Rio de Janeiro vacation help
Nov 1st, 2006, 06:58 AM
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Rio de Janeiro vacation help
Going to Rio for a week , March 14th -March 21st. Wandering were to stay and cool things to do.
We’re 3 young couples out of New York, love good food, drinking, dancing………fun.
Any suggestions?
We’re 3 young couples out of New York, love good food, drinking, dancing………fun.
Any suggestions?
Nov 1st, 2006, 07:09 AM
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number 1 tip: don't spend time on Copacobana it's for tourists, locals hang out in Ipanema,Gavea and Lapa.
the Irish bar in the square in Ipanema, opposite Shennanigans is a good place to start and get the latest info.
definitely go to Barronetis club in Ipanemai've never seen so many beautiful woman anywhere on the planet.
visit the Jardim Botanical Gardens, beautiful.
the Irish bar in the square in Ipanema, opposite Shennanigans is a good place to start and get the latest info.
definitely go to Barronetis club in Ipanemai've never seen so many beautiful woman anywhere on the planet.
visit the Jardim Botanical Gardens, beautiful.
Nov 1st, 2006, 12:01 PM
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cesars is he best 'luxury' option, a lot of politicians etc stay there so it has good security outside.
i stayed at a cheper hotel on arpoador, rooms were good and the bar/restaurant backs right on to the beach, no road in between, it's about 100 yards from cesars.
http://www.ipanema.com/citytour/arpoador.htm
be careful in Rio!!!
if you have timei highly recommend Buzios, a peninsula 2 hours frm rio with lots of beautiful beaches and great nightlife.
i stayed at a cheper hotel on arpoador, rooms were good and the bar/restaurant backs right on to the beach, no road in between, it's about 100 yards from cesars.
http://www.ipanema.com/citytour/arpoador.htm
be careful in Rio!!!
if you have timei highly recommend Buzios, a peninsula 2 hours frm rio with lots of beautiful beaches and great nightlife.
Nov 1st, 2006, 12:57 PM
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Yeah, we're thinking about Rio for 4 days and Buzios for 3 days.
In Rio we want a hotel with balconies, as i see the best option is Ipanema Praia.
We have a six people, were do you think we can get a private transfer to Buzios?
is Buzios cheaper or more expensive then Rio?
Where to stay in Buzios, looking for fun and boutique
In Rio we want a hotel with balconies, as i see the best option is Ipanema Praia.
We have a six people, were do you think we can get a private transfer to Buzios?
is Buzios cheaper or more expensive then Rio?
Where to stay in Buzios, looking for fun and boutique
Nov 2nd, 2006, 10:37 AM
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I am headed to Rio and Buzios next week. I found a company that is doing transfers from rio to Buzios and they have van service that could probably accomodate 6. If not worth checking with them.
[email protected]
50r one way, 90r r/trip
[email protected]
50r one way, 90r r/trip
Nov 2nd, 2006, 03:23 PM
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Copacabana has tourists? Thats so funny, Copacabana has mostly hotels along the beach, thats like saying Cancun is mostly tourists, where do you people come from. And What are you? Natives of Rio? That tourists are so bad.
Sure if you can afford the Ceasar Park go for it, its the best.
Ipanema is a better class than Copacabana but take a walk on the beach Saturday and Sunday in Copa and You will see a lot of Brasilians and just some tourists in front of the hotels, thats all.
And if you take our friends tip here about areas outside the tourist zone or where the residents live I hope you speak Portuguese because English is more common where the tourists are you would think.
Sure if you can afford the Ceasar Park go for it, its the best.
Ipanema is a better class than Copacabana but take a walk on the beach Saturday and Sunday in Copa and You will see a lot of Brasilians and just some tourists in front of the hotels, thats all.
And if you take our friends tip here about areas outside the tourist zone or where the residents live I hope you speak Portuguese because English is more common where the tourists are you would think.
Nov 3rd, 2006, 11:22 AM
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here's where i stayed in Rio:
http://www.riodejaneiroguide.com/hotel/arpoador_inn.htm
but, if u can afford it stay at Cesars!
i stayed here in buzios:
http://www.coraiseconchas.com.br/en/index.htm
it's on geriba, a lovely beach but a 1o mins drive from the center!
i used a brilliamnt travel agent in Rio who got me great deals and was a great help.
her name is allesandra her email is:
[email protected]
http://www.riodejaneiroguide.com/hotel/arpoador_inn.htm
but, if u can afford it stay at Cesars!
i stayed here in buzios:
http://www.coraiseconchas.com.br/en/index.htm
it's on geriba, a lovely beach but a 1o mins drive from the center!
i used a brilliamnt travel agent in Rio who got me great deals and was a great help.
her name is allesandra her email is:
[email protected]
Nov 3rd, 2006, 12:18 PM
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We got the best of both worlds by staying at a lovely hotel at the end of Copacabana Beach close to Ipanema Beach. So we could go back and forth to each of them. They both have their charm.
If you are in town on a Sunday, go to the Hippie Fair. I got some fabulous earrings there as well as some stain glass bottles that I love seeing in my china cabinet. I second the vote for the Jardin Botanical.
Stop at one of the little stands along either of the beaches and have a caipirhina (or several!). Wonderful drink! Now that I have found the stuff to make them here I am happy!
Most of all - enjoy Rio. Take a walk around the lagoon, people watch on the beaches, climb up the rocky headland between Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches and watch the kids diving and the guys fishing. It's just a wonderful city. If I spoke Portuguese I'd move there!
If you are in town on a Sunday, go to the Hippie Fair. I got some fabulous earrings there as well as some stain glass bottles that I love seeing in my china cabinet. I second the vote for the Jardin Botanical.
Stop at one of the little stands along either of the beaches and have a caipirhina (or several!). Wonderful drink! Now that I have found the stuff to make them here I am happy!
Most of all - enjoy Rio. Take a walk around the lagoon, people watch on the beaches, climb up the rocky headland between Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches and watch the kids diving and the guys fishing. It's just a wonderful city. If I spoke Portuguese I'd move there!
Nov 4th, 2006, 08:16 AM
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I agree with a lot of the advice that is given, but I also think that some is misleading....
1. Stay in Ipanema or Leblon. The areas are more sophisticated than Copa. However, don't expect to be the only tourist there. Contrary to what others have posted, there are plenty of tourists in Ipanema as well.
2. Rent an apartment. For less than what you would pay for rooms at Caesar Park, you can get a large apartment with private pool, etc.... in Ipanema.
3. Shenanigan's Bar in Ipanema is full of tourists (backpackers). A better place is called THE LORD JIM PUB which is located between Ipanema and Leblon.
4. If you want to check out Jardim Botanico, I suggest renting bicylces and riding around Lagoa as well.
5. Spend at least half a day in Copacabana. There is a reason why it is one of the most famous beaches in the world, take in the hustle on the street, markets at nighttime, etc...
6. Baronetti is a great club in Ipanema, but very difficult to get into. You may have to try and get passes. Other clubs are NUTH (Barra da Tijuca), and places in Lapa. But it will depend on what your group likes. Feel free to email me with more specific q's and up to date answers.
7. Buzios is also a great place. I would suggest 2 full days, depending on how early you can leave Rio, etc..
I would stay close to CENTRO, so you can walk to Rua das Pedras (shopping, restaurants, lounges), and during the day you can visit some of the other beaches. My favourite is GERIBA.
8. Another great idea is to go on a 3 hour schooner ride, which stops 3x for swimming, while visiting some of the beaches.
9. Be careful in Buzios if you decide to rent a Dune Buggy. There are some scams with the agencies....
10. The Hippie Fair is only open on Sundays, but has alot of interesting crafts and souvenirs. Located at the park General Osario in Ipanema.
11. CAIPIRINHAS will make everything feel good!
Have a GREAT TRIP!
1. Stay in Ipanema or Leblon. The areas are more sophisticated than Copa. However, don't expect to be the only tourist there. Contrary to what others have posted, there are plenty of tourists in Ipanema as well.
2. Rent an apartment. For less than what you would pay for rooms at Caesar Park, you can get a large apartment with private pool, etc.... in Ipanema.
3. Shenanigan's Bar in Ipanema is full of tourists (backpackers). A better place is called THE LORD JIM PUB which is located between Ipanema and Leblon.
4. If you want to check out Jardim Botanico, I suggest renting bicylces and riding around Lagoa as well.
5. Spend at least half a day in Copacabana. There is a reason why it is one of the most famous beaches in the world, take in the hustle on the street, markets at nighttime, etc...
6. Baronetti is a great club in Ipanema, but very difficult to get into. You may have to try and get passes. Other clubs are NUTH (Barra da Tijuca), and places in Lapa. But it will depend on what your group likes. Feel free to email me with more specific q's and up to date answers.
7. Buzios is also a great place. I would suggest 2 full days, depending on how early you can leave Rio, etc..
I would stay close to CENTRO, so you can walk to Rua das Pedras (shopping, restaurants, lounges), and during the day you can visit some of the other beaches. My favourite is GERIBA.
8. Another great idea is to go on a 3 hour schooner ride, which stops 3x for swimming, while visiting some of the beaches.
9. Be careful in Buzios if you decide to rent a Dune Buggy. There are some scams with the agencies....
10. The Hippie Fair is only open on Sundays, but has alot of interesting crafts and souvenirs. Located at the park General Osario in Ipanema.
11. CAIPIRINHAS will make everything feel good!
Have a GREAT TRIP!
Nov 4th, 2006, 08:40 AM
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therealrio is right lord jim pub is a good pub, there was lots of locals there when i was there, i guess in would be 'exotic' like a brazillian bar in ireland- o.k maybe not that exotic
renting an apt could be good!
and geriba is definitely my favorite beach, if you're driving it's only a short drive to the main drag or taxis are cheap!
there was a bar on geriba- can't remember the name- but had a great party when i was there!
Joao Fernandinho beach is also lovely!
i don't know if it's still open but next door to Baronettis was a club called Nuvo- i think- that was pretty cool, but Baronettis is the place, dress for it, walk in females first, get there 'early' and you should be o.k- that's wgat i did!
renting an apt could be good!
and geriba is definitely my favorite beach, if you're driving it's only a short drive to the main drag or taxis are cheap!
there was a bar on geriba- can't remember the name- but had a great party when i was there!
Joao Fernandinho beach is also lovely!
i don't know if it's still open but next door to Baronettis was a club called Nuvo- i think- that was pretty cool, but Baronettis is the place, dress for it, walk in females first, get there 'early' and you should be o.k- that's wgat i did!
Nov 4th, 2006, 08:32 PM
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therealrio, those are very good tips...thank you.
i was just wondering, i'm not really a beach person but i want to check out copa because well that's one of the places rio (and brazil) is famous for - would be inappropriate if i just check it out without being in swim wear? i was thinking of hiring a bike and biking to copa all the way to ipanema - along a bike path and this way i can check out the beaches and stop wherever i wanted. i was thinking of biking all the up and around the lagoa (perhaps checkout jardim botanico) and ride back to botafoga where I'm staying...am i being unrealistic? is that too far? i could break it up into 2 days i suppose.
i was just wondering, i'm not really a beach person but i want to check out copa because well that's one of the places rio (and brazil) is famous for - would be inappropriate if i just check it out without being in swim wear? i was thinking of hiring a bike and biking to copa all the way to ipanema - along a bike path and this way i can check out the beaches and stop wherever i wanted. i was thinking of biking all the up and around the lagoa (perhaps checkout jardim botanico) and ride back to botafoga where I'm staying...am i being unrealistic? is that too far? i could break it up into 2 days i suppose.
Nov 6th, 2006, 06:07 AM
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I can't answer the biking question, but as for checking out the beach without swimwear - I did it. The waves were pretty intense the days we were in Rio and they were cautioning people not to go into the water (althought lots were). And since we were on our way back from the Jardin, I was just in shorts and a tank. No problem.
Nov 6th, 2006, 09:09 AM
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MYMaleego:
I don't know if it has been renamed, but several years back we discovered a great smaller hotel, next to the Copacabana Palace..called the Ouro Verde..one of the best restuarants in town, and a concierge who had personal contact with all of the clubs in the city, it seems. He directed us so well for the entire week we were there. A relatively uncrowded beach just across the street.( I see it is now the Grandarrel Ouro verde)
Stu T.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...ro/H44408.html
I don't know if it has been renamed, but several years back we discovered a great smaller hotel, next to the Copacabana Palace..called the Ouro Verde..one of the best restuarants in town, and a concierge who had personal contact with all of the clubs in the city, it seems. He directed us so well for the entire week we were there. A relatively uncrowded beach just across the street.( I see it is now the Grandarrel Ouro verde)
Stu T.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...ro/H44408.html
Nov 6th, 2006, 04:44 PM
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Along Ave. Atlantica there are several people who will rent you a bike for a day or maybe you know someone in Botafago that will or your hotel. There is a bike path all along Copacabana to Ipannema and over to Lagoa, sure this can be done in a couple of hours no problem. I walk regularly from Copa to Ipanema/Lagoa and back, with a bike it would be easy.
You don't need to be in swim wear to check out Copa, if your on your bike in shorts and a T shirt that would be fine, the bike path/sidewalk is very wide and long and right in front of the beach, it would be a great bike ride, people are doing it all day up and down and especially on Sunday's when these areas are closed to traffic.
You don't need to be in swim wear to check out Copa, if your on your bike in shorts and a T shirt that would be fine, the bike path/sidewalk is very wide and long and right in front of the beach, it would be a great bike ride, people are doing it all day up and down and especially on Sunday's when these areas are closed to traffic.
Nov 6th, 2006, 07:30 PM
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Thanks so much!
Sorry to hijack this thread but I started one and no responded so I'm hoping I can get some answers here.
I have in total 6 full days Nov 30-Dec 5), I'm a female travelling solo (no Portuguese but some Spanish). I'm trying to arrange activities so I can get the most.
In no particular order:
Day 1 - bike to sugar loaf, copa, ipanema, lagoa (perhaps botanical gardens). Is the hippie fair worth a look? If yes, then this day will be on a Sunday.
Day 2 - Lapa & Historical district
Day 3 - Christ the Redeemer & St Theresa neighbourhood
Day 4 - Paraty (arrive night before or early morning)
Day 5 & 6?
What else can I do? Catch a football game (how would I arrange for that)?
Is it worthwhile going on a beach tour to some of the the more far off beaches tha t can only be access by car? Any recommendations of companies?
There's also a weekend fair at fiera sao cristavio - worth going to?
Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
Sorry to hijack this thread but I started one and no responded so I'm hoping I can get some answers here.
I have in total 6 full days Nov 30-Dec 5), I'm a female travelling solo (no Portuguese but some Spanish). I'm trying to arrange activities so I can get the most.
In no particular order:
Day 1 - bike to sugar loaf, copa, ipanema, lagoa (perhaps botanical gardens). Is the hippie fair worth a look? If yes, then this day will be on a Sunday.
Day 2 - Lapa & Historical district
Day 3 - Christ the Redeemer & St Theresa neighbourhood
Day 4 - Paraty (arrive night before or early morning)
Day 5 & 6?
What else can I do? Catch a football game (how would I arrange for that)?
Is it worthwhile going on a beach tour to some of the the more far off beaches tha t can only be access by car? Any recommendations of companies?
There's also a weekend fair at fiera sao cristavio - worth going to?
Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
Nov 7th, 2006, 06:57 PM
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Why Botofago? Are you getting a great rate on your hotel there?
To see a futebol game it can be arranged by your hotel, as a single female this is probably your best bet, hook up with a guided tour door to door to your hotel
The hippie fair is good to see, they have a lot of stuff for sale, mostly junk and cheap but Im sure you can find some gem there to take home.
Lapa has a great night life on the weekends, not so many tourists there.
There are trendy clubs for the rich and snobbish like Baronnetti and Nuth there will be tourists there as well as the infamous PitBoys or try for an after work crowd at Symbol in Centro or Mariuzinis in Copacabana for a more local down to earth crowd.
if you bike to Lagoa then Jardim Botanica is right off the Lagoa, very close. Jardim Botanica also has one of my favorite restaurants Quadrafoglia.
Lord Jims is a nice little Pub but plenty of tourists there as well as Shennanigans. There are plenty of little nice bars in the side streets of Ipanema, just stop in and have a Chopp the name for draught beer and mingle, have fun Boa Sorte.
To see a futebol game it can be arranged by your hotel, as a single female this is probably your best bet, hook up with a guided tour door to door to your hotel
The hippie fair is good to see, they have a lot of stuff for sale, mostly junk and cheap but Im sure you can find some gem there to take home.
Lapa has a great night life on the weekends, not so many tourists there.
There are trendy clubs for the rich and snobbish like Baronnetti and Nuth there will be tourists there as well as the infamous PitBoys or try for an after work crowd at Symbol in Centro or Mariuzinis in Copacabana for a more local down to earth crowd.
if you bike to Lagoa then Jardim Botanica is right off the Lagoa, very close. Jardim Botanica also has one of my favorite restaurants Quadrafoglia.
Lord Jims is a nice little Pub but plenty of tourists there as well as Shennanigans. There are plenty of little nice bars in the side streets of Ipanema, just stop in and have a Chopp the name for draught beer and mingle, have fun Boa Sorte.
Nov 7th, 2006, 07:58 PM
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I picked a hostel in Botofago because it is more centrally located for the things I want to do - I don't plan to spend much time at the beach so I didn't want to stay at Ipanema or Leblon, pay more money and be at an inconvenient location.
Why where do you suggest I stay?
I read somewhere that Lapa becomes the red light district after business hours, is that true?
Anyways, I don't think I'll be going anywhere alone at night...hopefully I can meet up with some cool people.
One more question - is there a strict dress code to get into clubs, bars, restaurants, etc at night? I won't have room to bring too many clothes - at the most I'll have a pair of nice capris or a jean skirt...with flip flops! black ones though. I'm not really into the partying scene (particularly travelling alone) so I don't want to take up room in my backpack for the odd time I *may* go out.
Why where do you suggest I stay?
I read somewhere that Lapa becomes the red light district after business hours, is that true?
Anyways, I don't think I'll be going anywhere alone at night...hopefully I can meet up with some cool people.
One more question - is there a strict dress code to get into clubs, bars, restaurants, etc at night? I won't have room to bring too many clothes - at the most I'll have a pair of nice capris or a jean skirt...with flip flops! black ones though. I'm not really into the partying scene (particularly travelling alone) so I don't want to take up room in my backpack for the odd time I *may* go out.
