Mario Testino de Janeiro - A Book about Rio

Fell in Love with Rio de Janeiro and want to buy something to remember this sexy city?
Why not the super glamorous art book "Mario de Janeiro Testino", from worldwide famous fashion photographer and self declared Rio's lover, Mario Testino? "Mario de Janeiro" was published by Taschen and has a daring selection of pictures with the best of Rio and its natural beauty. The tropical landscape mixed with the hottest faces of Brazilian fashion - it's everything there: the sun, the beach, Ipanema and their free spirit citzens, creative and hot, it's a testimonial of love, it's a tempting invitation to Rio.

Enjoy Urca, the Cable Car, Rio de Janeiro and Little Joy

Hello,

Take a look at this music video with exclusive images of Rio de Janeiro. I bet after this video you will decide to book your holidays in Rio de Janeiro. Have you ever heard about "Little Joy"? It's a brazilian/american band formed in 2007 by Rodrigo Amarante (Los Hermano's singer - just a quick note: Los Hermanos is a brazilian indie rock iconic band), The Strokes drummer Frabrizio Moretti (also a "carioca") and Biki Shapiro - the charming lady also vocalist of the band.
Little Joy's music is very relaxed and one could say it's a mix of 60's indie brazilian Tropicalia style, as New Musical Express (NME) Magazine described the band, and contemporary indie rock, with a "summer"latin american flair. Recently, the brazilian drummer Fabrizio Moretti (still active with The Strokes) was replaced by ex The Moldy Peaches guitarist Jack Dishel. The video below is "Next Time Around", a good example of the indie-rock-tropicalia style. It was filmed in Rio de Janeiro, with locations in Urca, one of the most expansive and considered exclusive neighborhoods of the city, with the Sugar Loaf (another famous touristic landmark) and its cable car. If you visit Rio de Janeiro, a walk in Urca and "Praia Vermelha" (small beach in the same area called 'Red Beach') is unmissable. Then you have to take the Cable Car to reach the top of the Sugar Loaf mountain and enjoy the marvellous view of Rio de Janeiro - from the best point for a complete sightseeing of the city.

Arpoador: Rio de Janeiro Video

Hi guys,

Check this video I just found on YouTube about Arpoador... It basically shows the South Zone beach coast from a very nice point of view. You can feel like walking in Rio de Janeiro in this video. Arpoador is the boarder between Copacabana beach and Ipanema beach. The landmark is a group of rocks from where you can see Ipanema and Leblon beach. During the summer, Arpoador is famous as a special place to enjoy the sunset. 'Cariocas' like to watch the sunset until the the end and then applaud the natural spectacle. Awesome!

Rio de Janeiro Traditional Music: Jongo

In this video, Marisa Monte, a popular brazilian singer (from Rio de Janeiro) performs "Vide Gal" with Carlinhos Brown - a star of brazilian popular music, composer and percussionist. Here he plays Jongo in his traditional bongo/drum called Caxumbau. Jongo is a traditional brazilian-afro rhythm, very close to samba, which still can be found in few places in Rio, like "Morro da Serrinha". Jongo was born originally in Quilombos, hidden communities where black slaves refugees lived together during colonial times in Brazil. Nowdays Jongo celebrates the joy and strong cultural importance of afro heritage in Brazil.

Useful website

Hi,

Do you want to plan an unforgettable trip to Rio de Janeiro and don't know where to start? Vist the official Rio de Janeiro Tourism website, by clicking here.

If you want more local and less mainstream touristic tips for your trip, keep following our blog.

Tijuca's Forest: The largest urban forest in the world

Hi there,

The tip of the day for you who are visiting or planning to visit Rio de Janeiro is Tijuca's Forest. Tijuca's Forest is a big green and tropical forest inside the city of Rio de Janeiro, and just like Amazon is for Brazil, Tijuca Forest works like the "lungs" of the city, refreshing the air and the climate. Alongside with other important green areas like Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico, which is more like a park), Tijuca's Forest is a must visit place. The Forest can be acessed by at leats three major routes, covering a large area, but i will talk here about the waterfall area, best known of Tijuca Rainforest.

How to get to Tijuca Forest - The forest is located in a high area of the city, in the north, between the residential borough of Tijuca and the beach/residential borough Barra. There aren't many public transport like buses to get there, and if you re located in the South Zone you might need a bit of commuting transport or a cab or a car.

The avialble buses are 233 and 234 departing from the central bus station (Rodoviaria/Alvorada) towards Barra da Tijuca, or 225 from Praca Maua (Maua Square) in the city centre towards Barra da Tijuca.

These are the common buses - they are not very comfortable and it might seem a long journey to get there with them.

You can easily find a touristic tour to Tijuca Forest in a jeep by visiting this website
http://tijuca-forest-tours.rioadventures.com/

Tijuca Forest was basic a largest Tropical Forest during the colonial centuries. After the exploitation of coffe and wood in the XIX century, trees were planted in a big project to recreate the forest. The work of slaves during the recreation has played an important role in the project. You will find old houses and architectural ruins along all the Tijuca Forest, what makes this visit even more special is the evidence of the Portuguese and colonial times in Rio de Janeiro. But the highlights of the Forest are the variety of specimens, the beauty of the tropical forest and its green and exuberant natural drama - its pervasive presence, always spreading all over the city, and the Waterfall - a magnificent view, surrounded by stones and tropical plants.

Once in Tijuca Forest, step into the little old bar/restaurant just beside the waterfall, for a quick beer or Guarana (soft drink). Enjoy the vintage and simple space and breath the fresh air around you.

Much more can be said about the Forets and its history, but you can find that in any guide. My tip is, in a hot day of summer, give a break to the beach and go for a walk or a tour in the forest, enjoy a lovely afternoon surrounded by the nature.

Now some pictures of Tijuca Forest just to give you a taste of its nature...

Best months to visit Rio.

Hi there, so you are planning to go to Rio? If you still don't know when is the best moment to visit Rio de Janeiro, here you can find some information and personal advice.

Summer goes officialy from the 20th of december to the 20th of march - the hottest month is usually january - when the temperature can hit up to 40 degrees celsius (and depending on where you are in the city, even more), but february is also very hot.
February is when the carnival happens but in some years it is celebrated in march, so confirm this information by visiting Brazilian Tourism Portal with official information about Brazil and the carnival party. http://www.braziltour.com/

If you are not looking for very hot summer, and is avoiding the crowds, why not visit Rio de Janeiro during it's "autumm" moment - which is also quite a warm season in the region of Brazil, with temperature varying between 20 and 30 degrees in Rio specially in April and may. The good thing about visiting the city this time is that you'll also find good and warm whether, you won't be joining the crowd of tourists and will benefit the low season prices - once the carnival is already finished you can plan you travel to Rio in a more affordable budget.

Personal brazilian advice:

Be carefull with the month of march, specially the last 2 weeks. It's well known among Rio de Janero's inhabitants that it can get very wet and rainy even with warm temperature. The tropical rain in Rio can be very annoying and usually it takes place in march. It's been specially severe in the last 5 years.

Overall, all cariocas are proud to hightlight we just have 2 seasons: summer and mid summer, once our winter goes very often to only 18th degrees and 25 - which for an european person, for example, is just like summer itself. So, plan you visit but remember that Rio is 85% of the time a warm place to visit, although some months you can find a lot of tropical rain.

Summary:

December - my favorite moment to be in Rio between the 20th to the New Years party in Copacabana. Lot's of parties happening in the city to celebrate the beginning of the summer, general holidays for students, the massive arrival of visitors, the whole city went magic and a bit crazy, plus the Christmas flair in a tropical and warm mood. Adorable!

January - blue sky, hot summer, go to the beach.

February - blue sky, hot summer, carnival.

March - hot, but can be and usually is very rainy.

April, may and june - low season, good whether not so hot, the city is a bit more empty, enjoy the truly "carioca" lifestyle without so much party hush - if you wish to relax, this is the perfect moment.

Basic words in Portuguese - Learn basic Portuguese to travel

More basic words and expressions in brazilian Portuguese for your travel to Rio de Janeiro.

Lunch - Almoço
Dinner - Jantar
Food - Comida
Juice - Suco
Snack - Lanche
Drink - Bebida
Soft drink - refrigerante
Chili sauce - pimenta
Water - Agua
Salt- Sal
Hot- Quente
Cold - Frio
Ice cubes - Gelo (Very important!)


In Rio de Janeiro snacks and juices are very popular and you should not avoid try some of the best specialties in town just because you don't understand the language. to make it easier, we will have a section only with the famous menu of street food and snacks in Rio. Watch out for the next posts.

Some pictures of Grumari Beach in Rio de Janeiro

Hi there! In another post I was talking about Grumari Beach in Rio de Janeiro. So why not have a look in some pictures (so you can have a better idea on why I am so excited about this beach). There are many beaches in the coast of Rio de Janeiro (hundreds in Brazil), but if you want an advice don't go to Rio and spend all of your time in Ipanema and Copacabana. I love those places as well, but if you want to feel a bit more of nature... visit Grumari.

Delicious organic seafood "casquinha de siri" (crab paste served in a shell) with brazilian chilli sauce!

Olimpic city

Hi guys,

I just found this website about the renovation in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
You can see nice videos and photos about what is going on in the city. It's a shame is only in portuguese, but it's interesting.

http://www.cidadeolimpica.com/htm/home.php

Youth Hostel in Rio

Hello, need a place to overnight in Rio de Janeiro on a budget? How old are you? Are you a backpacker?

Want to try a youth backpackers hostel?

Take note:
Ace Backpackers Youth Hostel
Address: São Clemente street, number 23 - 1st floor - Botafogo (area) In the block of the beach - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Bossa Nova Song The Girl from Ipanema

Just to let you in the mood fro your next travel, a classic bossa nova song Rio de Janeiro inspired.

Visit Grumari in Rio for a relaxing day

Hi guys,

Today I want to write about my favorite beach in the city of Rio de Janeiro. I'ts Grumari beach, with its white sand and fabulous and clean open sea - ideal for a good and refreshing swimming day.
Grumari is located in the west zone of Rio de Janiero at 20 kilometers from Barra da Tijuca Beach.
If your are staying in the South Zone you will need a car or a bus to get there. You can use public buses towards "Recreio dos Bandeirantes" (pay attention to this direction).
If you are in Barra da Tijuca, then is even easier to get there - it's in the same coast line.
If you have access to a guide or a bus tour ask for a visit in Grumari.
What is so special about Grumari? First of all its a natural reserve, it is not a residential area, so there are no skyscrapers or houses or shops around. That makes this beach a very special place, and also clean and relaxed. If you are visiting Rio de janeiro, it's more likely that you will spend most of your time in the South Zone, at Copacabana or Ipanema. You should definitely visit those beaches of course, but don't miss the chance to visit Grumari. Also, alongside Grumari, this remote paradise, there is "Prainha"known by this strong waves. "Prainha" has became famous among surfers, so if you like to surf in brazilian style, go to Praianha (just beside Grumari).
When visiting Grumari, take your own bottle of water and lunch box with snacks with you, as there are no shops around. But in the end of the beach there are some organic and traditional restaurants selling fresh seafood during lunch time. It's very good and I recommend. Ask for prawns (camarao) or Moqueca (Fish stew).

Video Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games - some images of Rio de Janeiro

Important words basic level

Hi Guys,

This is a quick update for today. Just some portuguese learning, like very basic words for you first time visiting Rio de Janeiro or Brazil:

Hello - Ola, Oi
How are you - Tudo bem?
Good morning - Bom dia
Good evening - Boa noite
Thank you - Obrigado!
Where is - Aonde fica?
Bus - Onibus
Cab - Taxi
Hotel - Hotel
Hostel - Hostel
Beach - Praia


I will post more later!

The true about violence in Rio de Janeiro (if you are a tourist)

Hold on! Don't panic. I have good news for you who is crazy to visit Rio but somehow a bit suspicious (or afraid) about stories on violence and thieves... Well, first you have to understand that Rio de Janeiro is not a heaven, but, honestly, which city is safe now days? Which popular and world wide famous big city can guarantee 100% safety to its visitors and inhabitants? New York? The good news is that with the coming events like the world cup in 2014 in Brazil and the Olympic games hosted in Rio in 2016,  relevant improvements in public safety are taking place in Rio de Janeiro. Investments both from the private sector and the government are boosting a new policy and a new shape to Rio de Janeiro guard and since 2009 are finally providing to Rio de Janeiro citzens (also known as "Cariocas") a so expected feeling of safety - and all the tourist can benefit from these changes. There was never a better time to visit Rio de Janeiro (and Brazil in general). Rio de Janeiro is a big city (the second largest city of Brazil) with a population of over  6 000 000. During many years drug dealing and criminality were a dark reality in the city life, and even now when things are much better, an important social issue among the working classes and the presence of poverty contribute to urban crime.

One of the first steps to understand Rio's life is to  bear in mind you are not going to a wide jungle far away from civilization even knowing that there are paradisiac beaches and landscapes just from half  hour journey by car.  You are still just beside a vibrant and big "tropical metropolis" - not as vibrant and urban shaped as Sao Paulo, but you will be surprised with Rio de Janeiro's size.  Once you are not visiting the outskirts of Rio you will have almost none chance of be a victim of assaults or robbery, but have in mind you are in a big city.

So, let's go for some Dos and Dont's in Rio de Janeiro to avoid any problems and guarantee your good times:

Do not walk araound hodling your absolutely fantastic iPhone last generation or your super digital camera all the time. Keep it safe, carry it on you front pocket or cover it in a simple bag (not the luxury sporty Louis Vutton). A simple travel bag is fine.

If you are visiting the city in the summer, its more likely that its going to be super hot. So, forget about those very smart sport trainers you bought wondering they would be great for a big walk in the jungle (again, Rio is a big city, full of urban life) but flip flops are 100% accepted, they will provide with a more chilled and relaxed approach in Rio - and if you are by the beach (and even if not), a good pair of flip flops like Havaianas is all you need. Take some spare simple trainers in case in engage in long walks in the green forest or for any other plan - but for simple walking on the streets and by the beach, go with Havaianas flip flop.

Its hard and impossible to not look like a tourist if your are not born in the sun of Rio, but you don't need to look an anthropologist from the ninethenth century as well. Be cool, Tshirt and shorts allowed, frech dresses for the ladies, show your legs - use a simple cap or a hat but don't overdress. In the sould of the city there's a very strict sense of body fashion dicatting that the body should be charming, not exactly the clothes. So the clothes must be just an acessory for the body. Look sportive but cool and fresh. You can do it!

 In the carnival, don't take load of cash with you.

Gently hide your cash and credit cards in your private underware, but do it ina manner that you don't drop your wallet when dancing the samba in the streets. Dollar belt bags and security pockets are welcomed. Use your creativity.

Avoid a big wallet. Carry the basics - some ID and credit card are fine, just don't show them. Keep them with you.

No expensive jewelry, no golden necklace when dancing in the carnival, ok? 

In the next post I will give more tips on security - this is a very controversial topic, and once more I would ask to not panic and to not give up of your holiday dream. Those are friendly tips! Have fun.

Hello traveller? Are you going to rio de Janeiro?

Hello, this is just my first post. I am excited with this project. Are you planning to visit Rio de Janeiro in Brazil soon? Maybe in the world cup in 2014 or even for the olympic Games in 2016? Do you need to start your planning now? Are you going for a lovely holidays just next week? Never been to Rio de Janeiro? Are you crazy about brazilian culture? Looking forward to start to plan a brilliant summer in one of the most exciting cities in the world? Do you want to go to the beach? Need some tips and basic information about brazil, portuguese language, where to stay in Rio, what to eat, how much money do you need to visit Rio, what are the most important attractions in Rio de Janeiro and so on? So this is a blog made for you. Is simple and easy, ask me and I'll answer it. I am brazilian, and from Rio. This blog is just like a chat, just like the type of conversation you will have in Rio de Janeiro, drinking a nice caipirinha in front of the beach!