A Brazilian Reasons Why

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

There are numerous beachside cities around the globe—but none like Rio de Janeiro. For starters, the main stretches of sand that border this metropolis are two of the most famous strands in the world: Copacabana and Ipanema. But the beaches are just the beginning of this city’s alluring landscape. Rio is backed by lush, jagged mountain peaks and Parque Nacional da Tijuca, 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) of protected tropical forest. In between, the city’s architecture ranges from the massive Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião to the futuristic Museu do Amanhã and the vibrant Escadaria Selarón stairsteps.

  • Rio,De,Janeiro,,May,26,,2022:,Museu,Do,Amanha,(museum
    The Museu do Amanhã—Museum of Tomorrow—showcases exhibits that mix art and science to investigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.
  • Brazilian steak
    Remember, at typical Brazilian steakhouses, as long as your card is showing green, the waitstaff will continue to carve delicious meat onto your plate.

Must-Do: As difficult as it is to pull yourself away from Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, you simply shouldn’t leave Rio de Janeiro without visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer. Sure, it’s easily visible from myriad points around the city, but to fully appreciate its magnitude, you need to stand at the base and gaze upward at the approximately 124-foot tall (38 meters, including the pedestal) statue.

Eat: While in Brazil, it only makes sense to enjoy a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, and Churrascaria Palace is one of the most popular. The selection of endless skewered meats—sliced right to your plate—includes sirloin steak, prime rib, lamb shoulder, ostrich, and more.

Day-Trip: About 90 miles (145 kilometers) west of Rio de Janeiro, the island of Ilha Grande is surrounded by calm and clear water that’s ideal for a day of snorkeling or scuba diving. To truly enjoy the Brazilian coastline, plan to visit via a boat tour.

Find Your Getaway

Interval's 50th Anniversary

Similar Posts

  • Wild at Heart

    With its vast wilderness, crimson-colored sunsets, and sweeping savannahs where majestic lions, African elephants, and zebras roam free, South Africa is a place full of wild adventures. For thrilling safari encounters, combined with adrenaline-fueled activities for the whole family, visit the Mpumalanga province, in northeastern South Africa, also known as The Place Where the Sun…

  • Pure Fun Paired With the Past

    In Williamsburg, which served as the capital of the Colony and Commonwealth of Virginia from 1699 until 1780, exploring with friends makes every moment richer. The charm of Colonial Williamsburg turns a simple stroll into a shared adventure, with horse‑drawn carriages, cobblestone streets, and costumed interpreters creating an atmosphere that’s immersive and surprisingly lively. Instead…

  • Scenic splendor.

    Culture and idyllic scenery coalesce in Western Massachusetts’ Berkshires. This mountainous — and slightly out-of-the-way — pitstop between New York City and Boston offers plenty of peace and calm from city life, yet also possesses the sophisticated activities one would expect from a metropolis. And it’s been this way for decades. Literary giants such as…

  • Soak Up the Sun—and Culture—in Rio

    Referred to warmly as Cariocas, the residents of Rio de Janeiro are spirited and friendly, with a free-and-easy vibe that permeates this vibrant South American metropolis. Renowned for its beaches—especially Copacabana and Ipanema, both flanked by sidewalks bearing distinct black-and-white patterns—Rio is also famed for Carnaval, an elaborate annual festival in February or early March….