Rio de Janeiro is a bucket list destination for so many people and with good reason! From Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and the mix of urban life with nature and wildlife, everyone will find something to enjoy. From the moment I landed in Rio to meet up with my fellow journalists, I could feel the pulse of life and excitement coursing through the city.
Or maybe I was just excited to be attending my first international press trip as a travel writer! Either way, the energy radiating from the city and a cup of Brazilian coffee beneath the Cristo Redentor brought me to life after a night in an airport hotel in Miami followed by an overnight flight thanks to a canceled flight out of Orlando.
Thunderstorms are no joke in Florida! Rio de Janeiro is a great place to kick off your trip to Brazil, and one of the most exciting destinations in South America! Here are the top things to do on your first trip to Rio! There are so many things to do in Rio, but if you're just visiting for a few days as part of a larger tour of Brazil you'll need to narrow down the options.
Rio has some of the best beaches in the world, an urban rainforest, street art in Downtown Rio, legendary landmarks, live music, and educational museums among its must-see attractions. Cristo Redentor is one of the most iconic destinations in Rio and its most famous landmark.
Because my flight out of Orlando was canceled and I missed the entire first day of the trip, I went straight from the Rio Galleo airport to Christ the Redeemer and met the rest of the group there. I would highly recommend taking the Corcovado Train to the monument at the top of Corcovado Mountain. The views are incredible as the train winds through Tijuca National Forest, and the trip takes about 20 minutes.
