City of opposites
Rio de Janeiro adorns the Atlantic coast near the Capricorn Turning Circle. It is located about 450 kilometers northeast of São Paulo, the largest city in the country.
In addition to boisterous samba and world-class football, Rio is known for its stunning sandy beaches and iconic attractions. The Christ statue of Corcovado and the Sugar Loaf Mountain rising as steep walls are the hallmarks of the hill town, and serve as the city’s icons on the big screen and on postcards.
Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts: in addition to its magnificent architecture and affluent residential areas, tourists cannot avoid seeing a homeless and otherwise poorer population. Rio’s reputation as a dangerous city has also not been blown away by the wind, nor should it be underestimated by tourists.
At its best, however, Rio de Janeiro is a colorful city of millions where it never gets boring. Brazilians know how to enjoy life, and the unique atmosphere of the big city quickly catches the tourist as well.
The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are known all over the world.
Tropical climate throughout the year
In Rio de Janeiro, temperatures remain high all year round. The summer season, which runs from December to February, is hot and dry, with temperatures easily rising to the right of 30 degrees Celsius. The winter season, which lasts from July to September, is cloudy, but even then the mercury remains at +20 degrees.
If you are thirsty for a trip to Rio in the form of heat, sun and soft sand in the form of a relaxing beach holiday, it is worth booking flights for the Finnish winter months. If you are mindful of a city break full of culture and attractions, you should prefer the cooler months.
It is not worth going to Rio for a quick visit, as there is so much to see and experience that even a week quickly becomes short. In addition to the most typical sights and legendary sandy beaches in the city, it is definitely worth attending a football match and throwing yourself into the samba.
Pace and hazards
As with all travel, common sense for the tourist in Rio de Janeiro is common sense. The city is not warned of pickpockets and even more violent clashes in the city, so it is worth leaving valuables at home or accommodation.
In the evenings, it is recommended to take a taxi, and especially the streets ending in favelas, i.e. shack villages, are recommended to be avoided. There are also safe and calmed and avoidable, restless favelas. It is a good idea to avoid moving alone in the dark, especially when drunk.
You should also be careful with taxis, as tourists are often tried to be pulled. However, you can go a long way with your own attention. Traffic in Rio de Janeiro is also often chaotic, so check your taxi for proper seat belts.
The Brazilian currency is the Brazilian real, and 10 reals equals about 2.75 euros. The price level varies from low to shamelessly expensive, especially during major sporting events. Dropping is part of the culture.
Please also note that the passport must be valid for at least six months after the trip. A visa is not required for Brazil if the trip takes less than 90 days.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN RIO DE JANEIRO
You can get around the city by public transport or taxi.
Flying from Helsinki to Rio de Janeiro
Time must be set aside for traveling to Rio de Janeiro, as there are no direct flights from Finland. The flight from Helsinki on one change connection takes at least 17 hours. For example, KLM and Air France operate flights from Helsinki to Rio, and the exchange connection is typically arranged via Paris or Amsterdam , for example .
Round-trip flights from Helsinki cost less than 600 euros at their cheapest.
Stay by the beach
Rio de Janeiro is a popular tourist city, so there is plenty to offer, especially for hotels. The cheapest hotels are located on the beaches of the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema. If your trip hits the carnival, book a room in time. Also be prepared for prices to bounce as the carnival approaches.
Hostel accommodation is also plentiful, and a night in a hostel costs around 10 euros at its cheapest. You should also check out the Airbnb home rental service, through which you can find personal and affordable accommodation even in a soothing favela.
Jump on the Rio Metro
Rio’s sights are best reached by public transport, unless you have booked a tour with a shuttle from the accommodation or travel agency.
The streets of the million city are congested during the day, and a bus journey of just over ten kilometers from Copacabana to Corcovado can easily take more than an hour on a typical Tuesday.
Instead of a bus, you should consider taking the metro if possible. The metro network is extensive, and trips between downtown and Copacabana and Ipanema, for example, fold playfully.
Traveling by taxi is also advantageous, although during peak hours, city trips can, of course, result in a costly decline.
Walking alone in the evenings, especially in the vicinity of favelas, is not recommended.