The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and March, when the weather is sunny but not stiflingly hot. Schedule your trip in February to soak up the party spirit during Carnival, a five-day extravaganza pulsating samba beats and flamboyant parades that continue until dawn.
Rio boasts a breathtaking tropical landscape of rainforest-cloaked mountains and swathes of sandy coastline. The affluent South Zone is home to most of its landmarks, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer monument – a towering art-deco statue of Jesus Christ which offers glorious views of Rio from atop Corcovado Mountain. Hop in an open-top Jeep to spot monkeys, birds and butterflies in Tijuca National Park, one of the world’s largest urban rainforests, before heading to the legendary Copacabana or fashionable Ipanema beaches to sip caipirinhas under the sun. Further north are the city’s infamous favelas – sprawling hillside shantytowns offering a unique perspective of life in the city. Once considered unsafe for tourists, today some can be explored with an experienced guide.
Culture vultures can peruse the art studios and galleries which punctuate the cobbled streets of colonial hillside neighbourhood Santa Teresa, while leafy Jardim Botânico is a trendy enclave of stylish boutiques and upmarket restaurants. When it comes to shopping, Brazil’s signature Havaiana flip-flops are sold at outlets across Rio, while Ipanema’s Hippie Market sells souvenirs including leather bags and downtown Lapa’s Feira do Rio Antigo is great for picking up antiques and vintage gems.
Rio de Janeiro’s residents like to dine on the move, so the city is scattered with small bars where you can grab empadinhas – pastry street snacks stuffed with spiced meat and melted cheese. Meat-lovers should try Porcão, a typical Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue restaurant), while fine dining options include Michelin-starred French eatery Olympe and stylish contemporary Japanese restaurant Sushi Leblon. For a more leisurely meal away from the city centre, journey to the hilltop Aprazivel in Santa Teresa and dine alfresco over fantastic views of downtown Rio. As the sun sets, head to downtown Lapa’s many live-music samba bars – Rio Scenarium is a popular choice, housed in a three-floor renovated warehouse decorated with antiques.
This coastal metropolis offers a range of accommodation, with the most tempting options located on the beach with sweeping sea views. At Copacabana, guests can choose from the modern amenities of sleek Hotel Emiliano or opt for classic luxury at Belmond Copacabana Palace, which has played host to the rich and famous for almost a century. Meanwhile in Ipanema, the Sofitel-managed Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro offers laidback chic, while Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is a contemporary oasis complete with open-air infinity pool.
Simply contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Rio de Janeiro.
