Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

About Rio de Janeiro:

When anyone think of Brazil, Rio comes to mind and when you think of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil comes to mind, some people even mistake Rio de Janeiro for the capital of Brazil. Even though thats not true, Rio is one of the most important cities in the country and surely the most famous.

Rio de Janeiro may not be the politic capital of Brazil, but it is the touristic capital of the country for sure. Receiving millions of tourists every year, the city has a great infrastructure for travelers, with hundreds of hotels, hostels and inns, some of the best restaurants in Brazil and a huge(and complex) public transport system.

Safety in Rio de Janeiro:

Safety has always been among the biggest concerns of tourists visiting Rio, and sadly those concerns are not without foundation. But that doesn't mean that Rio is like a war zone, it is just that in any area where you have great wealthy living alongside great poverty, trouble tends to rise. Even though there are risks, if you are careful traveling to Rio is as safe as any big city in the world. I've been living here for over two decades and I have never been mugged, robbed, anything like that.

You just need to use some common sense, avoid risky areas, you should always inform yourself with trusty worthy people on your hostel or tourism agency about what areas are safe, and that's true in any big city of the world. Right now the visits to the Favelas(brazilian slums) are a new trend, and everyone is doing those, that is clearly an example of bad areas you should avoid, a few weeks ago two german tourists decided to visit the biggest favela on Rio by themselves, they got in the place, took a wrong turn, and got on an alley where they ran into a armed drug dealer and one of them got shot. I don't recommend those favela visits at all, but if you decide to go at least search for an agency, cause going alone its just crazy.

Also always remember, a guy wearing just a shirt and bermuda shorts, with no fancy jewerly, and no money or electronic equipment showing will rarely get mugged. On the other hand, if you have a huge golden necklace showing, a big Nikkon camera hanging from your neck and a notebook handbag on your side while walking around a city where a huge amount of people live in poverty, you may be trying your luck.

But once again, millions of tourists come to Rio every year and 99% of them experience no trouble at all, so just use common sense.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro:

With over 5 millions residents, Rio is one of the biggest cities in Latin America, and you will always find stuff to do here. There are dozens of beaches, hundreds of restaurants, some of the best dance clubs in the country and anything else that you can expect from one of the most famous cities in the world.

Lets discuss here some of the best attractions in Rio de Janeiro:

Rio de Janeiro Beaches:

Praia de Ipanema: One of the two most famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Beautiful and easy to get to, just one block away from metro station General Osorio.

Praia de Copacabana: As famous as Ipanema, it´s even easier to get to, there are three metro stations nearby, Cardeal Arcoverde, Cantagalo and Siqueira Campos.

Praia do Recreio: One of the favorite spots of surfers in Rio.

Praia do Leblon: Leblon is known as the rich people neighborhood. This beach is a good alternative to Ipanema, since it´s near it, but it´s not as crowded.

Praia do Arpoador: Situated between Copacabana and Ipanema, has one of the best views in the city.

Rio de Janeiro Tourist Attractions:

Christ the Redeemer Statue(Christ Redeemer): The most famous sight in Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer was elected a few years ago one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, not just because of the statue, but also because of this beautiful landscape, for sure one of the most wonderful views in the country.

Pao de Açucar(Sugar Loaf Mountain): This peak is one of the most important attractions in the city, and the ride on the little cable cars to the top of mountain is one of those things you can´t miss while in Rio.

Maracana Stadium: This was once the biggest stadium in the world, nowadays after a few reconstructions and improvements, including the last one for the 2014 World Cup, it no longer holds this status. But it is still the most famous stadium in Brazil, and one of the temples of Football(Soccer).

Bairro de Santa Tereza: A historic neighborhood, loved by artists and with old mansions all around. You will find a lot of galleries and studios there. Also it´s right beside Lapa, the famous bohemian neighborhood. A ride on the little tramcars is also a must.

Botanical Garden: With over 6500 species of plants, this huge garden was created by the prince-regent Joao de Bragança in 1808. Nowadays its also a research center and its open to visitation. There´s a small fee and you can ask for guides there to help you enjoy even more this great place

Floresta da Tijuca(Parque Nacional da Tijuca): One of the biggest urban green areas of the world with over 3972 hectares. This place is a huge source of entertainment to the population, there are trails for trekking, mountains to climb, areas for barbecues(churrasco) and much more. Just be careful not to get lost there, its a huge forest and from time to time a group of tourists gets lost and spend a few days wandering around until someone rescue them.

Best Nude Beaches in Brazil - TOP 10

Most beaches in Brazil are not very nudist friendly, even topless sunbathing is unusual here, but the search for this kind of places has increased a lot in the last few years. Here´s a list for all you naturist beach-lovers out there.

TOP 10 Best Nude Beaches in Brazil.

Tambaba – ­PB

Sheltered by cliffs and huge trees, this beautiful beach is one of the first nude beaches in northeastern Brazil. Tambaba is located about 30 kms from the capital João Pessoa. And it´s a couples and families only beach. This means that if you are a single guy looking for some action, this is not the spot for you.
Getting there is fairly easy, since the state highway will lead you there. This beautiful beach has a reasonable infrastructure, and you will find inns for those who wish to spend a few days in this paradise.

Massarandupio – BA

Situated 93 km from Salvador, this beach has an area reserved for naturists. To get there you gotta walk from the main beach entrance until you reach the nudist area. Single men can´t go in  and nudity is not optional.
The scenery is beautiful, with huge coconut trees, clean water and dunes.

Olho de Boi – ­ RJ

This small secluded beach is surrounded by cliffs, which is a great feature if you want some privacy while relaxing on this wonderful place. With only 100 meters this charming place is a great option in the beautiful town of Buzios. But if you are not huge fan of trekking, maybe you should´t go there, there´s a small but steep trail, and it´s the only way to access the beach.

Barra Seca – ­ ES

Situated in the municipality of Linhares, this is the only nude beach in the state of Espirito Santo.
This beach is located on an island(the access is by boat) which guarantees privacy. There´s a small area of the beach reserved for unaccompanied men.

Praia do Pinho – ­ SC

This was the first beach in Brazil to be officially classified as a nude beach. It's located 80 kms from Florianopolis and has one of the best infrastructures of all the nude beaches in Brazil.
You will find inns, camping sites, bars and all you need to enjoy a few days in this paradise.
There are two areas, one for families and couples, and another area that you can visit if you are on your own.

Galheta – ­ SC

Another nude beach in the state of Santa Catarina, but this one has a few particularities. For starters, you don't have to actually get naked to see this beautiful place. Nudity here is optional, and you find a lot of dressed people on the sand, besides that, there is no infrastructure at all on this one, some people may consider this an inconvenience, but on the other side, this is one of the best preserved beach in the state.

Pedras Altas – ­ SC

The access to this beach is a bit tricky, but it is worth to see the beauty of this place, which could easily feature in the list of the best beaches in Brazil Surrounded by cliffs and vegetation, the privacy is surely a strong point on this one. The beach is is divided in 2 parts, one for couples and families, and the other for singles.

Praia da Figueira – ­ RJ

Nicknamed "Beach of The Naked", this is not officially a nude beach, but nudity is allowed and not at all uncommon, therefore the nickname. The village of Trindade is famous for its alternative lifestyle and this little beach has the same vibe, this means that people there don't follow the naturists ethics, so you veteran naturists may not enjoy it that much, it is worth to check it out anyway since it´s a really wonderful place.

Pedra Grande – ­ BA

Another one of the non official nude beaches, some people even tried to put signs prohibiting the practice on this beach, but didn't work, and everywhere you look you see naked people. To get there you need to walk south from Praia dos Coqueiros(the most famous in Trancoso-BA). There´s no infrastructure at all, adding to the secluded feel of the beach.

Praia do Abricó – ­ RJ

The only official nude beach in the city of Rio de Janeiro, this is surely one of the most famous nude beach in Brazil, is also a great option for millions of tourists who visit Rio de Janeiro every year. 
The Naturists Association of Rio de Janeiro, watches over the beach during the weekends, therefore visiting the beach during the week days is not recommended. 
There is no infrastructure on the beach, only a few people selling food and drinks from time to time.

Best Beaches in Brazil - TOP 10

Brazil is famous for it´s beaches. Some of the most famous in the world like Copacabana or Ipanema.
But the most famous are not necessarily the best. So check this list with the best beaches in this amazing country.

TOP 10 Best Brazilian Beaches:

• 10 - Praia do Frances - AL

One of the most famous beach in the state of Alagoas, Praia do Frances is a true wonder. With blue and green water, and a reef barrier protecting it in the left side, this landscape surely will amaze you

On the left side(the reef´s side), there are pools between the beach and the barrier. This is the perfect spot for families and people who want to relax on the dozens of beach huts along the sand. There are places to order food and drinks. May be a bit crowded on this side though..

On the right side(the one without the reef), there are big waves, and its the spot for the surfers, since the crowd is on the other side, if you are looking for some peace and quiet, this is the place for you.

• 9 - Taipu de Fora - BA

With over 7 kms of extension and coconut trees all around, this beautiful beach is famous for it´s natural pools formed by the reefs. Full of fishes and with crystal clear water, this is the perfect place for snorkeling. Just make sure you are going there when the tide is low, this way you will enjoy a better view of the reefs.

While there, don´t forget to visit the Lagoa Azul(Blue Lagoon) and Morro do Farol, two great tourist attractions in the area.

 

• 8 - Lagoinha do Leste -SC

This secluded beach on Santa Catarina´s Islands is considered by many the best beach in Florianopolis, and that´s saying a lot. You will need to walk a bit to get there, there´s a trail that will get you there in about 1 hour, but it´s surely worth the trip.

Surrounded by hills and native vegetation, the place looks like paradise on earth. Since there is no way to access the beach by car, this place is always peaceful and you wont be bothered by a crowd like in most of the other beaches in the city. The little lagoon(Lagoinha) that meets the sea gives the game to this wonderful beach.

• 7 - Bonete - SP

Another secluded paradise, there are no roads to get there, only a 15km trail, this means that if you don´t want to pay a boat to get there, you will have a long walk ahead of you. But that´s not exactly a downside, if you are into trekking.

There are 2 camping sites in the beach, you must pay a fee to use them, there are also lodges, nothing too expensive. You intend to spend a few days living in touch with the nature, camping, surfing and not spending too much money, this place is perfect for you.

• 6 - Praia de Jericoacoara - CE

The small fishermen village of Jericoacoara has become in a few decades one of the top tourist destinations in Brazil. About 20 years ago, there were no roads, no electricity and most of the trades included no money, just products. But nowadays the city has a great infrastructure without losing it´s small village feel.

The village is surrounded by dunes and fresh water lagoons, providing one of the best landscapes in northeastern Brazil.The beach has good waves and good winds, perfect for water sports, like windsurfing. And after the sunset the village gets a crowd of people looking for fun, bars, live music and places to dance the Forro(brazilian dance) entertain the tourists through the night.

• 5 - Praia da Pipa - RN

Praia de Pipa is a district of  Tibau do Sul, but it has become much more famous than Tibau in the last decades. At first Pipa was a fishermen village, then after the seventies the beach started to receive a lot of surfers, and later, tourists who finally discovered the beauties of this paradise.

Pipa is great for almost every kind of water activity, like kitesurfing, kayak, swimming with dolphins and sea turtles, and of course, a lot of waves for surfers too. Besides that, the nightlife is supposed to be the best in the whole state, with nightclubs playing reggae and forro all night long.

• 4 - Praia do Espelho - BA

Surrounded by cliffs, natural pools, rivers and with a nearby village, this place has one of the most interesting landscapes in this list. Because all of that, it´s one of the best beaches in Brazil.

With it´s blue and green calm waters it´s the perfect spot to rest with your family.

You will find a lot of hotels and lodges to choose. But accommodations and food tend to be a bit expensive, so if you want to save some money try not to spend more than one day there. Although if you do have the money, a few days relaxing here would not be a waste.

• 3 - Praia do Sancho(Fernando de Noronha) - PE

Fernando de Noronha has 2 beaches in the top 10. Of course that´s not a surprise, this islands is a paradise. Praia do Sancho, with its crystal clear waters and reefs, is one of the best spots for snorkeling in Brazil.

Theres a little trail to get there, but if you dont want to trek a bit, you could rent a boat to get there and enjoy this beautiful place.

If you visit Praia do Sancho, you must rent a snorkel and jump in the water, its really something you cant miss. If you are lucky you may spot a few turtles beside the fishes.

• 2 - Lopes Mendes(Ilha Grande) - RJ

Ilha Grande may be the most beautiful place in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and that´s saying a lot. With almost a hundred beaches, there are a few that could be on this list. But the most famous certainly is Lopes Mendes, a huge beach, with good waves and one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

To get there you will need to rent a boat, or face the two and half hours trek from Vila de Abrão, the village where most people stay in the island.

Lopes Mendes is a paradise for surfers. When there are waves you can watch while they spend the whole day in the water and if you are a surfer youself, there are surfboards to rent, if you forget to bring your own

• 1 - Baia dos Porcos(Fernand o de Noronha) - PE

The best beach in Brazil, had to be in the best island. Baia dos Porcos doesn't even look real, it looks like a place you cold only imagine. But it´s there, and it´s just amazing.

With just a 100 meters of extension and crystal clear waters this place has one of the most impressive landscape ever, with the two rocks(called "Dois Irmaos") in the background. And don´t forget to bring your snorkel to appreciate the beauty of those waters and volcanic rocks.