Rio de Janeiro travel guide
Rio de Janeiro sits between mountains and the Atlantic, with Christ the Redeemer above the city, Sugarloaf Mountain over the bay and famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema.
Best time to visit Rio de Janeiro
Seasons are reversed from the US. December to March is hot, humid summer and peak beach season, with Carnival in February or early March.
April to June and August to October are drier and milder, a good time for sightseeing and hikes.
Getting to Rio de Janeiro
Most international flights land at Rio Galeão International Airport (GIG), about 20 km from the centre; Santos Dumont (SDU) handles mostly domestic flights. There are direct flights from some US cities.
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Getting around
Metro
The metro links the centre with Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra; tap a contactless card at the gates.
Ride-hailing
Apps like Uber and 99 are widely used and the easiest option at night.
Top things to do in Rio de Janeiro
1. Christ the Redeemer
The statue on Corcovado Mountain, reached by cog train through the Tijuca Forest or by van.
See tours & prices ›2. Sugarloaf Mountain
Two cable cars climb to views over Guanabara Bay, best at sunset.
See tours & prices ›3. Copacabana and Ipanema
Rio's famous beaches, with promenades, kiosks and the Arpoador rock at sunset.
See tours & prices ›4. Santa Teresa and the Selarón Steps
A hillside neighbourhood of colonial houses and the tiled Escadaria Selarón in Lapa.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- Keep phones and valuables out of sight on beaches and in crowds, and carry only what you need.
- US citizens need an eVisa for Brazil; check the current rules on the official Brazilian government site.
- Some outlets are 127V and others 220V; check before plugging in.
Rio de Janeiro travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
April to June and August to October for milder, drier weather; December to March for summer and Carnival.
How many days do you need in Rio?
Four to five days covers the landmarks, beaches and Santa Teresa. Add days for Ilha Grande or Paraty.
When is Carnival in Rio?
Carnival takes place in the days before Lent, usually in February or early March.