolutely stunning Brazil state of Minas Gerais where you will tour Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, Inhotim Museum, and more!

Rio, Ilha Grande, and historical port of Paraty Tour

Maybe exploring tropical islands is more of your style. Perfect! Our Rio, Ilha Grande, and historical port of Paraty is probably the best tour for you. On this tour of Brazil starting in Rio de Janeiro, visit Sugarloaf Mountain to see the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado.

Then head to the quaint island of Ilha Grande for some sunshine and pristine beaches. Did we mention Ilha Grande was named one of the best islands to visit in South America? Finish your tropical Brazil tour with a visit to Paraty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a schooner cruise through the Paraty Bay.

Rio de Janeiro and Amazon Tour

Another great option to see Christ the Redeemer on a Rio de Janeiro City Tour is our Rio de Janeiro and Amazon Tour. Start your tour by letting nature dominate at the Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge or on an Amazon river cruise, as you view pink dolphins, fish for piranhas, walking the jungle, and marvel at the flora.

Experience two great landmarks of Brazil with this Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon Rainforest Tour, combining beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife. Add a trip to Manaus onto your Amazon Jungle Trip to take an Amazon River Boat Cruise.

How long does a Corcovado Brazil Tour take?

Your total visit to Corcovado will about 3 hours. We recommend you wear sunscreen, bring sunglasses, and charge your camera. Make sure to ask your personal tour guide to shoot a photo of you to share with your family and friends!

How do you get to the top of Corcovado Mountain?

To get to the top of Corcovado Mountain on your Corcovado Brazil Tour with SouthAmerica.travel, you will be picked up at your hotel in a private van by your local tour guide. SouthAmerica.travel is the leader at Brazil tours and for that reason, your Corcovado Tour Guide will be an expert on anything and everything related to Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.

You will then be driven to the top of the mountain where it is a short walk to up to the base of the statue. Here, you can take beautiful pictures of the whole city of Rio de Janeiro. This is perhaps the best view in all of Rio. Very close to the top of the statue, you will find a restaurant, coffee shop, and gift shop to buy souvenirs for your family and friends back home!

Contact us Today

Are you itching to take your very own Corcovado Brazil Tour? Send us an email or give us a call today and start planning your trip to Corcovado today! Visit our blog for all the latest South American Travel News!

Our company, SouthAmerica.travel, started in Brazil in 1999, so we feel quite qualified to give our top 10 list of best cities in Brazil. We have an office in Rio de Janeiro which is home to some of our Sales Team and our Operations Teams who create custom Brazil tours that include many of Brazil’s popular destinations. Read along as we explore the best cities in Brazil, including São Paulo, Salvador da Bahia, Recife, and more!

1. São Paulo

The financial hub of Brazil, São Paulo has become a major player in global economics and is first up on our list of the 10 best cities in Brazil. Home to Brazil’s largest and most diverse population, São Paulo is known for its status as the concrete jungle, where visitors come to do business, rather than focusing on sightseeing.

The bustling city’s fast-paced lifestyle may not be for everyone, but if you’re curious about what cements Brazil as the world’s third-biggest economy, a visit to the city is an excellent way to experience it first hand. São Paulo is also a great place to start or end your visit to Brazil, as the city’s major airport receives flights from over 90 cities worldwide. We highly recommend you travel to São Paulo on our South America Deluxe Tour!

2. Salvador de Bahia

Next up on our list of the 10 best cities in Brazil is a tour of Salvador de Bahia. Known as ‘Salvador’, this city is both Brazil’s first political and cultural capital. In Salvador, the first people of Brazil blended to create an incredibly diverse mix of cultures that create the Brazil we know and love today. The historic neighborhoods of Pelourinho and Barra house museums and architectural monuments that have stood for many years.

Additionally, Salvador is one of the best locations to witness the traditional martial arts dance of Brazil, Capoeira, with its most notable school located in the Pelourinho neighborhood. A long coastline wraps around Salvador, and many hotels are treated with ocean views. If you’re looking for the ultimate Brazil beach resort, take a ferry to the nearby Praia do Forte or Morro de São Paulo. There are beach villages two hours from the mainland of Salvador de Bahia. You can also mix Salvador with a hiking adventure in Chapada Diamantina!

3. Recife and Olinda

Similar to Salvador de Bahia, Recife is home to an abundance of attractive beaches and colonial architecture. Lucky for tourists, Recife is privileged to have pleasant Brazil weather year-round. A tour of Olinda, the nearby town, is one of the best things to do. Olinda oozes with colorful colonial architecture and vibrant livelihoods. Olinda is home to an abundance of craftspeople, honoring old world traditions. Take our Recife and Olinda coastal tour to experience all that the two towns have to offer.

4. Paraty

Paraty is on Brazil’s Costa Verde or “Green Coast”, and is surrounded by mountains and coastline. While here, learn about how gold was once funneled from the mining regions of inland Brazil through Paraty. Evidence of the city’s historical past stands today in the form of beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.

Brazilian natives visit Paraty to escape from the bustling metropolis of Rio de Janeiro and enjoy boat rides to the surrounding islands. A boat ride during a visit to Paraty is a fantastic way to explore the hundreds of nearby islands near the mainland. Ilha Grande is one of the most well-known islands. Small pousadas on the peaceful island are the perfect place to relax and unwind before your trip back to Paraty.

5. Foz do Iguassu

Foz do Iguassu is the main city on the Brazilian side of the Falls, within the National Park so it takes a spot on our best 10 cities in Brazil. It’s home to 300 of the world’s most powerful and breathtaking waterfalls. Surrounded by lush rainforest and permanently adorned with rainbows, this landscape must be seen to be believed.

Enjoy the wooden walkways through the falls, where you can feel the mist of the forceful waterfalls as you explore them. Stay in the Belmond das Cataratas in Foz do Iguassu to maximize your experience in Iguassu Falls. Descended from the historic Orient Express Hotel line, the Belmond das Cataracts delivers unforgettable charm and convenience. Visit both sides of the Falls on the Buenos Aires, Rio, and Iguazu Falls Tour

6. Manaus

The Amazon Rainforest accounts for an incredible 60% of Brazil’s entire land area. Manaus is not the only city located in the rainforest, but the city plays a vital role as a major facilitator of travel through the Amazon. The success of the city’s latex exports (extracted from local rubber trees) gave way to its economic growth.

Today, the beautiful architecture, historic squares, and numerous Amazon research centers make Manaus one of the best cities in Brazil. Views of the Amazon river and even beautiful beaches line the river’s coast. Cruises through the Brazilian Amazon depart from the city of Manaus, strategically navigating a route that attracts fewer mosquitos due to water nutrient levels. An abundance of lodges near Manaus provides authentic experiences in the Amazon. The Manaus International Airport welcomes flights from Brazil and around the world. Visit different areas of the Brazilian Amazon on a Remote Amazon Tour

7. Fortaleza 

Fortaleza is one of the top party destinations and best cities in Brazil! The sprawling metropolis is a favorite among native Brazilians and international tourists alike for its abundance of clubs and well-kept beaches. The city boasts 16 miles of beaches!

You can combine a tour of Fortaleza is the capital of the Brazilian state of Ceara, home to many other of Brazil’s best beach towns, including Jericoacoara and Paraiba.

8. Ouro Preto

Brazil’s golden age might be hundreds of years in the past, but visiting Ouro Preto, in the state of Minas Gerais, is a reminder of its shimmering history. Tucked in the hills of gorgeous countryside, Ouro Preto is often overlooked by visitors focused on scouting Brazil’s best beaches and nightlife.

However, you’ll find that Ouro Preto is one of Brazil’s top cities precisely because of its isolation. The cobblestone streets and incredibly preserved colonial architecture provide a wonderfully rare journey into Brazil’s fascinating past. Visit Ouro Preto on our Colonial Gems Tour.

9. Curitiba

Though not one of Brazil’s most famous cities, Curitiba is one of Brazil’s most endearing modern cities. The city offers a unique train tour through the Atlantic Rainforest. This is an experience that you won’t find anywhere else in South America. Curitiba offers a wonderful variety of restaurants and bars, offering up delicious local cuisine. Curitiba is home to many parks filled with amazing sculptures and excellent gardens.

10. Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s most alluring city. The picturesque streets captivate travelers of all types. All who visit Rio de Janeiro are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic ocean, attractive beaches, and have almost endless opportunities to sunbathe, dance, and explore.

An explosion in spirit erupts during the season of Carnival, during the first two weeks of February every year. You can watch Samba schools compete for the crown prize during the winner’s parade, every Saturday after Carnival. Rio is also famous for football! Football is one of the most important pastimes and passions in Brazilian culture. Going to a football game will make it impossible not to become a fan for the Brazilian passion for the sport, and life.

Things to Do in Rio

When getting ready to travel to Rio de Janeiro on a Brazil vacation, I’m sure you will be ready for the Ipanema & Copacabana beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. You are probably also prepared for a little samba dancing and some classic Brazilian style barbecue. However, read our insider’s guide to Rio de Janeiro and you’ll discover so much more! Here are our top 10 things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

1. Try Exotic Fruits at a Juice Bar

A visit to the juice bars in Rio is absolutely necessary when you’re touring the city or need something refreshing after sunbathing on the beach. You will walk by one on nearly every street corner and think to yourself, “I wonder if this place has good juice?” The answer to your question is yes, they are all incredible! Rio de Janeiro is known for its exotic fruit.

Very popular fruit juice is made with maracujá or passion fruit. This refreshing drink is loved by tourists and locals and Brazil is the largest exporter of it in the world. If you feel like having something with more bubbles, try Brazil’s favorite sparkling beverage, made from the red Amazonian Guaraná berries. However, nothing beats a pineapple juice walking down Ipanema beach. Or for something fun, try a kiwi caipirinha, a twist on the country’s national cocktail!

2. Play Soccer on the Beach

Working out is a big part of Brazilian culture! Especially in Rio de Janeiro. Rio is one of the most fitness-oriented places in the world. Everywhere you turn, there are runners, bikers, surfers, bodybuilders, volleyball players, etc. There are outside gyms along the beaches every 100 meters or so! Jump into a game of volleyball, football (soccer), paddleball, and more while walking along the beach! If you are active, you’ll fit right in!

3. Eat an Acai Bowl

Not to get too far into the Brazil food theme, but Acai is that important to share. Dubbed the “superfood” by the Brazilians because of the antioxidant qualities, it is made from a plant in Brazil and is very similar to ice cream. If you’ve had Acai where you’re from, I can promise you that it is better in Rio. It gives that pineapple juice a run for its money!

4. Visit the Arpoador Rock Formation

Another 15 minutes west of the Forte along Copacabana Beach brings you to the jutting rock formation Arpoador, Portuguese for “harpoonist”, as the natives used to hunt whales from this point. Arpoador is the apex joining Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, with views in both directions.

5. Go Beyond the Copacabana Beach

After exploring Copacabana beach, consider jumping into Rio’s modern, efficient & fast Metro to return to one of Copacabana’s three stops OR continue to the historic downtown: alight at Cinelândia, home to Rio’s legacy of grand cinemas, cultural parks & plazas, and the Teatro Municipal, Rio de Janeiro’s eclectic Paris-inspired opera house. Your tour of Rio de Janeiro could include a performance of one of the great European masterpieces or a world-class classical concert in a unique location.

6. Stargaze at Copacabana Beach

Your tour of Rio de Janeiro is not complete without a view of Copacabana by night: Finish your day at one of the kiosks on the beachside of Avenida Atlântica. “Deck Zero-Nove”, across from the Copacabana Palace Hotel, has a simple yet diverse menu, a short selection of South American wines and local beers, and the best nighttime views of this historic luxury hotel, harking back to its golden heyday when Carmen Miranda was a regular guest. Picture the starlet on her hotel balcony as the moon slowly melts into the Atlantic.

7. Celebrate Carnival

This is hardly an insider’s tip, but Carnival influences Rio in many ways. The city stops for it and the Brazilians let go for the entire month. There are plenty of Carnival Rio Tours that include all of the famous attractions the city has to offer, including the party of the year. If you are looking for the biggest spectacle in the world, Carnival is the place for you!

8. Take a Dip in the Best Pool in the City

This tip is for the people looking for the best pool in all of Rio de Janeiro. The good news is that you can easily have access to it, the bad news is that it comes at a price. It is the Belmond Copacabana Hotel’s pool and is one of the most famous and luxurious places in all of Rio. But speaking of beauty, this pool adds to the beauty and luxury that Rio is known for. And you are just across the street from Copacabana beach!

9. Take the Tram Around Santa Teresa

Everyone knows about Ipanema & Copacabana, but Santa Teresa is a bit of a gem in the city. Located on a hill, it provides some of the best views of the city. It’s also a unique place to explore during the day. It also has one of the more interesting landmarks in the city called the Selaron Steps where many celebrities have visited and posed for pictures.

10. Slip-on a Pair of Havaianas

The classic, simple sandals are arguably the best brand out there and they originated in Brazil! Rio is the perfect place to buy a pair and wear them around. They offer hundreds of colors and styles at unbeatable prices.

11. Explore the Botanical Gardens

This is a beautiful destination in the middle of Rio de Janeiro. Rio is known for its beauty in its geography, culture, and people. The gardens can be included in this list of beautiful things. The incredible botany, art, and general aesthetics of the gardens make it worth spending a whole day here, but a couple of hours will give you a good taste.

12. Go Dancing in Lapa

Another great neighborhood in Rio, this is where you can find nightlife. If you are interested in seeing Rio at night, this is the place to go. This is definitely not for everybody, but if you are looking for a party, this is where you can find it!

13) Take a Morning Walk along Copacabana Beach

Join frolicking dogs and morning joggers for a pre-breakfast stroll along the uncrowded beach any time of the year. Get up early for a 7 am stroll along Copacabana’s 4 km (2 ½ miles) u-shaped beach, with a changing panorama along the way, including views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statues. A buffet of breakfast cakes, tropical fruits, and hearty meats awaits you back at your Rio hotel.

14. Discover the Forte de Copacabana

At the other end of Copacabana, the Forte de Copacabana, the relaxed military outpost and lifeguard training center hosts an interesting military museum as well as a more sophisticated café, with views of the entire beach with Sugarloaf in the background.

15. Climb to the Top of Leme Rock

After enjoying the beach, climb to the top of the “rock of Leme” for a panoramic view of Copacabana & Praia Vermelha (“red beach”), as well as Sugar Loaf Mountain, looming over you just hundreds of meters away. Entrance (weekends only, nominal fee) is through the Forte de Leme, the military outpost anchoring this end of Copacabana. The walk up is relatively gentle and is shaded by tropical vegetation.

Check out The Ultimate Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro from our Brazil travel expert Corinna Stanzel. 

Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro: “Rio Lifestyle”

Let’s start this Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro off right.  Spend a day relaxing and enjoying the laid-back lifestyle in Rio de Janeiro.  Brazilians tend to say that by contrast, people in São Paulo live for working whereas there is a more relaxed feel in Rio and people work for a living. Take an afternoon relaxing on the beach or enjoy a nice walk through some of the outlying neighborhoods.  Plan your Brazil Tour Now

Ipanema Beach

Ipanema is the chic version of Copacabana beach.   Here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains, The Two Brothers, while sipping fresh coconut water or ice cold mate served by the beach vendors. If you’re hungry try a tapioca crêpe with coconut and condensed milk (in Portuguese: coco e leite condensado).  If you’re looking for souvenir’s, there is plenty of shopping along the promenade.

Get Pareo Canga Beach Towel

You are sure to find a Brazilian Beach Pareo canga at any local shop in Rio.  These are perfect for any beach day and come in various colors and patterns.  The Brazilian flag is usually the most popular. Grab your canga and head to the beach to watch the sunset.  This is the best way to end a day at the beach.

Obviously on Bucket List for Rio: The Sugarloaf 

On another marvelous day, go to Sugarloaf park and take a walk to see common marmosets and various birds. Reach the peak of the mountain by cable car to have a 360° view of the city. From here, you can see the majestic Corcovado and Cristo Redentor.  If you don’t take the cable car to the top you can hike up Sugarloaf Mountain to the peak.

New on the Bucket List for: Escadaria do Selarón Stairs

Climb the 250 steps to the top of Escadaria do Selarón with a Caipirinha in one hand and your camera in the other. These are Rio’s mosaic stairs, which are a great background for some souvenir photos. Try to find tiles from your country on the mosaic style stairway, I bet you will find at least one!

Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro: Drink a Caipirinha

This is a must for any Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro.  Try the famous drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha. A caipirinha is made with sugarcane rum, called Cachaca, and lime. It’s the perfect drink after a long day of sightseeing and relaxing on the sunny beach.  A good spot for it is Lapa, the neighborhood which welcomes you with its bright white arches.  Along the street you will find various stands selling Caipirinhas, but be careful, they can be really strong!

Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro: Nightlife

You can’t miss Lapa and Santa Teresa, Rio’s central neighborhoods that are rich in history and art.  Start your evening in Santa Teresa and eat dinner in this beautiful colonial neighborhood while enjoying Brazilian music.  After dinner walk under Carioca Aqueduct (arches) and finish your evening enjoying the bustling nightlife.

Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer

No Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro would be complete without including Christ the Redeemer Statue.  Standing at the top of Corcovado mountain stands the 30 meters tall statue – that excludes the 8 meter pedestal he stands on.  You’ll truly feel like an ant standing beneath the massive statue.

Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro: Eat a Steak Dinner

Visit Leblon a fancy neighborhood of Rio that is home to some of the best Churrascarias, the typical Brazilian steakhouses of the city.  Waiters will walk around with meat on a skewer and cut off pieces for you. Make sure you turn your little sign that is provided on the table to “Nao obrigado” if you’re stuffed. Otherwise the waiters won’t stop serving you delicious meats!

The obvious: Copacabana Beach

Stroll around one of the most famous beaches in the world and watch the surfers catch some waves. This beach is over 4km long and offers plenty of activities and water sports as well. Take a look at the various sandcastles that artists built in anticipation for the Olympics in 2016.  This is the ultimate activity to include on any Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro

Bucket List for Rio de Janeiro: Paragliding

Apart from all the water sports on the beach like surfing or paddling boarding, you can rent bikes or go inline skating along the coast.  If you are feeling adverturous head to Pedra da Gavea, the bizarre rock formation behind the Two Brothers and sign up for paragliding!

For the Daring: Drink at the Cachacarias

Check out the Cachacarias, small liquor houses with plenty of different liquors to taste.  This is a great pit stop if you’re in Lapa or Santa Teresa. Listen to music in all the different bars and dance on the streets with locals.

We offer plenty tours throughout Brazil to give you the ultimate experience in Rio de Janeiro.  Click here to plan your customized Brazil Tour or simply fill out the form below and our travel consultants can help plan the perfect trip for you.

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to travel this year? Check out these 5 trip ideas for 2015 South America Vacations. Get inspired today to travel and visit these amazing destinations in South America!

#1 Rio Carnival 2015

Just over a month away, Rio Carnival 2015 is set to be one of the most exciting Brazil Carnival celebrations to date. Rio de Janeiro has been under the world’s eye, having hosted the World Cup in 2014 along with the upcoming Summer Olympics in 2016. The city is sure to be especially lively and exciting as Carnival time hits Rio de Janeiro. Rio Carnival 2015 is February 13-18, and February 21st is the Winner’s Parade. Check out our Rio Carnival Tours and contact us today to check availability!

#2 The Essence of Peru

Have you always wanted to visit Machu Picchu? Cross this world wonder off your list and see the other highlights of Peru while your at it. Our Essence of Peru Tour includes Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, the Colca Canyon & Arequipa, Paracas Bay, and Lake Titicaca. Check out the full itinerary for the Essence of Peru Tour.

#3 Tango Samba Waterfalls

One of our perennial best-sellers, the Tango Samba & Waterfalls tour combines some of the best destinations in Brazil and Argentina. If you are traveling all the way to South America, you might as well see more than one country, right? Make 2015 the year that you visit Buenos Aires (the capital of Tango dancing), Rio de Janeiro (arguably the world’s most beautiful city), and the amazing waterfalls of Iguazu. View the full itinerary for the Tango Samba Waterfalls Tour.

#4 Rio de Janeiro & the Amazon Rainforest

Rio de Janeiro and the Amazon Rainforest: two of Brazil’s best highlights. One destination features friendly locals who will invite you to relax on the beach or drink a caipirinha, while the other features a plethora of plants and animals that invite you to explore and admire. Visit these distinct worlds on a tour that combines Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, the gateway to Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest. View the Rio de Janeiro & the Amazon Tour.

#5 Patagonia Cruise

Later this year, during October-December, the southern hemisphere will welcome summer and Patagonia will beckon explorers to plumb its depths. See it all on a Patagonia Cruise from Santiago to Buenos Aires, stopping in destinations such as Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, and Valparaiso. See southern right whales and Magellanic penguins, visit Cape Horn, trek through Torres del Paine National Park, or even stay in an estancia in rural Patagonia. The options are endless – resolve to choose a Patagonia cruise as your 2015 South America vacation. See all our Patagonia Cruises.

Still can’t decide? We can custom-design a 2015 South America vacation that’s perfect for you. Contact us for a free quote!

Do you have another 2015 South America Vacation on your bucket list? Share yours in the comments section below!

Rio de Janeiro is known for its memorable end-of-the-year celebrations, also called “Reveillon”. The New Year’s Celebration in Rio de Janeiro is a spectacular affair, with over 2 million attendees crowding the beach of Copacabana each year to admire the stunning fireworks show. While it lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, the pyrotechnics are incredible. Watch it from the sand of Copacabana beach, where barges on the shore set off fireworks in nearly all directions.

What to Wear to Rio New Year’s

Almost all Brazilians will celebrate New Year’s Eve dressed in white, which is considered a lucky color that will bring you prosperity and peace in the New Year. This is a tradition from the Afro-Brazilian Yoruba religion.

The color tradition is a big deal for Brazilians to celebrate the New Year. So, choose your clothes according to your wishes for the next year:

• Yellow or Gold: Money
• Red: Passion
• Pink: Love
• Green: Hope
• Blue: Health
• Orange: Energy

What to during New Year’s in Rio

During New Year’s Eve, you may see the people of Rio de Janeiro, called Cariocas, celebrating the day of Yemanjá, the African goddess of the sea, with ritual offerings of white lilies, candles, and trinkets on small floats drifting off to sea. After midnight, it’s a tradition to head to the beach, jump over 7 waves, and making a wish. Throughout the evening, there are laser shows, music bands, and entertainment on stages located along Copacabana Beach.

What to drink during New Year’s Eve in Rio

Champagne is the drink of choice to pop it at midnight with a huge excitement! Be careful as the locals tend to spray the crowd with the drink.

After the fireworks show, the crowd slowly moves to the stage located in the middle of Copacabana beach or to adjacent Ipanema Beach, where musicians play into the night. One of the reasons New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro is so popular is that Cariocas are the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. By the end of the evening, you are sure to make new friends with the locals. Join in dancing and drinking until the sunrise.

Hotels in Rio

Be aware that many hotels in Rio de Janeiro require a minimum stay of 3 or more nights, and often hotels are booked well in advance during New Year’s. So make sure to arrange your New Year’s Celebration in Rio de Janeiro early. While you’re visiting Rio de Janeiro for New Year’s, you can still take a tour of many of the city highlights, such as the Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado Mountain. These sites are open even on New Year’s Day. There are other great Rio de Janeiro tours, such as a Schooner Cruise of the Guanabara Bay, or a 4×4 Jeep through the Tijuca Forest.

Interested in celebrating Rio New Year’s? View our Rio de Janeiro New Year’s Tours!

Watch the Brazil Carnival Tour Live

on the Carnival YouTube Channel

Did you know you can watch the Brazil Carnival celebrations live online on the Carnival YouTube Channel? The Brazil Carnival is called the World’s Largest Party – it is a week-long series of house parties, street parades, sidewalk dances, all meant to be the last hurrah before the Catholic tradition of Lent begins. Every February during Carnival season, you can tune into the Carnival YouTube Channel and watch how the Brazilians celebrate the World’s Largest Party. The largest Brazil Carnival celebration takes place in Rio de Janeiro, but there are also huge Brazil Carnival parties in Sao Paulo, Salvador da Bahia, and others.

On the Brazil Carnival YouTube Channel, you can do more than just watch live video. You can also chat with other YouTube users from around the world to see what they’re saying about the Brazil Carnival party. You can also watch live interviews with celebrities and traditional Brazilian samba bands. The Carnival YouTube Channel won’t be as good as experiencing the excitement and energy of Brazil Carnival in person, but it is an excellent way to see what the buzz is all about and share the news with friends and family.

And who knows? Maybe it will get you thinking about traveling on a Brazil Carnival tour in the future. Hotels, tours, and restaurants in Brazil’s main cities, especially Rio de Janeiro, get booked up months in advance of Brazil Carnival season. So if you get jazzed about taking a Brazil Carnival tour,  book your vacation as early as possible (at least six months beforehand).

Ready to book your Brazil Carnival Tour? Complete the below form, and a member of our Travel Team will contact you within 24 hours to begin building your custom itinerary!