Note: It is always best to let Andetur - Rio make your reservations and find your guides as we maintain special contracts for discounts for our members and guests.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio (pop. 6,000,000), the former capital of Brazil, sits on one of the world's most magnificent harbors-arrive by ship, if possible. Beautiful Rio de Janeiro (pronounced HEE-oh dee zhah-NAY-roh) demands no fewer than three nights to do it justice.
We're happy to report that the city seems to be coming to terms with problems that have plagued travelers in the recent past. Crime is down, and morale is up, although graffiti is more prevalent than before. Driving isn't quite so unpleasant: Major roads now go one way for morning traffic and another for the afternoon rush, and littering is heavily fined. The numerous hillside slums known as favelas are still the shame of Rio, but renewal projects are extending city services for the first time to many residents in the poorest areas. Progress seems slow but steady.
Upon arrival in Rio, almost everyone heads up to the rocky outcrop known as Pao de Acucar (pronounced pow dee ah-SU-car, or, in English, Sugar Loaf Mountain) for a spectacular 360-degree view of Rio and Guanabara Bay (a gondola-and-cable system takes you up and back). The view of Rio at your feet is stupendous, but continue up Corcovado Mountain to get an even higher perspective: It's the site of the 130-ft/40-m Christ the Redeemer statue, which overlooks the city (the drive there and back and the tour will take almost three hours). You can also take a funicular up to the statue-the best view is on the right-hand side. From Corcovado, you'll see that the city is divided by a mountain range into two areas: the Zona Norte and the Zona Sul (northern and southern zones). The Zona Sul holds most of the city's sights.
Rio, you'll soon find, is not only lovely, it's lively. Cariocas, as Rio natives are called, are fun loving, and it's important to allow time to join in activities where you'll meet the people: Spend a day on one of its famous beaches (Copacabana, Flamengo, Leblon or Ipanema), attend a soccer game at Maracana Stadium (the largest stadium in the world-it holds 200,000 fans!), go to a performance at the Municipal Theater or plan a night of club hopping. There are several museums in town, covering everything from classical composer Villa-Lobos (his possessions and scores) to the campy Carmen Miranda Museum (the actress' costumes and trademark fruit-basket headdresses). The National History and Fine Arts Museums are other must-sees. For a look at Rio's spiritual side, see the divine art and architecture of the Candelaria Church and Gloria Church, as well as the Sao Bento Monastery. Indulge your natural spirit in the botanical gardens or Tijuca Forest. Rio's first theme park, Enchanted Land, is south of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
Every year, during the four days preceding Ash Wednesday, the most chaotic celebration in any city in the world gets under way: Carnival. Everybody is out dancing in the streets, so don't plan on doing any shopping or normal sightseeing at that time. In fact, Carnival activities range not only citywide, but also nationwide! Participants plan (and save up for) their colorful, exquisite costumes for a year (though some costumes seem to be little more than glitter and one or two sequins). The best costumes can be seen on Sunday and Monday of Carnival week in the specially constructed Sambadrome. The shows start at 8 pm and continue until 8 am! Buy your tickets well in advance. Carnival is a must-at least once in a lifetime.
Day trips from Rio include Petropolis, Angra dos Reis, Itatiaia, Niteroi, Paulo Enginheiro de Frentim, Vassouras, Nova Friburgo (Alpine mountain town, noted for its flowers) and Teresopolis (the climbing and hiking center of Brazil). Parati, to the west of Angra dos Reis, is a charming beach resort and colonial town (albeit a bit too far for a comfortable day trip-plan an overnight instead). Sao Paulo is 45 minutes away by the Air Bridge (shuttle flights leave every half-hour).
Ipanema Inn - 3 *** - One of our favorite hotels we use at Andetur . Excellent service, family style hotel, 100 meters from the famous Ipanema Beach. Book reservation direct to Andetur for the brest prices.
Niteroi
Just across the bay from Rio, Niteroi is a town with three wonderful beaches, Itaipu, Camboinhas and Itacoatiara. Bus and ferry to Rio connect the city. There is good shopping and a strip with restaurants, bars, clubs and kiosks. Parque da Cidade has wildflowers, tropical plants and a beautiful view of the city. Located 9 mi/14 km east of Rio de Janeiro.
Cabo Frio
Buzios
Buzios (pronounced BOO-zee-ohs) is a reasonably priced, attractive resort area jutting into the Atlantic on the Cabo Frio Peninsula. The resort is made up of three towns (Armacao, Ossos and Manguinhos) with 17 idyllic beaches set among sandy coves. Water sports include surfing, wind surfing at Ferradura (Horseshoe) Beach, snorkeling (Joao Fernandes and Joao Fernandinho Beaches) and swimming. Sunbathers can avoid tan lines at Azeda and Azedinha, the resort's two topless beaches. Although not very well known by North Americans, Buzios was "discovered" by the French in the 1960s and has been popular for years with chic Brazilians and Europeans. Development is continuing at a controlled pace: New buildings have a height limit of two stories and are designed to blend in with local surroundings-a neat trick for million-dollar villas in what was once a fishing village. Most lodging is in small pousada-style accommodations. Book as far in advance as possible, as it can get busy. As befits an upscale resort, there are many fine shops and excellent restaurants (Continental and Brazilian cuisine). At least once, sample grilled fish, fresh from the sea, on the beach-it's a special treat (and inexpensive, to boot). 125 mi/200 km northeast of Rio de Janeiro.
- Small Guest Ranch near Buzios beach - the best of both worlds. Near all the beaches of Cabo Frio and in a rural setting.
Angras dos Reis and Isla Grande
This town is a popular destination for trips to nearby islands such as Ilha Grande, a nature preserve with great beaches and for yachting and spear fishing. To kill time while waiting for your boat, visit the Nossa Senhora do Carmo church and convent. There's a Club Med in nearby Mangaratiba. 75 mi/120 km west of Rio de Janeiro.
Villa Rental - Private home near Rio das Ostras
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