Trius Travels August 2012: Trius' RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio's Cristo Redentor @ Corcovado

Rio de Janeiro or 'River of January' is one of the most popular destinations in the world. May it be for the 'Carnival', culture, Christ the Redeemer, or its nightlife, Rio is rated one of the Top places to go.

PreTrip

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Our journey begins with a trip to Singapore. British Airways still does not fly to Malaysia yet, so what more better opportunity to take than to do some site seeing in the Merlion's land.

Garden by the Bay @ Singapore

Some of the new sites to behold in Singapore is the 'Garden by the Bay'. There is at a fee, you get to see flowers, herbs and experience Canopy walks. Or you can skip all that and enjoy a breathtaking night view of the whole contraption. 

Now more on my trip on Rio. All in all we spent 8 days in Rio. We split the days between the center of the City 'Centro' and the Beaches consisting of Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon.

Security

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The preception of Rio de Janeiro in terms of crime rate is applauing. But with the 2014 World Cup in sight and the 2016 Olympics in mind, it has tremendously reduced. If you don't have a flashy LV bag stuffed with thousands of dollars sticking out of it, you have nothing to worry about. On the contrary, if you are a foreigner, you will be pampered as a guest! 

Language

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Rio is also a Portuguese speaking country. Of course it is, its an ex- Portuguese colony. So some of the raw basic words that you should learn are:

Hello : 'Ola'

Thank you : Obrigaado

See you : Chow

Numbers: Un, dous, tries, quattro, cinco, seiz, sete, oito, nuve, dez

Bus: Onibuus
Train: Metro

North: Norte

South: Sul

Entrance: Entrada

Exit: Saida

Toilet: Sanitario
Currency Exchange: Cambio
Courier/ Post office: Correios

Transportation

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The public transportation system is rather systematic. There are 3 main modes of public transport; taxis, trains and buses.

Taxis

Taxis are the most expensive mode of transportation in Rio. So if you can avoid it, please do. But if you must, get the yellow taxis that you can stop outside and pay by meter. They have an estimated rate for each area. This chart can also be found in your 'Rio Guide' booklet that you can collect at the airport or any Rio Tourist information desk.

Trius Tips: If you are planning to take a taxi from the airport. Do not buy your taxi vouchers at the booths that you will find before the exit. Go outside and look for yellow Taxis line that they can hail for you. These are the ones that will have the 'AeroTaxi' on their sides.

MetroRio

There are about 3 different lines of trains mainly converging in center of the city. You would be glad to know though that the passes that you purchase to go anywhere is R3.40. So even if its just to the next station or 11 stations away from Central Station or Cantagalo (Copacabana), it still costs the same. There are two types of 'carte' or cards. There is the Carga Cartao or Charge card that you can reload and use just like a Touch'N'Go/ Oyster card or there's the 'unitario cartao' or 1 trip card. which is a drop in card that you deposit when you pass the machines. 

The only drawback is that it does not go to the Airport and the stations may or may not be close to your destination. 

Buses

Premium bus to and from the airport. Catch them anywhere along the beaches.

Buses are THE most convenient and affordable mode of transport around Rio. Fares go from R1.50 to R2.75 flat rate. There is also a Premium Airport bus that goes from the beaches all the way to the International Airport (R12.00) or the Domestic Airport (R8.00).

Trius Tips: 

a) Bus drivers are amazing drivers who do not believe in wasting time. So when you pass the conductor, grab hold of your seats until your stop arrives. 

b) On another note, conductors are really helpful at pinpointing your stop so show them where you want to go on the map if you are aren't sure of where to stop.

c) If you are planning to head to the airport during rush hour, please consider a 1 1/2 hour to 2 hours trip as it may be quite a traffic to get there. And if you were thinking of taking a taxi during that time my advise to you is.... DON'T.

Galeao International Airport - Antonio Carlos Jobim
The airport is situated north of the City accessible only by Bus, taxi and plane. There are two terminals, of which most of the International airlines are situated in terminal 1. 

Santos Dumont Domestic Airport
This is the airport that you will want to use to transfer to Sao Paulo and the other Brazilian regions.  its close to the City so it is not really much of a hassle to get there.

Currency
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1 Brazilian Real (Hey-aa) which I still can't get to pronouncing it right is about 0.5 USD. Which makes it RM1.50.  So the RX.XX you see in the previous sections are in 'Real' not Ringgit.

Trius Tips: One of the best exchange rates we got was from an exchange house 'Cambio' near Uruguaiana station at the corner of Av. Rio branco and Av. Mal. Floriano. So change as little as possible at the Airport cause the rate there isn't as good.

Accomodation
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There are 4 kinds of accommodation offered in Rio. There's the Hotels, hostels, apartments and the home stays. 

Hostel: The cheapest of course are the hostels but you would most probably have to stay in dormitories if you do not mind staying with other people and are used to it. 

Hotels: Hotels are the most expensive and the closer to beach, the more expensive it becomes. But you get the best rooms. Rooms may range from R250 to R2000 a night.

Apartments: There are also those who provide apartments. These are relatively cheaper than hotels and are usually 5-10 mins walk away from the beach but with a weather like Rio, its literally a breeze. We booked ours at Plaza Elysees, Copacabana for R200 a night.

Studio Apartment in Copacabana

Homestay: And then theres the homestay. Yes staying with a Brazilian family or Bed and Breakfast if you prefer. These are relatively cheaper but it gives an alternative experience to what a Brazilian family has and does.

Noemia's House @ Santa Teresa

Noemia.

Amazing view from her courtyard.

In this trip we stayed for 4 days in a homestay in the city and the remaining 4 days in an Apartment hotel in Copacabana.  

 Trius Tips: For a homestay experience, Check out 'Noemia's House' in Santa Teresa. Its a strategic home situated 15 mins walk from the Central Station and just 5 minutes from the 'SambaDromo' the Stadium where the famous 'Carnivale' is situated. Its the prefect location for it. Rates are approximately R100 a night. Noemia is the house-lady with a daughter and a son and 2 cats. She makes really good breakfast. 

Amazing breakfast by Noemia =)

Her Olive oil omelet is amazingly delicious. 

She also teaches African Dance in a dance studio about 5-10 minutes away. Its really a good workout.

Noemia teaching her African dance

Food
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Rio is a Gastronomical Paradise! These are the basic dishes that one should try:

Churrascaria
Or Brazilian BBQ buffet is a thing to behold. There are loads of them dotted around Rio so get your taste buds ready. It is exactly like Carnivore in Singapore's Vivo City...or maybe better.

Pay by Kilo

My plate at Estacao Minas

 Rio is also filled with restaurants that you pay by weight. One good place to try this is at the 'Minas Gerais' or Mining Station Restaurant along Copacabana's Ruo Figueiredo de Magalhaes.  

Feijoado

Barraca Rui Cidade, serves an amazing meal of Feijoado! @ the Sao Cristvao Fair.

Feijoado Dish was amazing!!

This is a local dish that comes in a bowl of beans and meat, pork and beef which is really delicious! We tried it at a small shop Sao Cristavao. With rice and vegetables it was amazing! 

Acai (Pronounced 'AH-Sa-Hi')

My cup of 'SUPER BOMBA'

Just an idea of what's inside!

Big Bi's is a juice cafe that sells Acai concoctions that are amazing to drink. A Glass can range from just R5.00 to R6,50 if you add like protein shakes, ginseng and banana and everything else. Though known to the world as the world's best anti-dioxidant, it's readily available here in Brazil. And best of all it is CHEAP!

Days 1 - 4: Central City

If you are in the city during the Carnival Season, That should be your first priority. If time permits, tours are not necessary as you can get around yourself with the help of a good map and some landmarks recommended by the Rio Tourist HelpDesk.

You can find them either at the Airport before the Taxi Booths or next to the Church near the 'Uruguaiana Station'.

Trius Tips: There is also an application called PocketGuide on the iPhone that you can download, and if you spend USD5.99 you'll get 4 Good walking tours that will help sum up the whole of the city. I'll be using this for my future travels. What's impressive is that as long as you have your phone line ON NOT your 3G/data, it will still work.

There are a few things one should not miss in the city. 

Pao de Acucar (Bus 107)

SugarLoaf Mountain at Urca which you can get there using a Bus or to Botafogo and take a small walk from there to the Cable Car Station. It takes 2 perfectly safe cable cars to get to the top of Sugarloaf mountain where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the City and the Copacabana Beach. R53.00. Here are some pictures.
 

The Sugarloaf Cable Car Station

The Tickets

Amazing view of Copacabana Beach and the cozy Vermelha beach.

View from the Sugarloaf with Botafogo bay in the background.

Dad trying to point at Christ the Redeemer.

A plane approaching the Santos Dumont Domestic Airport.

Sugarloaf Mountain.

Guanabara bay with the bridge to Niteroi in the background.

The cable car.

The Gal. Tiburcio park at the base of the Cable car Station.

Corcovado's Cristvao Redentor (Bus 180/422)
Christ the Redeemer reachable via a bus to Cosme Velho. Its a tram ride all the way to the top that departs every 20 minutes. And at the top its another 5 minute walk up to the foyer where people take pictures with the Redeemer statue. R44.00

My tickets for the 2pm tram.

The waiting area.

Spot the Malaysian Flag!

Small one at the station.

First stop up

Tram at the final station.

On the way to the top!

The majestic architecture of this monument is astounding!

Here a game! Count the number of people who are posing as the Redeemer!

A sight to behold!

The sugar loaf and Copacabana in the distance.

I'm sorry I just had too!

Hot posers are just hot!

My turn!!

My dad!

Cristo Redentor's history.

This is 'Lagua' and Ipanema facing the sea. There's a equestrian course at the right corner.

Botafogo Bay and Sugarloaf in the distance.

Macarana Stadium. (Metro Maracana)

This used to be the largest football stadium in the world. Unfortunately, to build the new Football stadium, they had to salvage some of the chairs. 

SambaDome (Walk :P 20 minutes from Central Station. )
The Samba Stadium is a spectacular site to behold. Its even better if its during the Carnivale. There is also a small lot dedicated to the Festival and Samba. If however you are not in luck to see the Carnival, there is a touristy alternative that I will explain in the second part of my report. Nonetheless, it is still a monument worth visiting.

Imagine this stadium filled with people and samba dancers and floats passing through...BLISS!

The sambadromo

Trius Tips: Don't bother taking the metro to 'Praca Onze Station' even if it seems nearer. Its better to walk from Central as the Samba shop you want to see will be closer.

Some of the costumes used for the Carnival.

I should have bought this one back!

The Feira de Sao Cristovao. (Bus 474)
Which is a weekly Friday to Sunday Fair that goes from 6 in the evening to about 11 at night. This is where people go to to eat, drink and dance with a live band every week. Its R3.00 to enter unless  you are a senior citizen then its free.

If you want to get your souvenirs, get them here. The store that sells the most affordable stuff is the one next to the Fun-Fair entrance. 

The Souvenir Shop next to the funfair Entrance. Its the one with the hot blonde shop assistant.

If you want to get T-shirts, there is a shop on the same row just not too far off that has the best prices. He may not be able to give you a discount, but if you are nice to him and buy a lot he might throw in a keychain for you.  

Trius Tips: If you want to get the best deals go on the Friday when the crowd is only beginning. On Sunday, it will be really packed with people who will be dancing in each and every coffee house, shopping in every shop and having fun in the two stage areas in this Fair.

Favelas
'Favela' or Shanty towns can be seen on hill slopes practically everywhere in the city. It's not advisable to go on your own as it is the home of the Rio crime lords. And even if the police have their full force to eradicating them, it is better to take a tour guide to ease you into the environment.This tour go to Rocinha and Vila Canoas.

Trius Tips: I can't say much as i opt not to take the tour. But I reckon it would be an amazing experience to see the living conditions and the architecture of their homes.

Museo Historico Nacional (Bus 474)
If you are a Museum Junkie like me, This museum is a great place to spend 3-4 hours in. It explains the Brazilian-Portuguese journey from indigenous to colonization to Independence from the Portuguese Sovereigns. Its R4.00 for an entrance and another R4.00 for its language guide which is worth 4 Real :).    

Trip to Ilha de Paqueta (Ferry at Estacao das Barcas, Bus 474)

  
If you have an afternoon to spare, there is an hour's R4.50 ferry ride to an island North of Rio where one can ride pony carriages and Taxi riders who will take you around the island at a cost.

Trius Tips: We took a Tractor bus around the Island that cost R3.00. The Island is a very laid back Island with sandy roads and small shops but a very cozy neighborhood. 

Days 5-6: The Beaches 

Once you are done with the City, Its time to check out the South side of Rio, yes ladies and gentlemen, the Beaches. There are 3 note worthy beaches in the South side, Leme, Copacabana and Ipanema. The cost of living and accommodation escalates from the first beach to the next making Ipanema the most expensive area amongst the three.

Leme Beach

Leme is considered a local beach as it is less touristy and the local community prefers to spend time on this beach. 

Here you find a fort at the end of the beach called 'Leme Fort' or the Forte do Leme which is worth the 20 minute climb. It gives an amazing view of the Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer and the Copacabana beach. It cost only R4.00 and is open from 9.00 to about 4.30pm. 

Copacabana beach

This beach was made famous by the song by Barry Manilow. Today is one of the most visited beaches marked with an equally famous Hotel Copacabana Palace which has been host to many famous presidents, actors and actresses.

Like Leme beach there is also a Copacabana Forte which has more showcases and a museum (which was under renovation during my visit). Its worth the visit at R6.00. 

For nightlife there is also an area on Av. Princess Isabel where many nightclubs and pubs are situated. 

Ipanema beach

Ipanema or 'Bad water' is one of the Sexiest beaches in the world. It is also home to the Cafe that brought it international fame.

The Garota de Ipanema Cafe on the Ruo Vinicius de Moraes is said to be where the song of the same name 'Garota de Ipanema' or 'Girl from Ipanema' a bossa nova song was composed.

Going down this road to the beach, you will find yourself to Posto 9 which is one of the most noteworthy parts of the Ipanema beach. It is also a LGBT friendly part of the beach or so I've been told. 

On the way to the beach when suddenly...

Beach less traveled

If you head towards the opposite direction of the road however, you will find yourself at a lagoon 'Lagua' where Christ the Redeemer looks upon. Its a magnificent sight to behold.  

General Osorio Square on Sundays

The General Osorio Square is the last stop of the Metro. It is also the epicenter of Ipanema. On Sundays it transforms into a Hippy market where you can kind all kinds of souvenirs. Though a little more pricey than those that you can get at Feira de Sao Cristovao.

Leblon

Leblon is a county after Ipanema. It is also also home to a place called 'Plataforma'. It is where tourists can get their taste of the Carnival during the non carnival season. At R130.00 one can enjoy 1 and a half hours of sheer excitement and culture. I even got to take home a piece of the performance with the price of R12.00 

There is also a restaurant that serves good Brazilian Prime steak and such. A good try for before the show which is at 10pm to 1130pm. 

Trius Tips: Taxis after the show may cost double so you might want to consider buses back to the hotel if you are not alone. 

Conclusion

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Rio is an amazing city to visit. I would highly recommend it. Summer for Carnival / Singles and Winter/ Spring for honeymooners. 

We have been careful with our belongings but so far we are quite impressed with the people there who are helpful and honest with tourists... (except for the taxi driver that drained our Real on the way back from Plataforma).

It would be handy to know some Portuguese although things might change closer to the Olympics.

All in all I had a fantastic time in Rio, I miss it already. I look forward to coming back here on a stag party road trip or a honeymoon. 

Like to thank British Airways for an amazing flight service, Noemia for her hospitality, my dad for the company, and the people of Rio for their kindness and sincerity. 

Signing off this is Trius Blades.. See you next trip =)