Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 6 Day Itinerary

Rio de Janeiro 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Copacabana Beach

  • Arrive at Rio de Janeiro’s International Airport (GIG).

  • Check-in at your hotel in the Copacabana or Ipanema neighborhoods, known for their stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Some recommended options are Hotel Praia Palace, Fasano Rio de Janeiro, or Miramar by Windsor.

  • Spend the afternoon on famous Copacabana Beach, soak up the sun, enjoy a Caipirinha (Brazil’s national cocktail) at a beach kiosk, and take in the iconic view of the Santa Clara fortress.

  • Evening: Head to Rua Aristides Baptista, also known as Pedra do Sal, for samba and live music.

Day 2: Sugarloaf Mountain & Botanical Garden

  • Morning: Take a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) for panoramic views of Rio’s landmarks, including Christ the Redeemer.

  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden), home to over 6,000 species of plants and trees.

  • Evening: Explore the bohemian Lapa neighborhood, known for its historic architecture, vibrant street art, and nightlife. Dine at Confeitaria Colombo, a traditional Brazilian café with a rich history.

Day 3: Christ the Redeemer & Corcovado

  • Morning: Take a train or van to Corcovado Mountain and visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

  • Afternoon: Spend some time at Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban forest, filled with lush trails and waterfalls.

  • Evening: Dine at Aprazível Restaurant, located inside the forest, offering a fusion of Brazilian and international cuisine.

Day 4: Santa Teresa & Selarón Steps

  • Morning: Explore the picturesque neighborhood of Santa Teresa by tram or jeep tour, taking in its colorful streets, historic mansions, and street art.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón), a famous mosaic staircase created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.

  • Evening: Dine at local favorite Confeitaria Nacional in downtown Rio or Restaurante Olympe, known for its innovative and organic menu.

Day 5: Ipanema Beach & Shopping

  • Morning: Relax on Ipanema Beach, take a surf lesson, or visit the famous Garota de Ipanema statue, inspired by the song “The Girl from Ipanema.”

  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby shopping centers Shopping Leblon and Rio Design, offering local and international brands.

  • Evening: Dine at Casa da Pracinha, a seafood restaurant with stunning views of Ipanema Beach.

Day 6: Departure

  • Spend your final hours in Rio exploring any remaining sights or enjoying the city’s vibrant culture.

  • Depart from GIG Airport.

Things to Know:

  • Brazil uses the Real (BRL) as its currency, and credit cards are widely accepted.
  • English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to learn a few Portuguese phrases or have a translation app.
  • Safety precautions: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available, but be cautious when using them, particularly during late nights.

Transportation:

  • Public transportation options include buses (onterras) and trains (Metrô).
  • Taxis are easily found throughout the city, while ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.
  • Consider purchasing a Rio Card for unlimited use of public transportation during your stay.