Travel | Brazil

I go to

rIORenowned for its diverse culture and appreciation of the barely-there bikini, Brazil has something to offer even the most budget conscious traveller. Whether you’re staying for three weeks or three months, this cost friendly guide to Rio is sure to get you started. By Jenny Hewett

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rio Carnaval

Rio de Janeiro is most famous for its wild four-day Carnaval festival held each February when the city comes alive and the streets are heaving with vibrant colour, and celebration. During this time, all walks of life come out to party in true Brazilian-style. If ever there was a bash you’d want to be at, this is it. But if you can’t make it to Rio during Carnaval don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do.

I’ll house you...

Hostel-type accomodation is rife in Rio and lodging is available in almost any area, from heritage-style Santa Teresa to electic Copacabana. If it’s excitement you’re after then the beachside haven of Copacabana is your ticket to seeing Rio in all its glory. From Copacabana you can walk to nearby Ipanema, grab a meal in Leblon or take a short cab ride to Lapa, where massive street parties erupt every Friday night. Stone Of A Beach Hostel, Rua Barata Ribeiro 111 Copacabana, stoneofabeach.com.br, is popular

amongst travelling know-it-alls for its laidback feel and funky open-air, hostel bar that occupies its top level. The beds are comfy and clean, the vibe is young and they provide in-house tours to all of Rio’s main attractions, football matches and parties.

City of God

The massive statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) sits high upon a mountain peak overlooking the city and is the inspiration behind the title of popular Brazilian flick City of God (Cidade de Deus), set in one of Rio’s most infamous favelas or slums. Arms outstretched in welcome, the statue is visible from most of the city’s neighbourhoods and even the beach. Choose a clear day and make the short short trip via taxi or tram up Corcovado Mountain to see it up-close-and-personal. The panoramic views of the city from up on high are equally as jawdropping as the statue itself, just make sure there are no clouds about to hinder your view.

Olé, Olé, Olé!

Football (soccer) is the national sport of Brazil so it’s no surprise that Rio is home to Maracanã Stadium, one of the world’s largest of it’s kind with crowds once reaching over a phenomenal 200,000 at it’s fullest ever. Most Brazilians follow a team they have keenly supported since get-go and being a loyal and active enthusiast is an integral part of their culture. Attend a match for a real adrenalin hit as flares spark, smoke billows, the ground beneath you pulses and the echoes of jumping masses rips through the stands. It’s well within the heart of this atmosphere that you witness the true passion of the Brazilian people. A much-anticipated match between Rio’s favourite Flamengo and rival Fluminense will stir the biggest buzz, but take whatever you can get.

life’s a beach

You can’t go to Rio without spending time at world famous Copacabana Beach. The hype here on a weekend afternoon is incomparable. From beach football matches to scantily-clad bronzed beauties, one thing’s for sure, you’ll never get bored from a lack of entertainment. If it’s paradise you’re after, then

Travel | Brazil

“You can’t go to Rio without spending time at world famous Copacabana Beach. The hype here on a weekend afternoon is incomparable.”

(Top left), ‘Welcome’, (in-set) Christ the Redeemer statue,(bottom left) fans at Flamengo football match in Maracanã Stadium, (bottom right) the Backpackers Sharehouse hostel in Flori-anopolis, (bottom) beach in Florianopolis.

A sunny afternoon in Santa Teresa.

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Ipanema Beach up the coast from Copacabana is pretty close to it, in Rio. Stomping ground for the Rio’s elite, Ipanema is much cleaner and more picturesque than its rowdy counterpart. This is where the beautiful people tend to gather to see and be seen – you will be in for some real eye candy.

Grab a bite

Brazilians sure know how to put the rest of the world to shame when it comes to a barbeque. The churrasco (chu-hass-co) or barbeque originates in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, but is also found in Rio de Janeiro. Meat is seasoned and skewered onto prongs that are set to cook over hot coals in an oven-style brick furnace. Don’t forget to try feijoada, a delicious rice dish made with black beans and farofa. For a breakfast of champions try açaí (ah-sigh-ee), a berry-like fruit that is full of antixodiants and famed for its energy-boosting properties. It is served as a smoothie, vitamina de açaí, or with granola, ice and fresh fruit.

One stop shop

Brazil invented the now world-famous Havaianas, so while in Rio embrace these colourful flip-flops like they are going out of fashion! Cheaper here than any other place in the world, they take up little room in your luggage and you will live in them. Still want more? Head to Rua Santa Clara 33 in the heart of Copacabana for eight levels of shops, mostly selling bikinis, sarongs and unique jewellery.

Where to next?

Buses are the most economical way to travel long distance in Brazil and they top the list when it comes to comfort and cleanliness. If you’re not strapped for time they are a convenient way of getting around the country. Heading south of Rio (18 hours by bus), you won’t want to miss the idyllic Florianopolis in Santa Catarina state – a surfer’s paradise, this chilled back town is a popular holiday destination for avid surfers and Brazil’s wealthy. If location is everything, then easygoing Junior Nunes, owner of the Backpackers Sharehouse and newly opened Sunset Backpackers, backpackersfloripa.com, in Barra Lagoa, has hit the nail right on the head. Set in serene locations with views to die for, you’re guaranteed to walk away with fond memories, new friends and light-hearted Nunes plays the ulimate host.

Getting thereEmirates flies nonstop daily from Dubai to São Paulo. From there get a flight or bus to Rio de Janeiro - check out local Brazilian airlines TAM, tam.com.br for domestic flights or speak to your local travel agent.

PLAY IT SAFE1. Rio gets a bit of flack for its crime rate, but if you rely on common sense, you’re unlikely to encounter trouble.2. Be aware of yourself and your belongings. Keep your camera or wallet in a pocket that can be clasped.3. Avoid carrying a purse in crowded places. Keep your money in your bra or a tight pocket.4. Don’t wear flashy jewellery, even the costume kind.