Rio De Janeiro had been on my travel list for many years, and when I finally got there it did not disappoint! From the sun, the beaches, and the mountain terrain...to the food, drinks, and culture...
Rio has it all!
Day 1: Copacabana Beach is where I decided to make the home base and venture out from. I spent my first day just getting familiar and comfortable with my surroundings. I ventured up and down Copacabana Beach where there are plenty of local eateries and street vendors selling random trinkets, souvenirs, food, and alcohol. The country's national drink is Caprihina. A cocktail simply made with just sugar, lime, and cachaça...a must-have! I also fell in love with this cheese on a stick infused with garlic seasoning. I'm ashamed to say how many of those I had throughout my trip lol.
Day 2: I scheduled a grand tour of the major highlights of Rio De Janeiro that included trips to popular sites such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, Maracanã, Sambadrome, Cathedral, Selaron Steps, and of course the Christ the Redeemer statue. Depending on the time of day and more importantly, the season will determine crowd size. Be prepared to fight for prime positioning (not literally) for picture taking at the Selaron Steps and The Christ the Redeemer. Also, the tour I chose included lunch at a fantastic Brazilian steakhouse (I apologize for not making note of the name). I wager to believe you can find an authentic Brazilian steakhouse throughout Rio just about anywhere! Just prepared to be stuffed until you say when lol.
Day 3: My last day in Rio is what I refer to as my freestyle day. I did not have anything particular planned for this day at all but ended up finding a popular flea market that occurs every Sunday like clockwork in this one part of the city. From there I was able to jump on a metro bus and head to the Museum of Tomorrow, a cool little area in general to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
My experience in Rio de Janeiro was filled with plenty of highs and even somber enlightenment. Once you go beyond the beaches and tourist sites and venture into the heart of Rio, you realize there is a big discrepancy between the rich and the poor. And because of the discrepancy, Rio's crime rate is rather high and is just as well known as its beaches. As beautiful as Rio is, most of the country by definition is considered Third World (keep that in mind when out and about getting served by patrons and street vendors during your visit). When it was all said and done, Rio easily became one of the top 2 destinations I have experienced. So if you are planning a trip to Rio De Janeiro, my advice...be prepared for the time of your life in this great seaside city!
