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When my baby and I went to Rio!

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Rio is legendary for it's world famous Guanabera Bay, it's beaches, nightlife and some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world! And any time can be a big party not just at Carnivale.

Favourite spots:

The beach, any of the famous beaches such as Copacabana or Ipanema, it all happens down on the sand. Then you have to take the cable car up to Sugar Loaf and also visit Corcovado with it's statue of Christ.

What's really great:

The people are what makes Rio special. They are so happy and out-going and they know how to party. Especially on the weekends they spill out of the local bars and take over the streets stopping the traffic all together.

Sights:

Sugar Loaf Mountain, this is actually 2 cable car rides and cost 20 reals (about $10US).
Corcovado with Christ the Redeemer - check out the weather on the mountain before doing this trip. It may be clear when you set out but the clouds come in very quickly and you may not see a thing.
Don't be suckered in to take a tour. They are a rip off!
You can get anywhere in the city for less than 50 cents on the local buses and then pay your own way in. Not only on the tour bus do they take forever picking up and dropping passengers off they also have to give the tour in at least 3 (heavily accented)and hard to understand languages. Avoid it at all costs.

Accommodations:

If you want to stay in one of the friendliest hotels around don't miss Atlantis Copacabana located at Arpardor on the cusp of Copacabana and Ipanema. Jiminez and his staff are so friendly. The rate of a 140 reals includes breakfast. As a bonus beach towels and safes are supplied free of charge.
We also stayed at the Hotel Debret but found the staff unhelpful and very officious. I wouldn't recommend there at all.
We found that although you were paying more for your accommodation it was relatively cheap to live.

Restaurants:

Bar do Beto Restaurant and pizzeria - on Rua Farme de Amoedo in Ipanema. They do a great fish but make sure that the meal you order is not for two people. We had this happen a lot.
Also for something really cheap and cheerful also try Galitos Chicken located nearby here. Fantastic chicken marinated in Peri Peri Chilli sauce and roasted. It's your choice how hot you want your chilli to be.
Also try a real locals hangout called Man Guaca. They serve carne con fritas (sizzling steak and fries on a sizzling platter), cold beer and great service and atmosphere. www.manguaca.com.br

Published on Sunday June 30th, 2002 by downundergal

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