So having read the news and the fact that tourism in Brazil only reaches around 6 million per year, I was concerned about visiting the area. The truth is in the favella areas there is a lot of crime and drugs are an issue, but if you stay in the popular tourist areas, there is likely little more to worry about than pick pockets. That being said, I recommend not wearing any jewelry. They work quickly, and you wont even realize anything is missing perhaps for hours. You should also try not to use your cell phone in public. This is another popular item that gets taken from tourists.
Would I recommend a visit to Rio? For me personally, spending a couple of nights on your way to other cities in South America, or prior to a cruise is enough time to cover the major sites. On your must see list, make sure and add the Chris the Redeemer Statue on Corcovado Mountain, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the beautiful beaches including Copa Cabana, Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca, Prainha and Leblon.
If you have enough time, check out one of the Samba schools and one of the biggest urban parks in the world, Pedra Brance State Park. Also worth visiting is the Parque Nacional da Tijuca. It’s 15 square miles with trails where you can see plenty of wildlife, plants, waterfalls & springs along with the majestic Corcovado mountain which is where you will find the Christ the Redeemer Statue. A popular hiking trail brings you to Vista Chinesa which is over 1,300 ft. above sea level and offers panoramic views of the forest, city and ocean.
While on the subject of hiking, enthusiasts should visit Dois Irmaos (Two Brothers,) which are a pair of peaks that lie near the water. The hike takes around an hour. There is an option to hire a guide, which we recommend. Taxis will only take you to the entrance of the favela. Then you have to take a local driver (cycle taxi,) to get you to the base of the hill.
Now back to Corcovado & the Christ the Redeemer Statue, which is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. The statue was built in 1931 and is the world’s largest Art Deco statue. It was intentionally planned to face the statue in the direction of the Vatican. If you are at the statue and face with your back to him, this is what you will see looking forward: at 12 o’clock you see sugar loaf, at 3 o’clock Ipanema Beach, at 5 o’clock the horse race track, 6 o’clock the forest, 8 o’clock the football stadium and 11 o’clock downtown Rio.
Tips to see the Christ the Reedemer statue. Make sure and take an early tour. By 11 am, the lines were very long. There are 200 steps to get up to the statue, but elevators are available (if your are claustrophobic, I do not recommend the elevator, as it only fits 6 and is quite small.) If you have other things planned for morning, then we suggest going at sunset. Again cooler temperatures, less crowds & a beautiful view. Try to take the train vs. the vans. Have bug spray with you.
Art lovers should visit the Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Niteroi (MAC Niteroi.) The architecture of the building alone is interesting, reminding visitors of a space ship more than a building. It’s location near the edge of a cliff, also offers views of the bay and the city. You will find a impressive collection of Brazilian and international contemporary art.
In downtown Rio in the Lapa district, you will find Escadaria Selaron, which have been made famous by Instagram posters over the past several years after they were featured in Pharrell’s & Snoop Dogg’s video for the song Beautiful released in 2003. The colorful tiles were placed by a Brazilian artist. Selaron. It took him 23 years to complete using tiles from around the world to cover the 213 steps. It is not in the safest neighborhoods. Once again we suggest you travel with a guide, although not all companies will visit this area. Don’t wear any jewelry and to be very aware of your surroundings.
As to my impressions of Rio, my preference would be to spend a day visiting as a stop on a cruise ship, but I would not fly just to visit Rio. I realize many people love it, but I just had an uneasy feeling during our time there.
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