After a long flight, we finally arrived at Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport in Galeão, Rio de Janeiro. This airport is large and well-equipped. As soon as you get off the plane, you can feel the tropical atmosphere. The airport is clearly marked and signs in multiple languages provide convenience for tourists.
After leaving the airport, the first thing to consider is the transportation to the city. Rio has a variety of transportation options, and the most convenient one is the taxi. There is a special taxi stop outside the airport. The body of the taxi is mostly yellow with blue stripes, which is very eye-catching. However, you must pay attention when taking a taxi. Be sure to remind the driver to turn on the meter before getting on the car to avoid being charged a high price. From the airport to the city, the journey ranges from about 40 minutes to 1 and a half hours, depending on the traffic conditions, and the cost is about 100-150 reais.
In addition, you can also take the subway to the city. Rio’s subway system is relatively well developed and can reach most major areas. However, there is no direct subway line from the airport to the city, and you need to transfer midway. For tourists with a lot of luggage or who are not familiar with local transportation, transfers may be a little troublesome. When taking the subway, pay attention to the line map and station information to avoid going in the wrong direction. The one-way fare is about 5 reais.
1.Christ the Redeemer and the Panorama of the City
Among the many attractions in Rio, the Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain is undoubtedly the most iconic. This magnificent statue stands on the top of the mountain with its arms outstretched, as if embracing the entire city.
The most popular way to get to Corcovado Mountain is to take a cogwheel train. The train departs from Cosme Verjo Station and slowly travels up the mountain along the winding track. Along the way, the dense rainforest scenery is intoxicating, and the fresh air blows in your face, making you feel like you are in a green fairy tale world. The sun shines through the gaps in the leaves, forming patches of light, like a dream.
When you reach the top of the mountain, the 38-meter-high Christ statue instantly comes into view, and its shock cannot be described in words. Jesus Christ spreads his arms and closes his eyes slightly, as if he is overlooking the world and praying for the world. The details of the statue are perfect, and every line shows the artist’s superb craftsmanship. Standing at the foot of the Christ statue, a sense of insignificance arises spontaneously, and at the same time, you can also feel a kind of sacredness and solemnity from religion.
Looking down at Rio de Janeiro from the top of the mountain, you can see the magnificent scenery of the city. The rolling mountains, the azure Guanabara Bay, the bustling urban area and the golden beach form a beautiful picture. In the distance, high-rise buildings are lined up one after another, and the traffic is busy, full of vitality and vigor. On the beach, the dense crowds are like colorful pearls dotted on the golden beach. On the sea, the waves are sparkling, and the boats shuttle through it, leaving white waves.
There are multiple observation decks on the top of the mountain, and different observation decks can enjoy the beautiful scenery from different angles. Among them, the observation deck located in front of the Christ Statue is the best place to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Here, the whole picture of Rio is unobstructed, whether it is the prosperity of the city or the vastness of the bay, it can be perfectly presented in front of you. On the side observation deck of the Christ Statue, you can take pictures of the Christ Statue combined with the city background from a unique angle, and take very artistic photos.
The best time to take pictures is in the evening on a sunny day. At this time, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the statue of Christ and the city, covering everything with a golden coat. The statue of Christ looked more solemn and dignified under the afterglow, while the city was dyed orange-red, like a dream. Pressing the shutter at this time, every photo seems to be a beautiful oil painting, recording the most charming moments of Rio de Janeiro.
When visiting the Christ Mountain, be sure to take sun protection measures, because the sunlight on the top of the mountain is very strong. At the same time, since the temperature on the mountain may be lower than that in the city, it is recommended to bring a light jacket. In addition, there are many tourists on the top of the mountain, so be careful to keep your personal belongings to avoid loss.
2.Happy time on the warm beach
The beaches in Rio de Janeiro are world-famous, among which Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach are must-visit places for tourists.
Copacabana Beach is like a golden ribbon, stretching for 4.5 kilometers. The sand here is fine and soft, the sea water is clear and blue, and the waves gently beat the coast. Stroll along the beach, feel the warmth and fineness of the sand under your feet, and the sea breeze gently blows across your face, bringing the unique breath of the sea. In the early morning, when the first ray of sunshine sprinkles on the beach, early risers have already started their exercise. There are runners sweating along the coastline, and there are yoga enthusiasts stretching their bodies on the beach, enjoying this quiet and beautiful moment.
As the sun gradually rises, more and more people are on the beach, and the atmosphere becomes lively. The colorful parasols and lounge chairs on the beach are arranged in an orderly manner, and people lie on them leisurely, enjoying the sun bath. Tourists who like sports can participate in various water activities, and surfing enthusiasts chase the waves and show their superb skills. When the waves surge, they quickly stand up, keep their balance on the surfboard, and rush down along the wave crest, splashing white waves, which is amazing. It doesn’t matter if you are a novice surfer. There are many shops on the beach that provide surfing lessons and surfboard rentals. Under the guidance of professional coaches, you can quickly master the basic skills and experience the fun of surfing.
3.The passion of the football sanctuary
For football fans, the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro is definitely a dream sanctuary. This magnificent stadium is not only a symbol of Brazilian football, but also a place that carries countless football legends.
The history of the Maracanã Stadium can be traced back to 1948, when the Brazilian government decided to build a stadium that could accommodate a large number of spectators in order to host the 1950 World Cup. As a result, the Maracanã Stadium came into being, and its scale is amazing. In the 1950 World Cup final, Brazil and Uruguay had a fierce competition here. Although Brazil eventually lost, the game became a classic battle in football history. Since then, the Maracanã Stadium has witnessed countless exciting football matches, and many world-famous stars have left wonderful moments here.
Walking into the Maracanã Stadium, the huge venue and the surrounding stands are shocking. Sitting in the stands, it seems that you can feel the warm atmosphere of the game that year. Every inch of land here exudes the charm of football, which makes people immersed in the world of football. There is a football museum in the stadium, which displays a wealth of football relics and historical materials, ranging from the origin of Brazilian football to the development of modern football, from the equipment of famous players to souvenirs of important games. Here, you can learn more about the glorious history of Brazilian football and feel the important position of football in Brazilian culture.
4.Food experience
Rio de Janeiro’s food is unique, blending the flavors of multiple cultures, making people salivate.
Brazilian barbecue is a delicacy that you must not miss. In local barbecue restaurants, you can see waiters holding long barbecue skewers with various marinated meats on them, including tender and juicy beef, fragrant pork, chewy lamb, etc. They skillfully cut the barbecue into thin slices and put them on your plate. The barbecue is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with a special sauce, the flavor is rich and memorable. It is recommended to go to Porcao Ipanema, which is recognized as one of the best barbecue restaurants in Rio. It has 5 branches in Rio, and this branch located in Ipanema is the most popular. The restaurant’s pork belly and tenderloin have unique flavors, are specially marinated in advance, and the meat is tender and juicy, full of fragrance. The barbecue sauce is also a feature, sweet and spicy, not greasy.
Black bean rice is also a traditional Brazilian delicacy. It is made by slow-cooking black beans, pig’s trotters, pig’s ears, sausage and other ingredients. The soup is rich and mellow. When eaten, it is usually served with rice, cassava flour and orange slices. In most restaurants and restaurants in Rio, black bean rice is served every Wednesday and Saturday. You can taste the delicious black bean rice at Restaurante Aprazivel, which is located high on the slopes of Santa Teresa and provides an open-air dining venue with a romantic atmosphere.
5.Things to note
When traveling in Rio de Janeiro, safety is always a top priority. The security situation in some areas of Rio is indeed not ideal. Try to avoid going to poorly secure areas such as slums, especially at night. When going out, do not carry too much cash and valuables. Place important items in a visible place in front of you. Always pay attention to the surrounding environment and avoid exposing your belongings in crowded places to prevent theft. It is recommended to travel in groups as much as possible, especially when going out at night, and try to choose streets with bright lights and more pedestrians. If you encounter an emergency, stay calm and immediately call the local police number 190, or contact the Chinese Consulate General in Rio for help. Its consular protection and assistance phone number is +55-21-32376612.
