Travel to Rio de Janeiro: Life is samba!

A couple of weeks ago I returned to Rio de Janeiro. It was one of the cities I most wanted to meet for some time and my first contact was with Brazil. Although my week-long stay, it is possible to visit the 'Cidade Maravilhosa' in fewer days, intense, though. Interestingly, and contrary to what happens with other cities of its kind in Rio is not much to see, lots to enjoy, but it is not a city where you calendar day passes to and fro. And this sometimes is appreciated, right?
Well, I'm here, what to visit in Rio de Janeiro?

Among the essential Rio de Janeiro are, of course, the Christ of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf, two of the most universal symbols cariocas. My advice is to take advantage of the first sunny day you have to visit both, because even in Rio usually good weather, usually covered by a fog or cloud tops you spoiled best of all, the breathtaking views from the heights .

Access both, despite being in opposite directions, it can not be easier; take a taxi to your destination (always one of the yellow, are everywhere, are very inexpensive and completely safe). The entrance to Sugarloaf costs about 17 € and promotion is divided into two sections unsuitable for people with heart or vertigo, like me, I had to make great efforts to keep his eyes open. In the first level you have several restaurants, shops, many tourists and stunning views of the city, still better when second aboard the cable car you get to the top. Really impressive. In the case of the famous Christ the Redeemer, the best option is to board the train, but there are several bus transfer in offering their services at the railway station because often huge queues are organized and there is a long wait.

Admission costs about 12 €, including train, a journey of about 20 minutes. The greatest symbol of the city shines an impressive 30 meters high and proud to be the largest art deco statue in the world -and famosa-. Before downloading, make a stopover at the coffee shop you'll find next to the stairs and take air sipping one of the best mango juice find in Rio de Janeiro.

A look great guy, what would become of Rio de Janeiro without its extraordinary beaches?

Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are the three most representative beaches of Rio to be the first one -and you will forgive me for topicazo- which I liked. Despite the eternal struggle between them on which is which is more fashionable, I love myself completely crescent of Copacabana and it was a real pleasure to walk its more than 4 kilometer walk along the shore (not without making a stop along the way to enjoy a caipirinha in any of the kittens you find along the beach while the first notes sound of bossa nova).

If you are thinking of traveling to Rio de Janeiro and have a guide in your hands, you will see that one of the essential places to visit is recommended fabulous Botanical Garden. Of course it is, but without any intention of desmerecerlo, I am left with the Paque Lage, smaller, equally exotic and attention, over coffee in his perfect interior for a weekend brunch. In addition, there is usually always contemporary art exhibitions in its main building. And they have wifi, which is welcome (it's the picture you can see above on the left)

To cure jet lag where to stay in Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro can boast of having an excellent hotel infrastructure. Many of the largest chains in the world are here, usually in huge buildings that dominate the first line of beaches like Copacabana or Ipanema. If you want something smaller, more personalized that allows you to measure the pulse of the city, do as I do and committed to a boutique hotel. In my case I visited two of the most important, the first by new, Casa Mosquito, and the second by the reputation that precedes him, Mama Ruisa. Both, with many similarities and many differences, they loved. Casa Mosquito I prefer its central location, personalized service and unbeatable breakfast that made me start the day clad in a "vibes" that was not normal. Also, the rooftop pool is one of the most beautiful and sexy city. And only 9 rooms!

Mama Ruisa responds to a style between kitsch and naive, it's like sleeping in a house that could well be-and has been-magazine cover. Of those that look and sigh in plan, but these houses really exist? It has only 8 rooms and their breakfasts may not be as inspiring as those of Casa Mosquito, but its location in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, is perfect to visit the less commercial side (and a bit dangerous) in Rio de Janeiro . Mama Ruisa From the hotel you can go walking, for example, to the famous Escadaria Selarón, the stairs that the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón dressed in colorful mosaics and whose visit should not be missed in Rio de Janeiro.

ladakh festival 2016

The pace in the veins, what is the best place to hear samba?

To listen, dance and above all to have fun, go to Carioca da Gema, local most mythical city. They have an interesting musical program and concerts here do not listen, feel and dance and not be hard on the track will grip any Brazilian to teach four-step dance. Let yourself go, the atmosphere is great in this place where they dance to the waiters while serving the delicious caipirinhas. And if someone recommends Rio Scenarium well, but Carioca da Gema is much more authentic and more beautiful, and true New Yorker air oozing with exposed brick walls (see video below).