Rio de Janeiro

Discover Río de Janeiro with our insider tips and explore one of the most famous cities of Brazil. Visit the Sugar Loaf, the mythic Ipanema beach and many more attractions in the land of eternal sunshine. 

Río de Janeiro, first found by Portuguese sailor in 1502, was once the capital of Brazil, and today is one of the most visited cities in the country. “Janeiro” means January in Portuguese, and the first month of Summer in the South Hemisphere. And something that this city always have is sunshine days and a continuous feeling of vacations floating in the air. Río has the second largest economy in the country after São Paulo, and today is still the financial center of Brazil. Manufacturing, commerce and tourism are the main industries. Many travelers choose Río de Janeiro to spend a relaxing vacation in paradise beaches, enjoy nightlife to the rhythm of Samba (the national dance) and discover the culture and charm of Brazilians.
The official language is Portuguese, but the country is influenced by its indigenous, African, and
European roots, creating a unique cultural fusion. In tourist destinations, you can communicate
in English, but most people speak only Portuguese. The people are very welcoming and love
receiving foreign visitors.

Attractions

Attractions

Eating & Drinking

Eating & Drinking

Other Tours you may like
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Tips & Advice

Tips & Advice

How to get to Rio de Janeiro?

Flight: Most major airlines fly to Rio de Janeiro and the international airport is Antonio Carlos Jobin, more commonly known as Galeao Airport. It is located, 20 km (12 miles) from downtown. The second airport of Rio is Santos Dumont airport located downtown, surrounded by the Baia de Guanabara. Once at the airports, the best way to get to the downtown area will be with a private transfer.

Bus: All long-distance buses arrive at the Novo Rio Rodoviaria bus terminal, Av. Francisco Bicalho 1, Santo Cristo. It is close to downtown near the old port. It’s best to use a private transfer or taxi traveling to or from the station. It’s not the best part of town, particularly with all your bags. We recommend that you buy your ticket in advance, especially for travel on weekends or in high season.

How many days should I stay in Río?

It depends. If you are referring to the State of Rio de Janeiro, We’d recommend 30 days . However, if you mean the city of Rio, 10 days should be fine.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Rio is between December and March, when the weather is warm and sunny enough to hit the beaches. The city’s seductive samba beat and incredible panoramic views last year-round, but arrive in February to experience Carnival.
Although visiting during the dry season, from May to October, has it’s pros. The weather is still warm but less humid, with plenty of sunshine, great for sightseeing, beach days, and outdoor activities.

The weather in Rio de Janeiro is a typical tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, this is due to its location in the tropical South Atlantic. The average annual temperature ranges from 23ºC (74ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). However, during some summer days (January-March) can reach up to 38ºC (100ºF) or even 40ºC (104ºf). During winter (June to August), temperatures in the area suffer a decline, but never gets cold (average temperature is usually not less than 18ºC / 64.4ºF), during this time the weather is cool and dry. Areas close to the mountains tend to be colder than areas near the coast, but also these areas enjoy pleasant weather and warm temperatures. The rainy season runs from November to March. Rains are usually heavy and short. It is unusual for falling water for a whole day.

What to pack?
  • Swimwear.
  • Light Cotton clothes.
  • Muscular and short sleeve shirts.
  • Raincoat
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent.
  • Lightweight Waterproof Jacket.
  • Beach Towel.
  • Comfortable shoes, sandals/flip flops.
  • Backpack for day trips
  • Plug adapter to charge your electronic devices
How much money can I spend per day in Río?

You should plan to spend around US 75.- per day on your vacation in Rio de Janeiro, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, US 12.-  on meals for one day and US 5.-  on local transportation.

Exchange money, ATMs and using CC

Brazil’s currency is the Brazilian Real (R$ / BRL).
Exchanging foreign money into Brazil currency in Rio de Janeiro is easy and is most commonly done at Bank ATMs, Cambios (stores that specialize in currency exchange), and at travel agencies. Currency exchange rates are posted in the window of most banks and at these agencies.

Avoid exchanging money at the airport upon arrival, as lines are long and the exchange rate is poor. There has been a lot of card cloning fraud reported when using the ATMs at GIG International Airport. Hotels will often offer money exchange and convert it at the front desk. Hotel currency exchange rates are less competitive than the Banks and Cambios, but are usually better than rates at the airport.

Many Cambios are located on the main avenues of Rua Visconde de Piraja in Ipanema and in Copacabana along the Avenida NS Copacabana. They will have “Cambio” signs in the windows and over the store. Cambios may be located inside travel agencies and will often give better Brazil currency exchange rates than the banks.

ATM cash machines can be found everywhere in the city, but they mostly only dispense Real currency. ATM cash withdrawal using a credit or debit card is the most convenient method to get Reais. Before leaving home, confirm with your bank or credit card company the procedures and fees charged for international ATM withdrawals. A service fee may also be charged by the Brazilian bank. Use ATMs that are located inside the bank lobbies, and try to avoid ATMs on the streets or in the late evening (most ATMs turn off at 11pm). Cover your PIN# with your hand and avoid withdrawing large sums at one time. An ATM that allow credit card withdrawal will have small credit card emblems on it. The current daily maximum withdrawal is between R$ 2000 and R$ 2500.

Banks open daily from 10 am till 16 pm. Not all bank exchange foreign currency but there are many currency exchange shops.

Exchanging money before you arrive can be easily completed using an on-line exchange service. The company will offer rates that are about 10% less than the official exchange rate and will charge $15 to send you the Brazilian Reais by overnight delivery. The minimum exchange is usually US $ 200 to a maximum of $250. A Visa or Mastercard must be used to exchange currency, and this is treated as a “cash advance” which your credit card company may treat differently than merchandise charges.

Using Credit Cards for currency exchange. Although restaurant and store merchants won’t advance you cash from your credit or debit card, paying for food and other services in Reais will usually result in a good exchange rate by your card company. Visit our Using Credit Cards Safely page for more info.

What is the proper tipping?

In restaurants, it’s customary to tip about 10% of the bill. Note that tips can’t be added to credit-card bills, so carry cash for this purpose. For tour guides , estimate around USD 10/15 per person, for a full day tour and half of it for the driver. In hotels, you should tip porters for handling bags:USD1.00 for every two bags, same amount is calculated for drivers if they help you with your suitcases, the housekeeping (between USD0.50 – 1.00 per night), and the concierge staff if the have helped you to arrange dinner reservations, transportation or leisure activities. In Argentina we don’t regularly tip taxi drivers.

Visa requirements

It depends on your nationality; as of 2025 passengers from the United States, Canada, and Australia will need a tourist visa to enter the country. The visa process is 100% online, and most applications are approved within 24 hours. The visa will be valid for 10 years and for multiple entries. Stays will be limited to 90 days per
year. The passport must be valid for 6 months or more and have clean pages.
We recommend that you visit your country’s consulate website to learn about the latest updates. If you need more information, you can check this link

Driving and transportation in Brazil

Tourists bearing an international license to drive are entitled to drive in Brazil if their stay is no more than 180 days. For longer stays they are required to obtain a Brazilian driver’s license.

It is compulsory to have a valid international driver’s license and a valid identification document. The foreign tourist driver is subject to the Brazilian legislation.

Also Rio has metro, buses, and taxis. Apps like Uber are widely used and considered safe and convenient.

Dangers, Scams and Annoyances

Rio de Janeiro has the fame of a crime-ridden city. However, during the past two years a security campaign has been led by the ex-president Lula Da Silva and things have been getting better. However, using a money belt while traveling is still recommendable. As well as using the safe box in your hotel. Leave your passport in the safe because there is no need to carry it around the city while exploring. Also try to avoid walking at the beach by night.

Taxi drivers in Rio de Janeiro are usually honest, but occasionally they decide to take advantage of the fact that you are a tourist. If they ask you to pay upfront the ride, don’t accept this and go out of the car. This is illegal and it indicates that the cab driver is setting his own prices and is not going to use the clocked meter. All official taxis in the city have clocked meters and they can only charge the price which is shown on the meter.

Important information for entering Ecuador

Important update regarding entry requirements for travelers arriving in Ecuador.

Effective Monday, May 12, 2025, some travelers* entering Ecuador from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, or Brazil—by air, land, or sea—must present an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. The vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days prior to arrival.

*This requirement applies to:

Citizens or residents of the countries mentioned above.
Travelers of any nationality who have stayed in any of these countries for more than 10 days, including Ecuadorian nationals returning from those regions.

Please note that the yellow fever vaccine is valid for life with a single dose. Certificates issued in previous years are accepted. Travelers must carry their vaccination certificate when boarding their transportation to Ecuador, and it may be requested again upon arrival.

Tap water in Brazil

We recommend drinking only bottled water. Although tap water is increasingly safe to drink, it may not be pleasant to the taste due to the treatment process and lack of filtering.

How to get to Rio de Janeiro?

Flight: Most major airlines fly to Rio de Janeiro and the international airport is Antonio Carlos Jobin, more commonly known as Galeao Airport. It is located, 20 km (12 miles) from downtown. The second airport of Rio is Santos Dumont airport located downtown, surrounded by the Baia de Guanabara. Once at the airports, the best way to get to the downtown area will be with a private transfer.

Bus: All long-distance buses arrive at the Novo Rio Rodoviaria bus terminal, Av. Francisco Bicalho 1, Santo Cristo. It is close to downtown near the old port. It’s best to use a private transfer or taxi traveling to or from the station. It’s not the best part of town, particularly with all your bags. We recommend that you buy your ticket in advance, especially for travel on weekends or in high season.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Rio is between December and March, when the weather is warm and sunny enough to hit the beaches. The city’s seductive samba beat and incredible panoramic views last year-round, but arrive in February to experience Carnival.
Although visiting during the dry season, from May to October, has it’s pros. The weather is still warm but less humid, with plenty of sunshine, great for sightseeing, beach days, and outdoor activities.

The weather in Rio de Janeiro is a typical tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, this is due to its location in the tropical South Atlantic. The average annual temperature ranges from 23ºC (74ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF). However, during some summer days (January-March) can reach up to 38ºC (100ºF) or even 40ºC (104ºf). During winter (June to August), temperatures in the area suffer a decline, but never gets cold (average temperature is usually not less than 18ºC / 64.4ºF), during this time the weather is cool and dry. Areas close to the mountains tend to be colder than areas near the coast, but also these areas enjoy pleasant weather and warm temperatures. The rainy season runs from November to March. Rains are usually heavy and short. It is unusual for falling water for a whole day.

How much money can I spend per day in Río?

You should plan to spend around US 75.- per day on your vacation in Rio de Janeiro, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, US 12.-  on meals for one day and US 5.-  on local transportation.

What is the proper tipping?

In restaurants, it’s customary to tip about 10% of the bill. Note that tips can’t be added to credit-card bills, so carry cash for this purpose. For tour guides , estimate around USD 10/15 per person, for a full day tour and half of it for the driver. In hotels, you should tip porters for handling bags:USD1.00 for every two bags, same amount is calculated for drivers if they help you with your suitcases, the housekeeping (between USD0.50 – 1.00 per night), and the concierge staff if the have helped you to arrange dinner reservations, transportation or leisure activities. In Argentina we don’t regularly tip taxi drivers.

Driving and transportation in Brazil

Tourists bearing an international license to drive are entitled to drive in Brazil if their stay is no more than 180 days. For longer stays they are required to obtain a Brazilian driver’s license.

It is compulsory to have a valid international driver’s license and a valid identification document. The foreign tourist driver is subject to the Brazilian legislation.

Also Rio has metro, buses, and taxis. Apps like Uber are widely used and considered safe and convenient.

Important information for entering Ecuador

Important update regarding entry requirements for travelers arriving in Ecuador.

Effective Monday, May 12, 2025, some travelers* entering Ecuador from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, or Brazil—by air, land, or sea—must present an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. The vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days prior to arrival.

*This requirement applies to:

Citizens or residents of the countries mentioned above.
Travelers of any nationality who have stayed in any of these countries for more than 10 days, including Ecuadorian nationals returning from those regions.

Please note that the yellow fever vaccine is valid for life with a single dose. Certificates issued in previous years are accepted. Travelers must carry their vaccination certificate when boarding their transportation to Ecuador, and it may be requested again upon arrival.

How many days should I stay in Río?

It depends. If you are referring to the State of Rio de Janeiro, We’d recommend 30 days . However, if you mean the city of Rio, 10 days should be fine.

What to pack?
  • Swimwear.
  • Light Cotton clothes.
  • Muscular and short sleeve shirts.
  • Raincoat
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent.
  • Lightweight Waterproof Jacket.
  • Beach Towel.
  • Comfortable shoes, sandals/flip flops.
  • Backpack for day trips
  • Plug adapter to charge your electronic devices
Exchange money, ATMs and using CC

Brazil’s currency is the Brazilian Real (R$ / BRL).
Exchanging foreign money into Brazil currency in Rio de Janeiro is easy and is most commonly done at Bank ATMs, Cambios (stores that specialize in currency exchange), and at travel agencies. Currency exchange rates are posted in the window of most banks and at these agencies.

Avoid exchanging money at the airport upon arrival, as lines are long and the exchange rate is poor. There has been a lot of card cloning fraud reported when using the ATMs at GIG International Airport. Hotels will often offer money exchange and convert it at the front desk. Hotel currency exchange rates are less competitive than the Banks and Cambios, but are usually better than rates at the airport.

Many Cambios are located on the main avenues of Rua Visconde de Piraja in Ipanema and in Copacabana along the Avenida NS Copacabana. They will have “Cambio” signs in the windows and over the store. Cambios may be located inside travel agencies and will often give better Brazil currency exchange rates than the banks.

ATM cash machines can be found everywhere in the city, but they mostly only dispense Real currency. ATM cash withdrawal using a credit or debit card is the most convenient method to get Reais. Before leaving home, confirm with your bank or credit card company the procedures and fees charged for international ATM withdrawals. A service fee may also be charged by the Brazilian bank. Use ATMs that are located inside the bank lobbies, and try to avoid ATMs on the streets or in the late evening (most ATMs turn off at 11pm). Cover your PIN# with your hand and avoid withdrawing large sums at one time. An ATM that allow credit card withdrawal will have small credit card emblems on it. The current daily maximum withdrawal is between R$ 2000 and R$ 2500.

Banks open daily from 10 am till 16 pm. Not all bank exchange foreign currency but there are many currency exchange shops.

Exchanging money before you arrive can be easily completed using an on-line exchange service. The company will offer rates that are about 10% less than the official exchange rate and will charge $15 to send you the Brazilian Reais by overnight delivery. The minimum exchange is usually US $ 200 to a maximum of $250. A Visa or Mastercard must be used to exchange currency, and this is treated as a “cash advance” which your credit card company may treat differently than merchandise charges.

Using Credit Cards for currency exchange. Although restaurant and store merchants won’t advance you cash from your credit or debit card, paying for food and other services in Reais will usually result in a good exchange rate by your card company. Visit our Using Credit Cards Safely page for more info.

Visa requirements

It depends on your nationality; as of 2025 passengers from the United States, Canada, and Australia will need a tourist visa to enter the country. The visa process is 100% online, and most applications are approved within 24 hours. The visa will be valid for 10 years and for multiple entries. Stays will be limited to 90 days per
year. The passport must be valid for 6 months or more and have clean pages.
We recommend that you visit your country’s consulate website to learn about the latest updates. If you need more information, you can check this link

Dangers, Scams and Annoyances

Rio de Janeiro has the fame of a crime-ridden city. However, during the past two years a security campaign has been led by the ex-president Lula Da Silva and things have been getting better. However, using a money belt while traveling is still recommendable. As well as using the safe box in your hotel. Leave your passport in the safe because there is no need to carry it around the city while exploring. Also try to avoid walking at the beach by night.

Taxi drivers in Rio de Janeiro are usually honest, but occasionally they decide to take advantage of the fact that you are a tourist. If they ask you to pay upfront the ride, don’t accept this and go out of the car. This is illegal and it indicates that the cab driver is setting his own prices and is not going to use the clocked meter. All official taxis in the city have clocked meters and they can only charge the price which is shown on the meter.

Tap water in Brazil

We recommend drinking only bottled water. Although tap water is increasingly safe to drink, it may not be pleasant to the taste due to the treatment process and lack of filtering.

Sustainability

Sustainability

Rio de Janeiro

Local Businesses

 

  • Project Morrinho

Rua Pereira da Silva 826 Casa 27 Vila Pereira da Silva, Río de Janeiro

Morrinho aims to bring positive change to the local community, as well as challenge the popular perception of Brazil’s favelas. Through its work, Morrinho contributes directly to the socio-cultural and economic development of the surrounding areas. The belief that favelas are merely dominated by drug trafficking and violence is not all encompassing. Morrinho communicates the realities of life through film, plastic arts, theater and music and shows that life in the favela is multi-dimensional.

Project Morrinho began in 1997 as a game between two brothers in the Pereira da Silva favela in Rio de Janeiro and has since evolved into an internationally recognized platform for art and activism. The 450 m² model, built with recycled bricks and toy figures, portrays everyday life in the favelas, featuring scenes of community gatherings, parties, and even clashes with police. This miniature city also serves as the set for TV Morrinho, a youth-led audiovisual channel where participants create videos that blend humor and social critique, blurring the lines between fiction and documentary.

Through informal means Morrinho Social will develop the area of education and professionalism under the following courses:

  • Audiovisual
  • Art Education
  • Youth Leadership
  • Youth and Citizenship

How to Help

 

  • Muriqui Award for the Copaíba Environmental Association. 

The Copaíba Environmental Association won the Muriqui award in the 2020 edition, in the corporate category, recognizing its contribution to the conservation of biodiversity and the Mata Atlântica biome. This recognition is one of the most important honors for those who work in the Brazilian environmental area, according to the National Council of the Mata Atlántica Biosphere Reserve (CN-RBMA). The award aims to encourage actions that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, the promotion and dissemination of traditional and scientific knowledge and the promotion of sustainable development in the area of the Atlantic Forest. Copaíba was recognized for the results of the restoration and conservation of the Atlantic Forest and for the trajectory of her work for 21 years. To date, 4 million seedlings have been planted on 713 hectares in partnership with landowners in the region.

 

Sustainability tips

 

  • Take your reusable bag with you when you go shopping.
  • Choose the consumption of local products from artisans and small producers.
  • Travel the city by bike or on foot, it is healthy and does not leave a carbon footprint.
  • When you go on an excursion, ask for food without plastic wrap.
  • Don’t leave trash in nature.
  • Take a reusable bottle with you to carry water in.
  • Don’t feed native fauna.
  • Use rechargeable batteries.
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