After a twelve hour delay we finally landed in Rio de Janeiro, the first stop on our journey. From the taxi window we could see the sun shining light over the favelas, graffiti scrawled on walls and the beautiful distant mountains. With the help of Lola who we met on our connection in Frankfurt we made it to our apartment in Copacabana with no problem.
The next morning we went for an early walk, we walked the entire length of Ipanema beach. As we passed cyclists and joggers the heat became more intense, we stopped for a drink with a view over the whole beach while a guy on a guitar played 'Girl from Ipanema' singing the lyrics in Portugese. We walked all the way back to Copacabana getting lunch at a popular 'pay by weight' restaurant before a walk along the sands and surf of Copacabana beach.
Copacabana
Graffiti near Ipanema
The next day we found ourselves struggling with the public transport system on our way to Sugarloaf mountain but a long walk, taxi ride and a cable car later and the whole of Rio was spread out before us. After enjoying the views and making friends with a little marmoset we made our way to Lapa and visited Escadaria Selaròn, the most famous steps in Rio.
From Sugarloaf Mountain
Escadaria Selaròn
Cristo Redentor was next on our list, we took the bus to the foot of Corcovado mountain the next day then the funicular train up. Corcovado was shrouded with cloud meaning that our views of Rio were obscured, we enjoyed seeing Cristo and people watching. After, we made our way to peaceful Jardim Botânico, full of beautiful cactus, orchids and gardens of all sorts.
Cristo Redentor
Jardim Botânico
After a busy few days we spent the next morning in our apartment booking the coach to our next destination as well as hostel beds. We then walked to the Lagoa where we hired bikes and cycled around the whole lake; R$24 well spent! After, we ate a delicious vegan/vegetarian meal at Teva in Ipanema with Lola and Felipe.
Lagoa
Cycling the Lagoa
Paraty is our next destination, I'm finishing my writing while waiting for our coach. Rio has been a wonderful start to our trip, although those days I dreamed I'd spend on the beach didn't quite happen, there was just too much to see and do!
🎥 Brazil and Iguazu Falls video:
If you enjoyed reading then please click the heart at the bottom, share or better still leave me a comment, I love reading them.