A little dancing on the sand will put the jingle back in your tambourine.
Be warned: Rio's powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of saudade (indescribable longing) when you leave. Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) has many charms, most notably the Cariocas , its exuberant residents.
The international tourist crowd takes advantage of Rio's ritzy side - there are innumerable opportunities to be decadent. But Rio also has much to offer the budget traveller: there are cheap hotels and restaurants aplenty, and the beach is a free entertainment zone.
Cases of dengue fever have risen dramatically in Rio de Janeiro. Travelers should consult their doctor before visiting the city, and take the appropriate precautions against mosquito bites while they are there.
severity: Mid-level alert
7,000,000
Name: Brazilian Real
Code: BRL
Symbol: R$
127/220V 60Hz
Official: Portuguese
GMT/UTC -3 (Brazil Standard Time)
+55
Metric
Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Brazil guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Brazil download page.
article by Regis St. Louis, April 2007
Rio's shantytowns are doin' it for themselves: grassroots organisations bring hope to difficult lives. Read the full article ›
Tags: Responsible Travel • Rio de Janeiro
article by Regis St. Louis, January 2007
Beyond Sambadrome Feathers? Check. Samba moves? Check. Wild abandon? Check. You're all set for Brazil's Carnaval. Read the full article ›
Tags: Festivals & Events • Rio de Janeiro
Advertisement
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.