Passion is a word I fully understood only after visiting and living in South America. Here the word means so much more and you can feel it literally the moment you walk into any good bar or club. The people of Latin America fall in love fast and use terms of endearment so easily and frequently, you’d think the whole South American continent was in love.

If you happen to find yourself in Latin America with your partner on Valentine’s Day this year, consider yourself lucky. It is truly a place of love and there are an unlimited number of romantic places to visit. Here is a short list of some of the most romantic…

Cartagena, Colombia

Latin America Travel – Cartagena, Colombia

I might be a bit bias; Cartagena is the city where I met and fell in love with my fiance. Oddly enough, the moment I arrived in the city I remember thinking that it was a city made for couples.

With gorgeous little restaurants and boutique hotels, balconies overflowing with flowers, and salsa music (and dancers) pouring out of the city’s best bars, it is easy to see why Cartagena is a city of love and passion. This is a city known internationally for the movie “Romancing the Stone” and for Gabriel García Márquez book “Love in the Time of Cholera.” If you end up here this February 14th, treat yourself to a nice dinner and a romantic nighttime stroll along the city walls.

Maya Riviera

Latin America Travel – Maya Riviera – Photo from Wikipedia

Cancun is a city known more for one-night-stands than one-true-loves but head out of the city and you will find that the Mexican Riviera is easily one of the world’s most romantic places. For proof, just check out how many people head here for their honeymoons.

Your best bet is to book yourself into a nice spa and resort. Many places even offer special deals for Valentine’s Day like 2 for 1 couple’s spa packages or romantic beachside dinners.

Buenos Aires

Latin America Travel – Tango in Buenos Aires – Photo by prayitno

A city of tango and a touch of European elegance, Buenos Aires is a hot spot for romance. It’s a great place to spend Valentine’s Day if you are into more than relaxing on a beach and offers many activities from tango lessons to sailing tours in the northern district of Tigre.

Palermo is one of the city’s more romantic neighborhoods with plenty of romantic hotels, nice restaurants, and large parks for scrolling hand in hand with your lover. Plus, February is still summer time in the southern hemisphere. Take advantage of this fact and plan a nice picnic lunch for your sweetheart.

Jungle Lodge

Latin America Travel – Jungle in Ecuador – Photo by Dallas Krentzel

If your idea of a romantic getaway is being completely removed from the hectic day-to-day of life, you should consider booking a jungle lodge stay. Imagine waking up in the middle of nowhere, miles from the nearest town, to the sound of monkeys in the trees.

I would suggest opting for a more luxury jungle lodge if you are visiting for a romantic getaway. Lousy mosquito nets and nice cold showers don’t always spell out romance. Luckily though well over half of the countries in Latin America offer places where you and your partner can reconnect with nature and enjoy a private jungle experience.

Chilean Patagonia

Latin America Travel – Chilean Patagonia – Photo by Jeremy Vandel

Plenty of people head to Patagonia in Argentina but for the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway, I would suggest hopping across the border to Chile. The crowds are thinner and the proximity between the coast and the Andes mountains means you can enjoy a nice wine tour and still be back to the coast in time for a fresh seafood dinner.

The prices in Patagonia, especially in the summer months, can be very high but on the positive side, it’s not every Valentine’s Day that you have the chance to tell your partner “te amo” from atop a glacier.

Couple Travel Tips

• Valentine’s Day is not really celebrated in many Latin American countries, at least not like back home. On the positive side this means you won’t have to worry about booking dinner reservations a month in advance.
• As a backpacker, you probably don’t have a huge budget to work with but a splurge on a nice hotel or dinner will be worth it in the long run. Traveling as a couple can put a lot of stress on a relationship and it’s good to take pause and be grateful you have someone to travel the world with.
• Though it might be slightly unethical, telling the hotel or restaurant you are on your honeymoon can often score you a free upgrade or bottle of wine.

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South America Travel – Carnival – Photo By sfmission

Carnival is easily the biggest yearly event in South America. Not only due tourists and travelers from every inch of the globe flock to Rio, the whole continent uses the upcoming Lent as an excuse to throw a party.

The basic idea behind Carnival, for those that don’t know, is tied to the Catholic church and the period of Lent before Easter. During Lent, one is suppose to refrain from parties, rich foods, and other indulgences. Carnival, usually celebrated the week before Lent (but in some places up to a month in advance), is the last big party and celebration before Lent.

While many travelers want to head to Rio, plenty of others are looking to avoid the crowds, hiked up prices, and flood of other tourists. Rio might get all the fame but here are three other great Carnival celebrations a bit off the beaten track.

Oruro, Bolivia

South America Travel – Carnival de Oruro – Photo by José Porras

You know it’s going to be good when UNESCO declares it a “Masterpiece of Oral Heritage and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”

The celebration in the central Bolivian city of Oruro takes place for up to 10 days before Lent but the real party starts the weekend before when the famous La Diablada parade starts. This parade, called the Dance of the Devils, features incredibly complex costumes and dancers who perform demonic like dances. At the end of the parade the dancers preform a symbolic dance of good vs. evil before everyone heads to church at dawn for a mass where good is pronounced the winner.

Barranquilla, Colombia

South America Travel – Colombia Carnival – Photo from Wikipedia

What could possibly make Carnival even better? How about a Caribbean African vibe and a country known for great parties? Barranquilla, a city located on the Northern coast of Colombia has a Carnival that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

To start things off, head to La Batalla de Flores (Battle of the Flowers) where all the different dance groups, floats, musicians, and other performers try and outdo each other with non-stop dancing and music you can hear for miles. From there, you can expect another 4 days of nearly constant parties, parades, and performances.

Salvador, Brazil

South America Travel – Salvador Carnaval – Photo from Wikipedia

When it comes to Carnival in Brazil, everyone is in Rio, right? Wrong. Head north to the coastal city of Salvador and enjoy what is actually the Guinness Book of Records holder for “biggest party on the planet.” In a good year, Salvador will be host to close to a million visitors and another million or so locals all coming to party and dance!

The party officially begins the Thursday before Lent and the parades almost never stop for the next 6 days. You can participate as a Pipoca, which translates as popcorn and means to dance in the streets with the large crowds for free (popcorn because of the way the jumping crowd looks from a distance). If you are not such a fan of being packed in, buy a Camarote ticket which lets you into a less crowded closed off area where you can get food, drink, and dance with a bit more space.

Couple Travel Tips

• Bring your camera to a Carnival celebration at your own risk. Sure the pictures are going to be amazing but if the Carnival is any good, you are going to come out of it covered in water, flour, paint, and who knows what else.
• Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. In such dense crowds it is all too easy for someone to grab your stuff and vanish before you even notice.
• Book your hotel or hostel ahead of time, especially if you are a couple looking for a private room. Rooms in the major Carnival cities can sell out months or even a year in advance.

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Brazil Travel – Rocinha – Photo from Wikipedia

Brazil is a country of very visible disparity. In other areas of the world, the poor are hidden away, driven out of the cities. In Brazil though, the poor live side to side with the rich. A single double wide freeway can separate a high-end, international designer filled shopping mall from a poverty and crime filled favela.

A favela, for those that don’t know, is the term for the neighborhoods that began to spring up around major Brazilian cities as poor farmers and rural families moved to the cities looking for work. Favelas start as illegal communities, with homes often thrown together with scraps and items salvaged from the trash. If not quickly forced out by the police or other government agencies, the favelas develop into full communities as the homes and lifestyles of the people there slowly improve. In the best cases, the government finally accepts the community and comes in to install proper sanitation, electricity, and water systems.

In Rio alone there are around 950 favelas that house up to 20% of the city’s population. Favelas are where the poor and working class live and traditionally have been very off limits to foreigners. Crime in these communities is high and often linked to the drug and weapons trade. Outsiders are usually viewed with suspicion and not welcomed. But for a few Brazilian residents, exposing the favelas has become a lifelong career. The favelas are more than the crime and poverty one sees on the surface. In an effort to break down the barriers that so strictly divide the rich and the poor areas of the cities of Brazil, a new type of tourism has developed…

Favela Tours

Brazil Travel – Rocinha Favela – Photo from Wikipedia

Just google the term and you’ll find more than a dozen companies in Rio and other major Brazilian cities offering “tours” of the favelas. These tours aim to show travelers a different side to Brazil and to help visitors develop a deeper understanding of Brazilian culture, its communities, and society.

Tours are usually conducted with small groups who are shown around a local favela by foot. The favelas are actually quite safe for the tour groups, thanks to local knowledge and often an agreement with the local community on allowing for the safe visit of the tourists. Visitors are able to see real favela life – many are shocked to find that life is not all about drugs and crime. Most residents of the favelas are honest, hard working people, raising a family and going to work everyday. There is an undertone of crime (gangs do fight over territory and local police have a habit of using a “shoot first, ask questions later” mentality) and poverty is very evident, but the favela tours aim to show that the people of the favelas are more similar to us than different.

The Dark Side of This Tourism

Brazil Travel – Army in the Favelas – Photo from Wikipedia

Favela tours have been conducted in Brazilian cities for many, many years and since the very beginning, they have been criticized. Often labeled as “dark tourism” or “slum tourism,” these tours are seen by many as exploitative of the poor and no more than a voyeuristic consumption of the poverty of the favelas. In reality, the tours are often filled with wealthy (or at least relatively wealthy compared to the favela residents) white tourists with cameras that cost more than a family will make in 6 months, taking pictures of the poor before hopping back in their air-conditioned cars to head back to the famous Brazilian beaches.

Brazil Travel – Tour Bus View of the Favelas

The goal is to open the eyes of the visitors to “real” life in the favelas and to show how the issues of poverty are far from black and white. This is a noble goal – but how much eye opening change will occur in a short 1 or 2 hour tour?

Favela tours are becoming increasingly popular. Many tour agencies are now giving a percentage of their profits back to the favela communities and helping to support local artists. They do open the eyes of many a rich tourist but is it at the expense of making the local favela residents into no more than specimens in the local “zoo?” I myself did a favela tour and to this day, over 5 years later, I still feel conflicted about it. Consider your choice to visit the favela carefully before booking a tour and make sure you are going into the experience with the right goals.

Couple Travel Tips

• If you are going to do a favela tour be sure you pick a good, reliable tour operator. The favelas can be dangerous and they are not a place you want to wander into with just anyone claiming to be a “guide.”
• Bring your camera but follow the rules and try not to turn the locals and their community into your next “art project.” These are people who did not invite you into their homes or community – be polite, ask before you take pictures, and consider talking to a few locals… instead of just sticking your camera in their face.
• If you are looking for a more “authentic” experience, couples can also book overnight volunteer stays in the favela. You will often be able to help with a non-profit or school, getting to spend more time with the locals and less time as a “tour bus tourist.”

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Senhor do Bonfim Wish Ribbons – Photo by Los viajes del Cangrejo

My favorite place, easily, in Brazil is the northern district of Bahia. Sure, Rio gets all the fame but here the mix of Spanish and African heritage create an almost tropical, Caribbean feeling.

One thing you will notice if you head to Bahia, or especially to the capitol city of Salvador, are the loads of brightly colored ribbons tied around people’s wrists. Mainly found on tourists, the ribbons are actually called Bonfirm Wish Ribbons and are a famous Brazilian tradition.

The Senhor do Bonfirm Church

Brazil Travel – Senhor do Bonfim – Photo by andremarmota

The ribbons have a long complicated story that traces back to 1745 and the Church of Bonfirm, located just outside of the city center in Salvador. This church quickly became famous for it’s power to heal and cure. People flocked to the church to pray and would often tie a ribbon, originally around their neck, to remind them of the healing their faith had provided and to help them stay healthy and strong.

Brazil Travel – A Bonfim Wish Ribbon

It gets even more complicated though when you learn about the role of the Candomblé faith. Candomblé was the religion, outlawed by the Catholic church, that the African slaves adhered to. Originally, as the Catholic church tried to convert the African slaves, they banned the worship of the many African gods and deities. Rather than give up their own gods, the African slaves simply “hid” their gods in the worship of the Catholic saints. As an example, Oxalá, one of the most important African gods, known for his purity and his creation of man, was hidden in the worship of Jesus Christ. Overtime, the church began to except this fusion of the gods, at least unofficially, and Candomblé remains one of the largest religions in Bahia.

Bonfirm Wish Ribbons

Brazil Travel – Bonfim Wish Ribbon – Photo by Leandro

The Senhor do Bonfirm Church was one of the centers of this new African-Catholic faith. The church is a Catholic church at heart, but if you look closely, you can see a bit of the Candomblé elements. Bonfirm Wish Ribbons first appeared at the church in 1809 and were originally known as the “Measure of Bonfirm” because they were 47 centimeters long; exactly the length of the right arm of the statue of Jesus Christ displayed on the high altar of the church. The ribbons were tied around the neck and uses sort of like a necklace in that charms and religion images were hung on the string.

Modern Bonfirm, or Wish, Ribbons are more often worn on the left wish and tied three times, representing three wishes. They are stamped with the saying “Lembrança do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia” which translates to something along the lines of “In Remembrance of the Savior of Bahia.” If you want your wishes to come true, and not curse yourself with bad luck, you must wear the bracelet until it comes off.

Brazil Travel – Candomblé

The Wish Ribbons are a fun Bahia tradition and I would definitely recommend getting one… but maybe on your way out of town. While the ribbons are suppose to have a religion meaning, they tend to be used by local salesmen and taxi drivers to identify the “newbie” tourists and scream “rip me off.”

Couple Travel Tips

• You aren’t suppose to buy your own Wish Ribbon and you have to have someone else tie it on for you. Some of the hostels in town will offer them out free but if not, the street kids will no doubt try to tie one on and demand a bit of change for the “service.”
• Make sure you are committed to wearing this ribbon for a long, long time. They are suppose to come off in 6 months or so but I had one last over 3 years.
• Consider booking a seat at one of the Candomblé dance shows. You will learn more about this interesting religion and see some of the incredibly beautiful dress designs combining the African gods and Catholic Saints. It’s a bit touristy, but worth it.

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Brazil Travel – Sunset from Upper City of Salvador

Salvador, Bahia is not nearly as popular with tourists as Rio but when it comes to Brazil, this is a hot destination… literally. With a Caribbean climate and a Caribbean lifestyle, Salvador a wonderful destination for backpackers and jetsetters alike.

Founded in 1549, Salvador still has quite a bit of its old colonial charm. The center of the city is a World Heritage Site and said to have the largest concentration of colonial-era architecture in the New World. It was one of the largest slave ports in the New World for many, many years and that influence is still present in the city today. A large percentage of the city can trace there roots back to Africa and many of the religious and cultural traditions trace back as well.

What to Do & See

Brazil Travel – Elevador Lacerda in Salvador

Ride the Elevator – The old city and the port are literally cut in half by a steep rock wall. The Lower City and the Upper City are connected by a steep road (dangerous, do not walk down) or by a huge elevator. Yep, an elevator in the middle of the city. It’s quite a unique site and a great place to see the sunset and views of the lower city. The Elevador Lacerda runs all day and costs about the equivalent of 10 cents. It use to be free but the city started charging in an effort to keep the homeless children from riding it up and down all day. At the foot of the elevator, there is nice art market (Mercado Modelo) where you can often catch capoeira performances.

See Capoeira - This is considered by many to be the birthplace of this unique martial arts type dance form. With a mix of African tribal influences, capoeira uses slow deliberate movements and a mix of martial arts and gymnastic moves to almost perform the dance of a fight. You can watch capoeira all over the city, from spontaneous street performances to professional on-stage performances.

Walk Pelourinho- This is the old, colonial section of Salvador, located right at the top of the city’s elevator. While it use to be one of the more dangerous sections of the city, it is actually now one of the safest. The beautiful colonial architecture surrounds a number of small squares which fill up with locals playing chess in the daytime and at night come alive with dancers, musician, street food vendors, tourist, locals, and more.

Brazil Travel – Pelourinho

Visit the Beach- Salvador has some great beaches (and some other not to great beaches). One of the more popular beaches is Porto de Barra which can get very crowded on the weekends or Stella Maris which is a favorite of the city’s locals. A few of the beaches have good conditions for surfing as well. Never go to the beach at night though as they can all get a bit dangerous.

Brazil Travel – Porto da Barra Beach – Photo from Wikipedia

Couple Travel Tips

• Leave the valuables at your hotel/hostel and always watch your surroundings. Unfortunately, Salvador has a reputation for being a dangerous city and has a high number of muggings.
• Come for Carnival! Rio gets all the attention but locals and visitors alike swear that the party in Salvador is better, bigger, and all around more fun.
• Get away from the touristy sections of town and experience a different side of Salvador by volunteering with any number of the non-profits working in the city. Salvador has a real problem with street kids but many organizations are helping by setting up programs in music, dance, and even the circus arts.

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Brazil Travel – Capoeira – Photo by StudioK Projetos e Produções

Twenty years ago almost no one outside of Brazil had hear of capoeira. Suddenly though, it seems to have spread across every corner of both North America and Europe. The unique combination of dance, music, and martial arts has made it popular among a variety of people and it can be found in dance studios, gyms, martial art training centers, and on random sunny days at your local university campus.

The origin of capoeira is a little bit controversial but everyone seems to agree that it came from Brazil and in particular was developed by African slaves brought to the Americas by Portuguese traders. Most likely, it developed in or around the area of Salvador, Bahia in Northern Brazil. This was the first colonial capitol of Brazil and one of the largest slave markets in South America.

Salvador, Bahia

Brazil Travel – Salvador, Bahia

Many people comment that the culture of Salvador, which has a lot of Afro-Brazilian influence, feels more like a Caribbean city than one on the Atlantic coast of Brazil. This is actually the third largest city in Brazil and has more colonial architecture than any other major Brazilian city. The city is known as “Brazil’s capitol of happiness” and is famous for its lively street festivals.

Capoeira

Brazil Travel – Capoeira – Photo by Zanini H.

Even if you haven’t ever hear of capoeira, you will quickly figure out what it is when you arrive in Salvador. The dance can often be seen acted out by street performers in the historic center. Hostels also offer classes and performances for backpackers nearly every night of the week.

Capoeira has roots that trace back to the 16th century and was both influenced by African slaves and native Brazilian tribes. The slaves coming from Africa where usually from the West coast but from a number of different tribes and regions which all added a bit to the capoeira form. The martial arts dance has been suggested as a way African slaves kept in shape and their strength up to continue under the aggressive and oppressive rule of the slave owners. Run away slaves formed their own communities deep in the Brazilian territory where they were further able to develop the art form and where it probably picked up some of its native influences.

Brazil Travel – Capoeira in Salvador – Photo by Mario Carvajal

Before the end of slavery, it was calculated that around 30% of all slaves imprisoned where held on the charge of fighting through capoeira. After the end of slavery in 1888 the practice of capoeira was actually strictly outlawed as many saw it as an unfair advantage in a fight and a way for ex-slaves to seek revenge.

Capoeira Today

Brazil Travel – Capoeira – Photo from Wikipedia

Capoeira has improved its reputation greatly over the decades. It is know seen as one of Brazil’s important cultural traditions. Capoeira masters travel the world giving lessons and spreading the art form. Thousands of students visit Brazil every year to practice with the masters and see the birthplace of capoeira.

Much of the capoeira tradition still lives on in it’s likely birthplace – Salvador. The city hosts master classes and performances throughout the year. If you are visiting Brazil and serious about capoeira, you can not miss a visit to the city.

Couple Travel Tips

• Sign up for a couple’s lesson in capoeira.  It is a really fun, energizing activity that you can show off to friends back home.
• Ask a local where capoeira groups practice.  Watching both beginners and experts practice will help you to see the way the dance/performance is put together.
• It might look like fun, but remember that capoeira is a very serious sport and true masters treat it more as a fighting martial art form than a dance performance.

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Rio de Janeiro is a bustling city that will quickly capture your heart.

While the weekdays are spent with a normal flow of visitors, the weekend is when Rio comes alive. The locals flock to the beaches and almost everyone dances to samba music into the early morning. This is a guide on getting around, eating, sleeping and of course dancing your way through a weekend in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil Travel – View from above Rio de Janeiro

How to Get Around Rio De Janeiro

Bus

The cheapest way from the airport is to jump on the dark blue bus waiting outside the terminal for R12. You will know it’s the right bus when you see the crown logo that says Reitur.

Once in the city, there are buses to take you anywhere you want to go. Purchase your ticket on the bus by paying the bus driver, try to carry small bills with you as they don’t always have change.

Taxi

From the airport if you want to take a taxi, your best bet is taking a radio taxi, they are usually the blue or green ones. These are slightly more expensive but are a safer choice than the yellow taxis, especially from the airport.

Taxis are a good way to get around once you are in the city. If you are going out to a samba club late at night it is much safer to jump in a taxi and get dropped off at your door. Make sure the meter is started when you get in, if not ask him to turn it on or risk being ripped off.

Subway

The subway is a clean, air-conditioned and fast way to get around Zona Sul, Downtown and the surrounding barrios. Purchase a single ride ticket for R3.20 at the window and insert it into the turnstile.

During rush hour, the last car on the train is usually marked in pink and only for women passengers. This is an attempt to prevent unwanted harassment. This is still a new change, but save yourself the hassle if you’re male and stay off the last car during rush hour.

Brazil Travel – Hostel in Rio de Janeiro

Where to Sleep

The fun in Rio comes at a price, it is one of the more expensive cities to sleep. Expect to pay around $30 USD for a dorm bed, $60+ for a private room in a hostel, and $200+ in a basic hotel.

Hostels are your best choice for accommodation in Rio. You can find very clean and well-run hostels in the city, almost all which come with a filling breakfast. We used hostelbookers and booked one with great reviews right off Ipanema beach. The weekends book up quickly due to the influx of Brazilians joining in on the Rio festivities. I suggest booking your accommodations early to guarantee you get a bed.

The energy in Rio comes from getting out on the beach and dancing samba into the night. This is why being in a hostel surrounded by other people to meet and explore the city with makes your weekend much more enjoyable!

Brazil Travel – Walking along the beach in Rio de Janeiro

What to See

Beaches – Copacabana and Ipanema are the famous beaches of Rio located in Zona Sul. Not only are the beaches breathtaking but the beach culture is fascinating. Rent an umbrella and beach chair and spend Saturday or Sunday people watching and soaking up the sun on some of the best beaches in the world.

Corcovado and Cristo Redentor – A mountain surrounded by the city with the world-famous statue of Jesus, Christ the Redeemer on top. Take the train up the mountain on a clear day and get ready to experience Rio from 2,300 feet up. The statue is interesting, but in my opinion the views from the top are even more spectacular.

Sugar Loaf – Don’t think because you saw the views from Cristo Redentor that you’ve seen all there is to see. Take a trip up Sugar Loaf at sunset and ride in the glass-walled cable car overlooking the length of the coastline and inland to the massive urban forest surrounded by Rio. You get a fantastic view of the bay and the beaches that’s quite different from Corcovado.

Brazil Travel – Fruit market in Rio de Janeiro

What to Eat

Comida a kilo restaurants – These are almost always buffet style restaurants where your plate is weighed and charged per kilo. This is a cheaper way to dine which allows you to try a larger variety of local foods.

Meat – Although often overshadowed by its carnivorous neighbors to the south, Brazil has fantastic beef from the delicious cuts at a churrascaria to the filet mignon sandwich at the nearby beach joint.

Black Beans & Rice – If you don’t leave Rio with a new found love of black beans and rice you were doing something wrong. Pick a cut of meat and skip the fries for a side of black beans and rice. They are a delicious staple in Rio that are surprisingly addicting.

Fruit Juice – My first visit to a fruit market in Rio was eye opening. Within the first 10 minutes I had already tried 6 new fruits that not only had I never tasted, but I had not even heard of before. There are plenty of corner juice stores that will offer 30+ different types of fruit juices. My favorites were Goiaba and Acai juice which locals eat with granola or flakes on top.

Caipirinha – A late night drink that will show you the strength of Rio. Made with cachaça (sugar cane rum), lime and sugar. Warning: tourists tend to order 2 or 3 of these, while locals know a good caipirinha can put you on the floor after 1.

Brazil Travel – Open air gym in Rio de Janerio

Where to Workout

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas – A large lake between Ipanema and Corcovado. Jog or bike around the paved path that is nearly 5 miles long.

Open Air Gym – Along the beach you will find stations that you can stop at during your morning run and knock out a couple sets of pull-ups or dips. Don’t be shy, these will usually be full of locals working out!

Brazil Travel – Samba dancing in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Where to Dance

Barrio Lapa – Leave your valuables at home and bring your dancing shoes. Lapa is the place to go Thursday – Saturday night to see some of the best musicians in the country and stay out late at the samba clubs. It doesn’t matter if you can’t dance, just keep moving your feet!

Brazil Travel – Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro

When to Come

Carnival – This is still one of the number one reasons tourists come to Rio. The city explodes with color and lively music, parties last until the sun comes up, and the crowds take to the street with more energy than they’ve had all year. Carnival next year is March 1, 2013, start planning now, the rooms book up quickly!

New Year’s Eve – Rio hosts the biggest NYE celebration in the country. Imagine 2 million people all dressed in white standing on the beach watching a spectacular fireworks show all raising their glasses to good luck in the new year.

One weekend isn’t enough time to truly immerse yourself into the Brazilian culture, but it’s a start. After 48 hours of Rio de Janiero’s non-stop energy and experiencing this colorful city you will most definitely be back for more!

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Brazil Travel – Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

After waking up from a sensual night of dancing in the Lapa barrio you can’t help but look up and see Christ the Redeemer. He watches over the favelas surrounding the city and hears the firework signals going off nightly. He sees the pickpockets as they start their weekend rounds along the beach and celebrates Carnival as the parade dances into the early morning. He is all knowing in this city, and remains a symbol of faith to the 6.2 million cariocas living below.

Christ the Redeemer stands proud at 130 feet tall, on top of Corcovado Mountain which reaches 2,300 feet over the city. This Jesus means business and is one of the largest tourist attractions in the city. There is no disputing that this is one destination that you must add to your itinerary when you visit Rio de Janeiro during your Brazil travel.

Brazil Travel – Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

History of the Christ

In Portuguese, he is known as Cristo Redentor. The statue was designed by local engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French sculptor Paul Landowski, and is the largest art deco statue in the world. Since its completion in 1931, the statue has been hit by lightning, defaced by graffiti vandals and in 2010 was restored to the tune of 7 million real (~$3.5 million).

Brazil Travel – Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

Visiting Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is to Rio like the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, or the Statue of Liberty is to New York. It’s an instantly recognizable symbol of the city. Some tourists are drawn to the statue for its original purpose of spirituality, while some simply go to be in awe of the breathtaking views. When you reach the summit you can truly see the full reach of Rio.

Brazil Travel – View from Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil Travel – View from Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

Once you arrive at the top, via taxi or rail, you have only 220 steps left to reach the statue. There have been elevators installed so climbing the final stairs is no longer required, but the personal trainer in me would suggest taking the stairs if you are capable of doing so.

Brazil Travel – Crowds at Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

The top area around Christ the Redeemer is shoulder to shoulder congestion. Imagine merging the Jersey Turnpike with the 405 in LA, it’s nuts. Everyone is trying to get the perfect shot of the Christ. With the small size of the platform and the statue’s height it is hard to get the right angle so you will see many people laying down on the ground and shooting straight up. You have to be either very creative or very patient if you want photos without 10+ other tourists.

Brazil Travel – Getting the perfect photo at Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

While you are up there, get your pictures out of the way and save some time to look out at the Rio landscape. Hopefully you visited on a clear day because you are able to see miles of beaches, forests and cityscape. The views from up top are some of the most incredible sights I have seen.

Brazil Travel – Classic shot with Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

 The Corcovado Railway

If you have the time I suggest taking the train up. It was the first electric train in Brazil and supports green initiatives to keep the air clean and conserve the forest by not contributing to pollution. Arrive early to purchase your tickets to see The Christ, there is almost always a wait. We arrived at 11 AM and the first train we could get on left at 1:30 PM. I suggest blocking out 4 – 5 hours round trip from your hotel for this excursion. The train leaves every 30 minutes starting from 8:30 AM – 7 PM. It travels directly up the Corcovado Mountain, crossing the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca National Park.

Brazil Travel – Corcovado Train in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil Travel – Corcovado Train in Rio de Janeiro

How to Get to Christ The Redeemer

From Ipanema Beach

Take the subway from Ipanema to Largo de Machado (3.20 reai pp)

Directly outside the Largo de Machado station look for the bus heading to Cosme Velho (2.75 reai pp)

From there you can take a taxi or the Corcovado railway to the summit.

Taxi

If you are short on time, hire a taxi to pick you up at your hotel and drive you up the mountain. Set a time and have him wait for you while you go in to walk around the Christ and then drive you back. With a larger group you can negotiate a lower per person price.

Tour

If you don’t feel like doing the planning yourself or you want to join in a bigger group to explore, you can join a tour of Christ the Redeemer from almost all of the hostels or hotels in the city. This is one of the most popular tours and usually includes Sugarloaf, Tijuca National Park and visiting various neighborhoods such as Lapa or Santa Teresa.

Brazil Travel – Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro

Recently the Olympic committee released a 5 real collectors coin to commemorate the 2016 Olympic bid. The coin will feature the Olympic flag on the front and Christ the Redeemer on the back – still one of the most recognizable symbols of Brazil.

Brazil Travel – View from Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janiero

Couples Travel Tips

• Check the weather. The tickets are non-refundable and you are purchasing the tickets for 1 – 2 hours ahead. Check the clouds and make sure there isn’t a storm rolling in.
• Expect crowds. Once you get off the train the area they have set up around The Christ is packed full of people. Most everyone up there is a tourist so don’t hesitate handing over your camera to get a photo of the two of you together.
• Bring a book. Since you usually have to wait 1 – 2 hours until you can get a seat on the train, having something to read or a deck of cards will help the time fly by.
• If you can’t wait, meet other couples and negotiate a round trip price for a taxi to drive you to the summit and back to your hotel. It will help you save money and time while also meeting fellow travelers!

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You’ve probably read about the dangers of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro or the massive crowds that storm the city on the weekend, but don’t let the rumors scare you off. Conquering Copacabana beach is easy,  if you follow a few key guidelines, and of course remember to have fun during your Brazil travel adventures.

Brazil Travel – Ipanema Beach Sunset

Bring as little as possible to the beach

You don’t want to make yourself a target. There are plenty of police on the beaches of Rio, but the more you bring with you the more you have to watch over. Bring a few dollars to get lunch, a sarong to lay out on and a good book to read.

Brazil Travel – Colorful Umbrellas on Copacabana Beach

Wear as little as possible in Brazil

Men and women in Brazil wear much less fabric to the beach than their American counterparts. Women, this is a chance to wear a new style of bikini, specifically the Brazilian cut. Don’t be embarrassed to bare more skin than usual, you will see every age and body type sporting the itsy bitsy bikini. Men, you won’t find baggy board shorts on the beach. Only speedos, all colors and styles. If you wear much more you will most definitely stick out as a tourist.

Brazil Travel – Hats for sale on Copacabana Beach

Support the Local Rio Community

Stay hydrated, it’s hot! Even in the winter the heat reaches 25 degrees celcius. Instead of lugging liters of water and a picnic for lunch, support the local vendors. Purchase the drinks and empanadas they are selling on the beaches, they work hard and are usually very pleasant to spend a minute getting to know.

Brazil Travel – View of Copacabana Beach

Find a beach spot early

The beaches get crowded beyond belief on the weekends. Part of the magic of Rio’s beaches is the festive beach culture. The crowds fill every grain of sand and in order for you to enjoy your beach day I suggest you arrive before 11 am to claim a good beach location early. The vendors will offer you lounge chairs and umbrellas or just throw out your sarong and lay in the sand.

Brazil Travel – Sarongs on Copacabana Beach

Stay Active on Rio Beaches

Run, walk, kick a volleyball or play paddle ball, but get moving. Everyone on the beach is active. All day long men will be running barefoot on the beaches and all ages will be kicking a soccer ball around. Don’t just lay out and get tan, but walk the length and width of the beaches to get a true Brazil travel experience.

Brazil Travel – Copacabana Beach Volleyball

Couples Travel Tips:

• Research your hotel and book early, accommodation along the beaches of Rio is expensive and it fills up quickly, especially on the weekends.
• Be cautious in the early mornings prior to the police arriving at the beach. If you go for a morning run, leave your iPod at home and pay attention to your surroundings.
• If you decide it’s important to bring your camera and other gear, the advantage of having two people is that one can swim while the other stands guard.  It’s not as much fun though.
• Remember Brazil is sexy, so not only dress sexy and skimpy to fit in, do it for each other.  There is lots of romance to be found in Rio.
• Go now! The 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics are going to completely change the look and the feel of the city.

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Brazil attracts a lot of tourists each year for a lot of different reasons. With the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympic games, Rio de Janeiro is likely only going to grow in tourism popularity. But, in South America’s third largest city, how will you find things to do in Rio de Janeiro? Here are some travel tips for some of the tourist things to do in Rio.

Rio de Janeiro by Eduardo Pelosi, on Flickr

Brazilian beaches in Rio de Janeiro

With almost 80 kilometers of beach along the southern coast, Rio de Janeiro has plenty of beaches worth visiting. The most famous, however, is Copacabana. With three kilometers of pristine, white sand, Copacabana is the place to see and be seen in Rio. Whether you decide on staying in a Rio de Janeiro apartment on the beach, or one further inland, it’s never hard to find sand (or sun) in Rio.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro by JorgeBRAZIL, on Flickr

The other famous beach in Rio de Janeiro is Ipanema. This stretch of sand has a little less of the glitz and glamour of Copacabana, with the same amount of interesting people. Long known for its alternative culture, Ipanema is the place of inspiration for the international hit song “The Girl from Ipanema.”

Mike Vondran, Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil January 3 2009.

Tijuca Rainforest National Park

Plan a day trip to the Tijuca Rainforest located within Rio’s city limits when the sun and sand get to be too much. Tijuca Rainforest is the world’s largest urban forest and can be a welcome break from the consumer culture in Rio de Janeiro. After visiting boulevards full of shopping centers and beachside luxury apartments, it helps to get some fresh air in nature. It helps that the Tijuca National Park is free! Consider renting a bicycle to enjoy the many cycle paths that run through the forest.

Floresta de Tijuca by rbrands, on Flickr

Christ the Redeemer

Well, a visit to Rio just wouldn’t be the same without a photo of the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Mountain. The Art Deco sculpture was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007 and continues to attract attention and visitors from around the world. Poland recently unveiled a similarly massive sculpture of Jesus Christ to rival Rio’s.

Christ the Redeemer by Barkaw, on Flickr

Sugarloaf Mountain

So you hiked Corcovado Mountain to see the Christ the Redeemer statue, you’ve cycled through the rainforest and you relaxed on the beach? What’s next for your visit to Rio but some rock climbing! Sugarloaf’s monolithic formation of granite and quartz makes it a prime location for rock-climbing. Though if you’re not up for the challenge, there are plenty of ways to watch from a distance—including a cable car up to the top.

Sugarloaf Mountain by idnas71, on Flickr

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Iguazu Falls is nestled between the Northeast corner of Argentina and Southwest Brazil.  People often say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but no photo or Photo Essay (even one from yours truly) can do this magical place justice. These waterfalls must be experienced.

Waterfall Views

National Park Iguazu, Argentina has many walkways that take you into an enhanced journey of beautiful waterfall views.  The Argentina side of the falls is much more tourist friendly, providing incredible views and trails for miles.

Get Wet!

You can get yourself very wet on this famous walkway.  They sell ponchos just before the lookout deck.  If the waterfalls are low, you can get close without getting drenched.  It all depends on the season.

Largest Waterfalls in the World

Iguacu or Iguazu Falls are one of the largest waterfalls in the world.  It all depends on how you measure that.  The waterfall system consists of 275 falls along 2.7 kilometers (1.7 mi) of the Iguazu River. Some of the individual falls are up to 82 meters (269 ft) in height, though the majority are about 64 meters (210 ft).

For those who don’t mind getting soaked or pounded by the force of water rushing down from one of the “weaker” waterfalls, there are boat tours that take you up close and personal to the water action.

The Roar of Devil’s Throat Waterfall

The star of the show is “Devil’s Throat” a U-shaped, 82-meter-high, 150-meter-wide and 700-meter-long waterfall. At National Park Iguazu, Argentina you have back stage VIP access. Get your ears ready to hear The Devil scream.

Depending on the time of year you visit the waterfalls, the water level and volume can change dramatically.  We have visited both the Brazil and Argentina side during different seasons and have seen varying results.

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Rainforest reflection by Ivan Mlinaric, on Flickr

The Amazon Rainforest is arguably one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. It covers 1.7 billion acres over nine countries, and is home to an extraordinary abundance of life, including hundreds of thousands of different species of animal and plant as well as a number of isolated human tribes too. If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting this wonderful place before, a trip to Brazil is definitely a great first introduction.  We explore Rio the Amazon rainforest travel.

Preparing for Amazon Travel

Before you leave for Brazil, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared, especially if you’re planning an excursion into the Amazon. Here are some of the most important things you’ll need for your trip: Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are necessary for most parts of the Amazon. Make sure you check with your doctor first.

Amazon Packing List

• Malaria tablets, insect repellent, insect bite or itch relief cream, plenty of suncream, moisturiser, lip balm, mosquito net and medication for altitude sickness and colds and fevers
• Travel first aid kit, including plasters, bandages, antiseptic and painkillers like aspirin or paracetamol
• A water purifier or tablets
• Sunglasses and a hat with a rim
• Ear plugs are recommended, especially if you’re a light sleeper
• A comprehensive backpacking travel insurance policy is a must-have. Insure and Go provides a number of good offers
• Consider a camera, preferably weather/water proof and extra memory cards & batteries

Rio de Janeiro

Cristo Redentor – Rio de Janeiro by Juliana Coutinho, on Flickr

You can’t really visit Brazil without a quick stopover in the carnival city of Rio. Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s second-largest cities and is packed with things to do and see. The iconic 130-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer, which looks down on the city from atop Corcovado mountain, isn’t all Rio has to offer.

Sugarloaf mountain by Christian Haugen, on Flickr

You can watch rock climbers scale the 1,300-foot Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), which overlooks Guanabara Bay. If you have the know-how, you can join in yourself or, if climbing isn’t your thing, you can take the cable car to the top.

Copacabana Beach – Rio de Janeiro by Christian Haugen, on Flickr

Copacabana is easily one of the world’s most famous beaches, and with 4 km of sand and the hot Brazilian climate, it’s easy to see why. And there’s plenty of enjoyment to be taken from exploring the city itself, from the bustling Centro to the sprawling favelas.

Rio de Janeiro by Denise Mayumi, on Flickr

Manaus

Manaus fisherman by Zemlinki!, on Flickr

Buried deep within the Amazon, the city of Manaus is typically regarded as the first port of call for visitors to the Amazon Rainforest, with lots of boat tours and cruises leaving from the city. Manaus lies on the banks of the Rio Negro, which joins with the Rio Solimões to form the almighty Amazon River (see the ‘Meeting of Waters’ below). When it comes to accommodation, Manaus has plenty of options from hotels to lodges. Manaus itself has a number of attractions that are worth checking out – particularly the Opera House (Teatro Amazonas) and the Natural Science Museum.

Eco-lodge

Simon in the mist by Zemlinki!, on Flickr

Staying in an eco-lodge is perhaps the easiest way to experience the Amazon Rainforest up close and personal. Unfortunately, it’s not easy finding an affordable eco-lodge in Brazil’s Amazon. Nothing quite captures the feeling of waking up in the morning and seeing the world’s largest tropical rainforest staring back at you through your window. The Ariau Amazon Towers is the world’s largest treetop hotel consisting of eight towers and over 260 rooms. Prices are steep but they provide a number of packages that include excursions into the surrounding area.

The Meeting of Waters

Aerial view of the Meeting of Waters just after departing Manaus, Brazil by Immelman284 on Wikipedia

The “Meeting of Waters”, where the dark Rio Negro flows side-by-side with the sandy-coloured Rio Solimões, is one of Manaus’ main tourist attractions. Thanks to the difference in temperature, speed and water density between the two rivers, their waters do not mix, which creates an extraordinary “two-tone” appearance that looks a lot like an oil slick. You can see the Meeting of Waters up close via one of the many boat tours or cruises leaving from Manaus.

The Amazon River

Gotta Leave It Behind by heatherlyone, on Flickr

After showing you the Meeting of Waters, most boat tours and cruises will continue down the enchanting Amazon River, stopping at certain points of interest. Many also offer excursions on small boats or zodiacs to explore the rainforest further, including activities like birdwatching, visits to National Parks, piranha fishing, canoe rides, hikes and lectures. There will also be plenty of opportunities to see the Amazon’s diverse wildlife – from monkeys and alligators to river dolphins and manatees.

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