Expan Experience: Rio de Janeiro, the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’
There are many reasons why Rio de Janeiro is called the 'Marvelous City' . It is considered the best beach city in the world , its imposing mountains stand out among its natural treasures, Christ the Redeemer is one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and the nightlife is perfect for those looking to have fun.
In this new edition of Expan Experience , Rodrigo Acosta , Latin America sales supervisor , shares details of his recent trip to Rio, where he explored the city center, experiencing both the traditional and the new attractions that the Marvelous City has to offer . He also explains the current state of Rio de Janeiro's hotel market and highlights the latest developments in the culinary scene .
Back in Rio
" The last time I was in Rio was in 2017. The times I had been in Rio had generally been for vacations. I hadn't had the opportunity to do a FAM trip in Rio de Janeiro, given the hotel situation ."
One of the reasons for this trip was the Rio 3D project, which is the name of this FAM (Fast-Along) trip. It offered the opportunity to experience downtown Rio, the typical Rio with beaches like Leme, Copacabana, and Ipanema, and the new Rio that includes São Conrado, Leblon, and Barra da Tijuca . The importance of this FAM trip was understanding that it was possible to spend more nights in Rio de Janeiro by combining these three areas .
What's new in Rio de Janeiro?
" Rio de Janeiro, beyond the well-known Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, has grown enormously in tourist appeal since the World Cup and the Olympics. The city center, for example, now boasts the Olympic Boulevard, home to South America's largest aquarium, the Kobra mural, and a tram that runs through the city . Additionally, there's the Museum of Tomorrow , another new tourist attraction ."
New restaurants and bars are being built in the area, similar to Puerto Madero in Argentina, which will greatly boost tourism. A show venue called Roxy, similar to Tango Porteño in Buenos Aires, is also under construction, offering a complete Brazilian cultural experience with dances and stories, and will open in September .
Rio also offers a vibrant nightlife, especially in downtown Lapa, with places like Rio Scenarium, a three-story historic house filled with antiques and live music . Additionally, landmarks like the Selarón Steps , created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, are major tourist attractions. The main avenues and beaches also have bars and beachside restaurants where you can enjoy music and drinks .
The updated catalog of hotels in Rio
" The main thing I did on this trip was visit many hotels , as I wanted to see what the hotel scene was like in Rio de Janeiro. I was pleasantly surprised to see that many chain hotels, such as Windsor, Arena, Novo Hotel, Fasano, Hilton, and Sheraton , have adopted rooftop facilities with pools and bars , which is amazing for enjoying the nighttime view of the city ."
Another highlight was exploring the beaches of Barra da Tijuca by jeep , which was a novel experience. Barra boasts expansive beaches and the famous Pedra do Telégrafo (Telegraph Rock), where you can take stunning photos .
As for the food, I visited several restaurants, including Anna in Ipanema, a very luxurious Italian restaurant, and the Fogo de Chao steakhouse in the center, where you can enjoy typical Brazilian food ."
The charm of the traditional River
" I also did the traditional things, like visiting Christ the Redeemer , which has two options: going up by electric train or by minivan. It offers an incredible panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro . In addition to the classic Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain tours, there are options for half-day or full-day tours that include lunch at a churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse)."
The Carnival Experience tour is another great option, a visit to the warehouses where the samba schools prepare for Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Here you can see the entire process, from the creation of the costumes to the history behind Carnival. They even let you dress up and enjoy a caipirinha while you immerse yourself in Carnival culture .
Other must-sees include historical tours, such as the Selarón Steps and Maracanã Stadium . On the Olympic Boulevard, the Aquarium is a highlight . Additionally, there are tours to Búzios and Angra dos Reis that allow you to explore beyond Rio de Janeiro on full-day excursions .
Tips and recommendations for travelers who want to go to Rio de Janeiro
" The main thing is to go with a great attitude because Rio de Janeiro is a city that's constantly moving, with a vibrant nightlife. It's important to go with the attitude to have a good time ."
Regarding safety , I recommend not carrying unnecessary valuables when going out at night . It's best to leave your cell phone and documents at the hotel and only carry one card for payments . On the beach, it's best not to carry valuables and take advantage of the hotel's beach service .
Regarding documentation, only an identity card is needed , but if you want to rent a vehicle, you need to bring your passport .
Bringing mosquito repellent and sunscreen is essential , as the weather can change a lot and it gets quite hot in the summer. Comfortable clothing is key , such as shorts and t-shirts, and comfortable walking shoes .
You might also be interested in: 5 reasons you didn't know to travel to Panama
