PORTS OF CALL - South America
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Rio is famous for its wild beaches and outrageous Carnival celebrations. But this energetic city offers so much more. It lies between the sea and several fertile green mountains, including Pão d'Açucar (Sugarloaf) Mountain, and Corcovado, home to the famous art-deco statue of Christ the Redeemer. Lined with 23 beaches along its coast, its most famous, Copacabana and Ipanema, are teeming with bikers, walkers, joggers, surfers, swimmers and sunbathers, all enjoying the scene as much as the sun.
Don't Miss
You haven't seen Rio until you've walked the mosaic-tile sidewalks of Ipanema or Copacabana. Watch a game of beach volleyball, or enjoy a cold drink in a beachside café. Then see it all again from above, looking down from Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). Take the cable car up to the top for the view of a lifetime, looking down on Ipanema and Copacabana, the city skyline, the bay, and even Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado. It's a sight you'll never forget.
Sporting Adventures
With beaches this beautiful, it's no wonder the locals have made the breathtaking miles of sand a surf the field for their sports. Soccer, or as the locals say, futebol is the most popular Brazilian sport and is often played right on this sandy turf. Brazilians are also passionate about beach volleyball, surfing, kitesurfing, sailing, competitive rowing and frescobol, a type of beach tennis. You may even see a hanglider or two using the beach as their landing strip.
Shopping for Bargains
If you like shopping in quirky boutiques and fun shops, you won't want to miss shopping in Ipanema. You'll find outrageous bikini boutiques, fun shops that have spawned nationally-known brands, and even major jewelers selling Brazilian gems. Stroll along Rua Visconde de Pirajá peering in the windows - you never know what you'll discover.
Local Flavours
Rio is a great place to try regional Brazilian cuisine. Meat lovers won't want to miss visiting a churrascaria, where various freshly grilled meats are brought to your table on long swords. You'll find meats of every kind and cut, including several you've never heard of. Try them, they're all delicious. Alongside the meat, you'll likely find feijoada, a hearty stew of black beans and pork served with rice at almost every meal. You won't be hungry again soon after such a substantial meal, and you won't forget it soon either.
Currency
Brazil's currency is the Brazilian real (BRL). Most stores will accept credit cards; however, traveler's checks are not usually accepted. You may get a discount if you pay with cash.