Before I start this post, can you believe this feature picture? I know it’s not a typical Rio photo but it’s a sunrise from my hotel room. I woke up to this and scrambled to get my camera and it turned out to be my very favorite. #NoFilter
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In January 1502 the Europeans, more specifically, the Portuguese, landed on the shores of Rio de Janeiro. Upon their arrival, they assumed the bay to be a river’s outlet into the ocean. Before they realized that assumption was incorrect, they named the location “River of January” meaning, Rio de Janeiro. When I learned this I had to smile because there I was, at the River of January, during the changing of a year. In many, maybe every religion, rivers symbolize the life flow or divine flow and January marks a new year, a new beginning if you will. It felt significant and strangely spiritual. Particularly following a double rainbow on Ipanema beach after a cloud burst! And it was here in the River of January that this blog was launched. All that to say, Rio is special to me. A marked location…I will go back, without question.
And clearly it was a marked location for the Portuguese as well. So much so, that following the establishment of the colony, the royal court left Portugal and moved to Rio. Meaning, they literally moved the capital of Portugal to Rio. It was the only European capital to ever be outside of Europe. That’s how special this place is.
So, when you plan your trip to this Marvelous City (one of Rio’s nicknames) here are a few suggestions to kick-start your personal flow! I’ve hot linked previous detailed posts on my recommendations if you would like more information…
ONE: Sugar Loaf Mountain ~ Take both cable cars to the top for a beautiful panoramic view. If you have an issue with heights, the second cable car might make you a little wobbly but it’s a short trip and worth getting a little queasy.
TWO: Christ the Redeemer ~ Of course you have to visit the iconic Christ! Just be forewarned, go early. This place gets really crowded and the selfie sticks, coupled with people laying down in an attempt to get Jesus in their selfie, can be very, very annoying.
THREE: Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian ~ Make sure you visit this place on a sunny day to fully appreciate the stained glass windows. They are amazing.
FOUR: Escadaria Selaron, aka; The Selaron Steps ~ Go early or go later, mid-day the steps are very crowded but well worth the visit.
FIVE: Tijuca Rainforest and the Chinese Lookout ~ This was one of my favorite things while I was in Rio. In my opinion, the Chinese Lookout is THE BEST view of the city capturing both Christ and Sugar Loaf. This park is well laid out and would be very easy for a hiker to do without a tour guide.
SIX: Take a Samba lesson and experience the night life in the region of Lapa. All hotels will be able to help you schedule a lesson and Ubers are easy to come by should you have a couple of Caipirinhas afterwards.
SEVEN: Take a Favela tour ~ The news makes these villages sound very dangerous when in fact, they are not. There is one area to avoid but a tour will dismantle the negative perception of these communities.
EIGHT, NINE & TEN: Beaches, Beaches, Beaches, go to as many as you can! Copacabana, Leblon and my favorite, the one about the girl…you know, Ipanema! Just be aware, this is the home of the thong. Nuf said! 😉 Beach tip: Go sit on the rocks at the end of Ipanema to watch the sunset. Gorgeous.
If you have the good fortune to come to Rio during either New Year’s Eve or Carnival, it will be very easy to find the festivities. The Cariocas (locals) are very friendly and will make you feel a part.
One word of caution, as with all large cities, use wisdom to avoid pick pockets and do NOT wear valuable jewelry on the beaches, or if you go out at night. I don’t say this to frighten, but to encourage wisdom. I felt completely safe everywhere I went but I wore nothing that sparkled…except a NYE hat! Also, should you need a doctor while you are there, don’t worry, 1st world care. Click for Brazilian Bedside manner story.
Even if you don’t go to the River of January during the changing of a year, I hope your visit marks more than just a box on your bucket list. May it have an element of the divine.