Rio de Janeiro Tour guide
Jun 5th, 2007, 06:03 AM
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Rio de Janeiro Tour guide
HI everyone. My name is Luciana and I´ve been back living in Rio for 5 years now and have been a tour guide in Rio and leader around Brasil for 3.5 years now. If anyone needs some help or information i´d be happy to try and help out and answer questions, share info, tips etc. Rio is truly the marvellous city and Brasil a very varied and exciting place to visit. Come and explore !!
Jun 13th, 2007, 09:03 AM
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hi, the sofitel is a very good hotel and the location between ipanema and copacabana is great. HOWEVER if it´s for now they are going to begin redecorating the bottom or top ( cant remember ) 4 floors of hotel, which will take around 5 months. and cause some noise and chaos. Otherwise id recommend it anytime. Go for pestana hotel on copa beach or the rio international, 2 great options.
Jun 13th, 2007, 12:15 PM
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Hi Luciana,
We are trying to decide on a holiday for next Summer. 2 adults and 1 six year old child. Is Brazil a good place for little children vacationing? Where is the best place to go in this situation?
Thank You.
We are trying to decide on a holiday for next Summer. 2 adults and 1 six year old child. Is Brazil a good place for little children vacationing? Where is the best place to go in this situation?
Thank You.
Jun 19th, 2007, 12:44 AM
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hi, right, a 6 year old child, depends on what kind of holiday you want, if its a boy or girl, do they enjoy the beach, football, adventure. What kind of thing does your child enjoy doing ? People in Brasil are very children friendly, children eat out late, stay up late and genereally take part in every day life. Give me some clues and I'll help you out.
Jun 20th, 2007, 08:48 AM
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First, thanks for volunteering to share information!
1. We live in NYC and going to S. America for 8 days. 2 days at Rio, 2 at Iguazu, 2 at Bs.As. and my husband want to stay one more day in Rio, and one less in Iguazu. What is your opinion? Should we rather spend 2 days to see Iguazu falls from both sides? or rather explore Rio longer?
2. do u know a good travel agency or way to buy a cheap flight ticket? We r weighing over whether to book through travel agency or ourselves.
Thanks!!!
1. We live in NYC and going to S. America for 8 days. 2 days at Rio, 2 at Iguazu, 2 at Bs.As. and my husband want to stay one more day in Rio, and one less in Iguazu. What is your opinion? Should we rather spend 2 days to see Iguazu falls from both sides? or rather explore Rio longer?
2. do u know a good travel agency or way to buy a cheap flight ticket? We r weighing over whether to book through travel agency or ourselves.
Thanks!!!
Jun 21st, 2007, 07:53 AM
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We'll be in Rio on Dec 4, 5, & 6 and plan to spend 1/2 day each on Corcovado and Sugarloaf. Is it realistic to see them both on the same day? What is the best time to view each of these sights, in the AM or the PM? We are not going as part of a group so we can schedule our own time.
PS: to hc2109 We are leaving JFK & going for 3 days Rio, 2 Iguazu and 5 BA. If you'd like info on how we're going you can email me at [email protected]
PS: to hc2109 We are leaving JFK & going for 3 days Rio, 2 Iguazu and 5 BA. If you'd like info on how we're going you can email me at [email protected]
Jun 21st, 2007, 02:04 PM
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Hi irvbur, re seeing the statue of christ and sugar loaf, it's possible to do them both on one day, or even in say 5 hours. Depends on how you go. In December this is our time when there are many cruise liners in. Due to this i would recommend going up the statue by taxi or by train no later than 8:30am. By train is nicer but takes longer. You may have a little while to wait also to get back down. Tickets have time on them for trip up but it's up to you what time you come down.
As for the sugar loaf, its a two way cable car trip, 4 in all, 3 minutes each. But a lovely time to do it if the weather is good is sunset. In December around 8pm.
Most day tours in Rio include both, or half days do one or other and add beaches or a brief visit to town centre. To see the centre properly and safely please get a guide. Also would recommend statue with guide so you can have full appreciation of what you're seeing and get your bearings. Then sugar loaf you can do with or without. Is very close to beach area and easily done by taxi. If you want other suggestions feel free to ask. hope this helps, Oh i personally think it is nice to do the 2 main viewpoints on separate days, the sugar loaf is very relaxing, has a good seating area and you can also do a helicopter ride over the city from the first stop.
As for the sugar loaf, its a two way cable car trip, 4 in all, 3 minutes each. But a lovely time to do it if the weather is good is sunset. In December around 8pm.
Most day tours in Rio include both, or half days do one or other and add beaches or a brief visit to town centre. To see the centre properly and safely please get a guide. Also would recommend statue with guide so you can have full appreciation of what you're seeing and get your bearings. Then sugar loaf you can do with or without. Is very close to beach area and easily done by taxi. If you want other suggestions feel free to ask. hope this helps, Oh i personally think it is nice to do the 2 main viewpoints on separate days, the sugar loaf is very relaxing, has a good seating area and you can also do a helicopter ride over the city from the first stop.
Sep 4th, 2007, 05:49 PM
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Re: the Copa Palace versus the Cesar Park...
A look at their websites actually will give you a good view of the two hotels, and their differences. The first obvious difference is location. The former is in Copacabana, the latter is in Ipanema. Ipanema is way better, safer and cleaner and it is where you want to be. (Either Ipanema or Leblon.) Yet, that might be the only "downside" to the Copacabana Palace.
It is old world, very impressive, has beautiful public areas and great service. The pool area is beautiful and looks like it stepped out of a 1930s Hollywood movie. The hotel is very expensive. The rooms can differ a lot. Thus, you may well have to splurge on the even more costly rooms to get the "full effect" of the hotel.
The Cesar Park is in a great locaton on Ipanema, right across from one of the best spots on Ipanema Beach. The hotel is modern (though showing its age a bit at this point) and reminds me more of a business/travel hotel than a resort hotel. The pool on the roof is tiny. There are many restaurants and stores close by to the Cesar Park.
There is a brand new hotel, the Fasano, that just opened. Very upscale. There is one in Sao Paolo which is tops. Look at that one too.
Have fun. Rio is great.
A look at their websites actually will give you a good view of the two hotels, and their differences. The first obvious difference is location. The former is in Copacabana, the latter is in Ipanema. Ipanema is way better, safer and cleaner and it is where you want to be. (Either Ipanema or Leblon.) Yet, that might be the only "downside" to the Copacabana Palace.
It is old world, very impressive, has beautiful public areas and great service. The pool area is beautiful and looks like it stepped out of a 1930s Hollywood movie. The hotel is very expensive. The rooms can differ a lot. Thus, you may well have to splurge on the even more costly rooms to get the "full effect" of the hotel.
The Cesar Park is in a great locaton on Ipanema, right across from one of the best spots on Ipanema Beach. The hotel is modern (though showing its age a bit at this point) and reminds me more of a business/travel hotel than a resort hotel. The pool on the roof is tiny. There are many restaurants and stores close by to the Cesar Park.
There is a brand new hotel, the Fasano, that just opened. Very upscale. There is one in Sao Paolo which is tops. Look at that one too.
Have fun. Rio is great.
Sep 5th, 2007, 05:25 AM
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I booked at the Fasano in Rio for my trip in February and I am anxiously awaiting some firsthand reviews. I would be especially interested in a comparison between the oceanfront superior rooms and the oceanfront deluxe rooms. Thanks!
Oct 1st, 2007, 09:32 AM
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my friend and I plan to be SA next Sept.would like a guide for Rio and iguazzuar . .Can you tell us about someone or do you do guide work???we will be finishng a grand circle tour that doesn't include these places
Oct 31st, 2007, 05:29 PM
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hiya
i have been taking a group tour round south america for the past month, hence I havent had access to this, I'll check all messages tomorrow and reply, sorry for the delay, saludos,
i have been taking a group tour round south america for the past month, hence I havent had access to this, I'll check all messages tomorrow and reply, sorry for the delay, saludos,
Nov 2nd, 2007, 04:02 AM
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hi, right, for ddjwms I can recommend a very good guide if you want one, who can also provide transport for the full day, or for transfers or whatever you want. Her name is Raquel, she speaks english fluently and will organize the day(s) to show you the most important spots, others known by locals only and according to your interests. She is totally reliable and works more with couples, families than bigger groups. Please let me know if you would like her email. She is available on those days.
It's very hot here at the mo, over 100oF so come prepared.
It's very hot here at the mo, over 100oF so come prepared.
Nov 19th, 2007, 07:27 PM
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Hi Luciana, I'm arriving Rio DEC28 and I'm leaving JAN01.
I have some questions regarding:
-prices, regular prices, i need to know how much money i will need every day. and i need it to be the less possible =P (im from argentina so exchange rate it's not on my side)
-discos, pubs prices
-best places to buy excursions
tnx!
I have some questions regarding:
-prices, regular prices, i need to know how much money i will need every day. and i need it to be the less possible =P (im from argentina so exchange rate it's not on my side)
-discos, pubs prices
-best places to buy excursions
tnx!
Nov 20th, 2007, 12:35 AM
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hiya
right, re the weather, its being really mixed at the moment, In Sao Paulo its always colder than rio, espec at night, today max in sao paulo 240C and at night anything between 10 and 13oC, in Rio max today 30oC and at night down to 17oC. Rain is possible at any time in either city and unless a major cold front comes up from argentina it doesnt usually rain for long, but if it does it can last for a day or two, so come prepared. But even then it doesnt get too cold at all.
Check weather on http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0109
and put in sao paulo or rio de janeiro, or http://tempo.terra.com.br/
and choose the cities.
hope this helps, any more info please ask.
right, re the weather, its being really mixed at the moment, In Sao Paulo its always colder than rio, espec at night, today max in sao paulo 240C and at night anything between 10 and 13oC, in Rio max today 30oC and at night down to 17oC. Rain is possible at any time in either city and unless a major cold front comes up from argentina it doesnt usually rain for long, but if it does it can last for a day or two, so come prepared. But even then it doesnt get too cold at all.
Check weather on http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0109
and put in sao paulo or rio de janeiro, or http://tempo.terra.com.br/
and choose the cities.
hope this helps, any more info please ask.
Nov 20th, 2007, 09:49 AM
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hiya Jaunis
right, you
Hi Luciana, I'm arriving Rio DEC28 an're here at one of the most expensive times, over new year. Prices will be higher for hotels but all rest stays the same. How much money you will need every day will depend on where you are staying, the entrance fee to sugar loaf is 35 reais about 20 dollars, and statue of christ the same, you can walk up to first part of sugar loaf for free. Then catch cable car. Botanical gardens 4 reais.
food varies, you can eat well for about 8 dollars, at kilo style restaurants or bars with executive lunches. Dinners always mor expensive. Fill up on hotel breakfast. Buses cost 2 reais, metro 2.4 reais. Drinks 2-3 reais for beer, soft drinks, coconut water etc. in bars up to 4 reais, coctails up to 10.
Best place for excursions - BTR or grayline but you'll have a lot of waiting for other tourists on the bus, maybe 3 hours during whole tour. Don't get a taxi up to statue, much more expensive.
I'll help you more later on, hope this helps.
right, you
Hi Luciana, I'm arriving Rio DEC28 an're here at one of the most expensive times, over new year. Prices will be higher for hotels but all rest stays the same. How much money you will need every day will depend on where you are staying, the entrance fee to sugar loaf is 35 reais about 20 dollars, and statue of christ the same, you can walk up to first part of sugar loaf for free. Then catch cable car. Botanical gardens 4 reais.
food varies, you can eat well for about 8 dollars, at kilo style restaurants or bars with executive lunches. Dinners always mor expensive. Fill up on hotel breakfast. Buses cost 2 reais, metro 2.4 reais. Drinks 2-3 reais for beer, soft drinks, coconut water etc. in bars up to 4 reais, coctails up to 10.
Best place for excursions - BTR or grayline but you'll have a lot of waiting for other tourists on the bus, maybe 3 hours during whole tour. Don't get a taxi up to statue, much more expensive.
I'll help you more later on, hope this helps.
