Very very high on my must go to list is Brazil. Specifically, Rio de Janeiro. I am dying to climb up to see the Christ the Redeemer statue and try real authentic Brazilian food. Every time the 2016 Olympics is talked about my wanderlust for Rio grows even more. Here are the top 5 things on my list for when we visit Rio in (cross your fingers) a few years!
1. Visit the Christ the Redeemer
This is my number one. I can see it. I literally can seem myself standing up there in front of this miracle of a statue. There are 3 ways to get up to the statue; 1. take a train which costs around $46 roundtrip, 2. take a van which costs around $40, or 3. take a van from halfway up the mountain with car or a taxi to the half way point which costs around $25 for the van and the car/taxi can vary. My go to for tour bookings is Viator, and low and behold, they have an option for seeing this beauty. Get your tickets here!
2. Attend Carinval
The time of the year I want to go to Rio is during Carinval. I know it's pure madness during that time but I hear it's also extraordinary. There are so many festivities to see and be a part of and it's the start of a very important season for Christians...Lent! You think celebrating Fat Tuesday in New Orleans is exciting? Let's try it down in Rio and see! In 2016, Carinval goes from February 5th to February 9th. You can buy tickets for the parade here.
3. Ride to Sugarloaf Mountain
You can ride a in a cable car to this extraordinary mountain that is right on the Atlantic Ocean. You get a 360 view of all of Rio and can see just about everything. Vitaor does it again, you can get a half day tour on their site for $79.99.
4. Explore the Tijuca Forest
This is a tropical rainforest and it is located right in Rio! It's supposedly the world's largest urban forest. It is one of Brazil's national parks and it is suggested to see it by taking a jeep tour. You'll be able to cover the most ground with the tour to really see everything the rainforest has to offer. You will get to do some hiking with the tour, too, which I consider very important! Nothing like getting up close and personal with some of the most beautiful nature the world has to offer. The tour costs $75 per person.
5. A beach day at Copacabana
The most "famous" beach in the world. I'm willing to fight the crowd for one day of laying out on this beautiful beach. I'd pretty much fight anything to be in that water and see that view, wouldn't you?
OVER TO YOU >> Have you ever been to Rio de Janeiro? If so, what was your favorite thing you did while you were there?!
OVER TO YOU >> Have you ever been to Rio de Janeiro? If so, what was your favorite thing you did while you were there?!