Rio de Janeiro

Apr 2-5
UA129 IAH-GIG, UA128 GIG-IAH

Although I recognized that there were a number of incredible sites to see in Rio de Janeiro, I have been a little intimidated about crime and personal safety in Brazil and let that impact our previous travel plans.  In the end, I decided that some of the fear was irrational and that if we were cautious we could have a safe trip.  We ended up having a great time and really appreciated the beaches and mountains.  Although we recognized the risks, we didn’t let it stop us from exploring the city and successfully navigated public transit.  The hotel we stayed at was located a short walk from Ipanema.  Being there at Easter weekend, they closed off the streets by the beach to cars, making the beach stroll even more enjoyable.

Apr 3

After our overnight flight to Rio, we make our way to the hotel, and after settling in, walk to Ipanema and explore the area nearby area.  On our first day, we stick to walking and ensure that we're back at the hotel before it gets dark.

Ipanema is looking pretty crowded for the Easter weekend

One of many foot volleyball games being played on the crowded beach 

At the end of the beach it gets a little more rocky and we have a view of Sugarloaf Mountain in the background

The Sheraton Hotel and private beach

From our balcony we have a good view of the favela above our hotel

Apr 4

For our second day, we get a little more adventurous and even check out the public bus.  We start out at Copacabana Beach and then find our way to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. After taking the cable car to the top, we need to deal with the crazy crowds and fight the selfie sticks.   Although we were further afield, we never felt unsafe or had problems navigating.

Copacabana Beach, like Ipanema, goes on for miles leading towards Sugarloaf

The cable car that takes us up to 700m on Corcovado mountain

Looking up at Christ the Redeemer statue

Among the many tourists enjoying the fabulous views below

The sprawling city below dominated once again by Sugarloaf

Apr 5

For our last day in Rio, we head to Sugarloaf Mountain and take the cable car to the top.  The views from the top were fantastic, and we really enjoyed watching the flight path to the Rio downtown airport approach at our elevation.  After exploring the top, we explored the base and finally made our way back to the hotel.

The views from Sugarloaf are incredible and give you a great sense of the size of the city

Making our way up the second set of cable cars to get to the top

Some rock climbers, taking the hard way up the mountain

Marmoset Monkeys dominate the walking trail under Sugarloaf

Up close with the monkeys

After our tour, we make our way back to the hotel and relax in the afternoon, before making our way to the airport for the overnight flight home.