Part 2 of Jhet’s Rio de Janeiro Adventure Guide
I was welcomed with two good omens that jump started my tour to the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro.
At the airport, I prepared to pay 80-100 pesos, equivalent to US$ 40-50 for a cab to bring me to the hotel I was booked to stay. A local gentleman approached me and explained that my hotel is just nearby. He showed me the address and endorsed me to the driver of the airport’s big blue bus – that sure saved me some money! Upon my arrival, I showed the address to another local who went the extra mile and carried my luggages for free. I am so glad! Can you even imagine me carrying two suitcases and a backpack uphill? This wonderful man doesn’t speak English and I don’t speak Portuguese and yet we connected and understood each other.
Rio is definitely a place you should include in your travel list. Again, allow me to give you tips on what to do in this spectacular city:
- Spread your arms at the Christo Redentor park – Amaze yourself with the largest art deco statue of the world, the Christ the Redeemer statue towering at 130 feet atop Corcovado mountains. Five of us, a Filipino-Canadian, German, Swedish, American and Australian, boarded a cab to save on time going up. Be ready to negotiate with the drivers though. Some drivers can bid for higher fares. Click here to read my video blog on Christo Redentor.
Brace yourself for the majestic view of Rio de Janeiro!
- Dine at Lapa – Lapa is known to be the center of Rio itself famous for its historical monuments and nightlife. Here you will find landmarks such as the 18th century aqueduct Arcos da Lapa and the Passeio Publico. Apart from the view, I specially enjoyed the mouthwatering Brazilian food. Do not forget to order Brazil’s national dish Feijoada, a healthy and tasty stew of beans with red meat. Taste the Brazilian barbecue meat, sausages, and chicken wings. They are just as finger licking good!
The Arcos de Lapa - Pose to take a shot on this famous Rio landmark!
- Sweeten your stay with a tour in Sugarloaf – No I did not taste sugar but I definitely enjoyed visiting the mountainous peak that is called SugarLoaf. Our first attempt failed when we lined up in the cable car for over an hour and changed our mind because it was already getting dark. It is best to pick a sunny day. When I went up with a German fellow good enough to be my son, it was still cloudy and just as we were landing on the top, the sun broke and we got a glimpse of the spectacular view.
Why SugarLoaf? Because it looks like the traditional sugar product of Brazil!
