BRAZIL
The Brazil Flag
features a green background with a yellow diamond and a blue globe containing 27 white stars and the national motto “Ordem e Progresso” (“Order and Progress”). Adopted on November 19, 1889, after Brazil became a republic, the flag’s colors symbolize the country’s lush forests (green) and rich natural resources (yellow). The stars represent Brazil’s 26 states and the Federal District, arranged as the night sky over Rio de Janeiro on the day the Republic was declared.
Brazil is the largest country in South America and in Latin America. Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the seventh most populous. Its capital is Brasília, and its most populous city is São Paulo. The best months to travel to Brazil are September to November when temperatures are mild, flight & hotel prices are lower, and there aren't as many tourists.
I visited in May 2023 and had a blast! The people, the food, the beaches, definitely in my top 5 favorite destinations.
Flight Details
Airline: Delta New York to Sao Paulo | 3-hour layover | Sao Paulo to Rio De Janeiro Total Duration: Approximately 15 hours
Airport tips: Sao Paulo (GRU- Guarulhos-Governor Andre Franco Montoro Intl) is really large and the connecting flight area was a little difficult to find so make sure if you book a connecting flight, give yourself at least 2 hours for the layover.
Airport Transportation
There are a lot of taxi services at the airport that are government approved so no need to fear. You can wait until you arrive or book in advance.
Search On Orbitz: Private Sedan - Meet & Greet: Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG): Private Sedan: Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) to Zone3
Cost: $33
Hotel
Windsor Marapendi | Avenida Lúcio Costa, 5400, Rio de Janeiro, | 1-844-663-2269
My rating: 10/10
This hotel is conveniently located approximately 20-30 minutes away by car from Copacabana. It offers proximity to serene beaches with less visitors and a more relaxed ambiance.
Activities
Full Day in Rio - Christ the Redeemer by Van, Sugarloaf, City Tour & BBQ
Cost: $133 USD) (Price may vary; I went at peak travel time).
My rating: 10/10
Overview
Comprehensive full-day tour featuring Rio's main highlights
Christ the Redeemer, perched high atop Corcovado Mountain
Check out Maracanã, Sambadrome, Cathedral, and Selarón Steps
Mesmerizing panorama of the whole city from top of Sugarloaf
Mouthwatering barbecue lunch served in a local steakhouse
Activity location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All included
Cost: $100 USD
My Rating: 9/10
**Drinks and food are included in the price!
Bars and their food are part of the local culture in Brazil. You will explore some top street bars (They call them: botecos) with the best local food in the city and uncover a part of Rio that most people don't know about.
You will attend a total of 4 (four) local bars.
You will focus on the food, exploring each boteco's specialty.
Jeep Tour in Forest, Waterfalls, and Walking Trails
Cost: $76.33 USD
My rating 10/10 (the highlight of my trip)
What you'll do
Away from the scalding heat of the summer beaches, you’ll wander the mountains, pleasant temperature enjoying beautiful scenery of one of the largest urban forests in the world.
They pick you up in a convertible Jeep (this was a lot of fun).
You will hike trails away from crowds, bathe in a beautiful waterfall, discover gazebos and contemplate the beauty of preserved nature! Splendid Atlantic Forest! Amidst the vegetation, (nail monkeys, star monkeys, toucans, sloth, coatis, colorful butterflies, can be seen.
The first trail is light to moderate level for about 30 minutes. Even a beautiful gazebo overlooking Ipanema, Leblon, the Christ, Sugar Loaf and the hill Dois Irmãos.
You will then visit a waterfall where you can take a nice shower. It is very cold!
Next, the Chinese View. Plus, a gazebo of the city's rare beauty.
You will then follow the largest Taunay Waterfall in the Tijuca National Parks 35m height.
You will make the way back past the beaches of São Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana.
Tip: make sure to pack a towel and wear proper hiking shoes
