Rio de Janeiro Travel Blog

Sep 4, Prainha - isolated beach 45 mins from Rio

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:52:28 GMT

This time of year is perfect to get away from the city and head to Prainha. R $100 round trip by taxi.

Aug 22, How We Built This Travel Website

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 01:24:34 GMT

Aug 6, A Fur Seal visits a Beach Near Rio !

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:11:21 GMT

A 5 foot long, 300 lb, Fur Seal came ashore unexpectedly on Praia Seca (Dry beach)in the Araruama area of Rio de Janeiro state. It's thought that bad winter weather took the seal of of it's normal course. It was uninjured and allowed to return to the ocean.

Aug 3, Ive Mendes Music Video - Hot !

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:31:16 GMT

Aug 1, Hot Temperatures brings "Summer" to Rio's Beaches

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:54:55 GMT

Unseasonably warm temperatures (31 C)occured this weekend in Rio de Janeiro, bringing thousands of Cariocas (Rio Natives) to flock to the beaches. See the OGlobo video here.

Jul 31, Lemon Spirit Hostel

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:31:21 GMT

See our latest Rio de Janeiro Hostel review.

Jul 16, Brazil is Calling You ! See the latest video

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:57:39 GMT

Pack your bags!

Jun 14, The Surf Bus has suspended its operations

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:32:40 GMT

The Surf Bus suspended its operations in the Spring of 2010. We have not been able to determine if they will resume transportation services to the beaches outside of Rio or if the company is being sold, etc. Check back, as we will udpate the site as we receive information.

Jun 12, Renovations of Christ the Redeemer Statue are completed !

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:14:10 GMT

Jun 5, The Gringo Cafe - our latest restaurant review

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 20:01:17 GMT

Serving American style cuisine in Ipanema.

Jun 3, Christ the Redeemer Statue Renovation is nearly completed

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:04:46 GMT

The Catholic Archdiocese announced that the work should be completed by the end of June. Visit our Facebook page to see the video of the restoration progress.

May 26, Christ Redeemer restoration progress

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:46:53 GMT

We were in Rio the week before last and the renovations were well under way, but we could not find any news of a date certain for completion. June 15th is the original estimated completion date. We checked the local news sites today and could not find any recent articves updating the progress. We'll check with our local sources and update our facebook page and website blog as we get more information.

Apr 25, Christ Redeemer Statue has reopened after heavy rains Saturday

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:22:13 GMT

Access to the religious monument was closed Saturday April 24th after more heavy rain fell on an already saturated mountainside. OGlobo reports the park has reopened 8am Sunday April 25th. Read more at OGlobo.com article below.

Apr 24, Christ Redeemer Statue Restoration - completion date?

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 02:16:14 GMT

Mid June was the original projected restoration completion date for Christ the Redeemer statue. We have not read or heard anything else about a more exact estimate for completion. However, the recent heavy rains in Rio, subsequent small landlsides on Corcovado Mountain , and the unfortunate graffitti vandalism of the statue last week may create delays in the restoration completion. We'll udpate our facebook page as well as our website blog as we receive new information. We'll be sure to send a Facebook update to all of our fans.

Apr 21, Christ the Redeemer Statue re-opens April 21st !

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:08:25 GMT

We have learned that access by road to Christ the Redeemer Statue will re-open on Wednesday April 21st. The tram has not yet re-opened, so visitors will have to reach the the top of Corcovado Mountain by car, taxi, or tour bus. The park will be open from 8am to 5pm daily. Visit our website page via the link below for tips on getting there by taxi.

Apr 19, Christ Redeemer Statute closed (for now)

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:34:05 GMT

As of today the road and train going up Corcovado Mountain remains closed, and we have not heard or seen anything published about a re-open date. Check back to our site blog and and our Facebook page, as we'll update as soon as we receive news. Note that the Christ the Redeemer statue is undergoing major renovations at this time and will be covered in scaffolding for the next 2 months or so. This will detract from much of the value of visiting the site, however one can still enjoy the phenomenal views of the city, the bay, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains.

Mar 30, Rescuing Penguins in Rio de Janeiro

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:17:15 GMT

Read the CNN article and see the video of tourist Penguins arriving on Ipanema Beach!

Mar 20, Rio Fights to Take Back the Slums

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:07:06 GMT

Rio de Janeiro police and city government continue efforts to "pacify" the favelas (slums) throughout the city. Cantagalo and Pavao-Pavaozinho are two such Favelas located near Ipanema and Copacabana. Read the full article here.

Mar 8, Work starts on Repairing Christ The Redeemer Statue

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:48:15 GMT

In early March work begins to repair Christ the Redeemer Statue, which will continue through June. The famous site will remain open to visitors but Cristo will be covered by scaffolding. Read the translated O Globo article here.

Feb 27, Paris Hilton Sparks Controversy in Brazil - see the Video!

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:59:38 GMT

Paris made a big splash in Rio at Carnival 2010 by promoting the Devassa Beer brand. Some in Brazil thought her commercial was just a bit too racey...

Feb 21, Looking for Drinks & Great Food in Rio?

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 06:09:32 GMT

Visit our Rio de Janeiro Bars page to get the low down on the best water holes in the city.....

Feb 16, New Photos from Rio Carnival 2010!

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:46:28 GMT

See photos of the parades, blocos, and beautiful Carnival Dancers...

Feb 11, Madonna & Beyonce head to Rio for carnival

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:47:19 GMT

Madonna, Beyonce, and other American celebrities landed in Rio de Janeiro this week for the 2010 Carnival (Carnaval) festivities. Read the AFP article here for details.

Feb 11, Rio's "Shock Order" Program to make over the beaches

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:47:19 GMT

The Mayor's quest to make Ipanema Beach a bit more orderly and safe is taking hold. Read the New York Times article and judge for yourself!

Jan 24, The Best Brazil Airfare Search Engines

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:21:53 GMT

We've created a page that links to the best travel sites to help you locate cheap flights to Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. Bookmark this page for all your travel booking needs!

Jan 17, Film Star Hugh Jackman and Family Visit Rio de Janeiro

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:55:36 GMT

Hugh Jackman spent time in Rio recently filming a commercial on Prainha Beach.

Jan 17, We've added The RioTimes News Feed to our site

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:28:50 GMT

We are now streaming Rio de Janeiro's only on-line English language news website to our news page. Read about current events, sports, entertainment, and politics here.

Jan 12, Morro do Leme - Rainforest Nature Trail & Historical Fort

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:08:59 GMT

Convenient access from Copacabana beach to this nature hike makes for a fun 2 hour diversion.

Jan 10, Metro Station opens in Ipanema ...finally!

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:05:22 GMT

Tourists staying will now be able to easily reach Centro, Maracana Stadium, elsewhere. Ipanema real estate prices expected to rise. Read article at the RioTimes.

Jan 1, Videos of the 2009 / 2010 New Year's Eve Celebration and Fireworks, at Copacabana Beach !

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:00:30 GMT

15 minutes of spectacular fireworks amazed over 2 million people on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro Brazil 12/31/09...

Dec 31, Photos of the world's largest floating Christmas Tree !

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:37:07 GMT

Every December the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in Rio de Janeiro is the site of the fantastic floating Christmas tree covered with millions of lights.

Dec 23, Copacabana Beach New Year's Eve performers announced!

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:11:01 GMT

Performers this year include: Maria Gad, Portela, Dj Janot (Marcelo Janot), Dj Marcelinho Da lua, Paralamas do Sucesso, Ed Motta, Roberta S, Bangalafumenga, Carlinhos Brown, Leo Jaime, Beija-Flor, Lulu Santos, Fundo de Quintal, Salgueiro and Evandro Mesquita.

Dec 19, Rio's legendary Maracana Stadium will get a 300-million-dollar facelift for the 2014 World Cup!

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:26:28 GMT

Read the news article here.

Dec 4, Former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani to help Rio de Janeiro fight crime before Olympics

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:41:17 GMT

Follow link to read the 12/4/09 NY Daily News article.

Nov 11, Rio de Janeiro Power Blackout - Amazing Photos

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:24:56 GMT

A problem at the Itaipu dam in southern Brazil, caused major power outages in Rio de Janeiro and elsewhere. Read about it and see the amazing photos by following the link below.

Nov 11, We are now on Facebook!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:36:09 GMT

The Rio de Janeiro Travel Information website now has a Facebook presence. Visit our Rio Facebook page and become a fan.

Oct 31, Rio de Janeiro Live Webcams!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:58:14 GMT

We have now included live Rio de Janeiro webcam beach images on a single page. Have a look!

Oct 24, Information for 2009/2010 New Year's Eve in Rio

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:31:16 GMT

Read the latest news about the big entertainment changes planned for New Year's Eve (Reveillon) in Rio de Janeiro this year.

Oct 5, Rio de Janeiro to host the 2016 Summer Olympics !

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:38:26 GMT

Visit our "Rio 2016" page for the latest news, photos, videos, and information about this historic sporting event.

Sep 27, 10 Day Rio de Janeiro Vacation Packing List

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:28:42 GMT

Since it's more important than ever to travel light, don't leave home without consulting our Packing List page. See our new convenient printable page version.

Sep 21, The Famous Ipanema Hippie Fair!

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:34:12 GMT

The Ipanema Hippie Fair has been held in the Praa General Osrio in the Ipanema neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro Brazil, every Sunday since the 1960s. Don't miss out on the excellent arts, crafts, paintings, food, and more.

Sep 20, Airport Transfers

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:56:13 GMT

Looking for the easiest, cost effective, and safe method of getting to and from the airport in Rio? Visit our newly created Rio de Janeiro Airport Transfer page for detailed info.

Sep 20, Rio De Janeiro Tours

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:30:48 GMT

Find the latest pricing and Insider's Information for guided or self-guided sightseeing day trips in Rio and the surrounding area. We also outline the agenda for the Perfect Sightseeing Day in Rio de Janeiro.

Aug 5, Brazil News Page Enhanced !

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:55:39 GMT

We have added more daily news feeds to our Brazil News page to now include current news articles specific to : Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach, Copacabana Beach, and Brazilian Soccer! Now you can get all your Rio de Janeiro news and soccer information in one easy to read location.

Jun 22, Getting Around Rio

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:47:00 GMT

Visit our newest page that gives Insider's Tips on the best ways to get around Rio de Janeiro by Taxi, Bus, using Tour Guides, walking, biking, renting a car, and taking the Metro.

Jun 7, Our Brazil News Feed updated with Video

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:10:47 GMT

We've have further enhanced our Brazil News page to include, when available, video clips of current Brazil news items reported by a variety of English speaking news media outlets from around the world.

May 17, Enhancement to our Brazil News Feed

Sun, 17 May 2009 19:56:28 GMT

We have added GlobalPost Brazil dispatches to our Brazil News page, as they are "... embarking on a bold journey to redefine international news for the digital age..."

May 17, Safe & Beautiful Urca Neighborhood

Sun, 17 May 2009 19:25:09 GMT

Combine a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain, with a walking tour of this tranquil old neighborhood. See the photos we've taken in Urca, and you will surely place it on your itinerary!

May 16, Getting a tourist visa to visit Brazil

Sat, 16 May 2009 01:26:58 GMT

You can use a passport/visa service, or you can save money by getting the visa on your own. We provide detailed instructions, and help you determine which Brazilian Consulate in the USA services your state of residence.

May 9, Rio de Janeiro Vacation Information

Sat, 09 May 2009 01:18:39 GMT

We've updated our Rio de Janeiro vacation information page, to include climate data and the latest weather forecasts. To help plan your trip to Brazil, take a look at our current weather satellite images and other useful information.