RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- We all know Rio’s best known for its colorful, world-famous carnival, but the city has plenty of other exciting events to offer, such as New Year’s celebration in the middle of Brazilian summer. Some tourist guides advise you to plan New Year's in Rio up to one year in advance. So, it's right about time to start planning the most exotic and unforgettable New Year celebration in your life.
– Brazil’s
main New Year party is held on Copacabana beach. Every year around 2 million
people dressed in all white to symbolize the new fresh start come here for
midnight countdown and spectacular fireworks launched from the barges
along the coast. People participate in a ritual ceremony to honor Lemanja, the
Goddess of Sea. Everyone comes with flowers, which are thrown into the sea
after midnight as an offering to the Goddess. Brazilians believe Lemanja will
help their New Year wishes to come true and will bring prosperity and happiness
to their families. Celebrations continue till morning with flowing
champagne and dances on the beach.
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Airfare and hotel prices are sky high during New Year and carnival in
Rio. Make sure you book in advance. And don’t expect great hotel quality or
service for this kind of money either. Consider it investing in city’s all year
round holiday spirit and spectacular festivities and be satisfied with a
clean air conditioned room. You are not going to spend too much time
there anyways. If you book a hotel, make sure to splurge for an ocean view
or room with a balcony, it will be worth it. Another great accommodation option
is renting an apartment in Rio. Apartments are less expensive than the
hotels and are perfect to host a big traveling party. Check out some great variants
at airbnb.com.
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Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate with plenty of sunny days
throughout the year. Summer time is from December till early March, with
temperatures rising up to 40 C. Remember to always use sunscreen, wear a hat
and stay hydrated.
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The two main beaches where all the action goes on are world famous Copacabana
and neighboring Ipanema. Ipanema is said to be cleaner and less crowded,
but Copacabana is the place to be in Rio where caipirinhas are served
under the hot sun and the party never ends. Now if you like secluded luxurious
beach rest, Rio beaches are not for you. They are bustling with street vendors
selling everything you can imagine from carpets and swimsuits to ice cream and
grilled shrimps, beach barmen serving up drinks, promoters handing out
invitations to numerous parties. All beaches in Rio are public and quite
crowded, so it’s good if your hotel has beach service, providing you with
some kind of assistance there. Don’t expect too much of beach
accommodation. Plastic sun beds are a rare find and considered luxury, whereas
most people are using beach canvas chairs and colorful umbrellas. Despite all
that, Copacabana is the most fun and entertaining beach I have ever been to.
Leave your book and iPod in the hotel, all you will want to do is watch people,
soak up the atmosphere and be amazed how everything is done differently in this
part of the world.
– Safety
is a big issue in Rio. Even though street crime percent has lowered throughout
recent years and there are police patrols every hundred meters on Copacabana,
cases of people robbed in the daylight are still very common. Don’t wear
expensive watches or jewelry on the streets, wear cameras or purses cross body
and keep an eye on your belongings all the time. Take as little money as you
can to the beach, cocktails and water cost $2-$3 at most. Beach areas
and downtown Rio are safe for tourists, but still don’t try to explore the city
on your own.
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There are so many things to do in Rio, but two real must-sees with breathtaking
views over Rio include taking a cable car to Sugar Loaf and going by train
through the worlds biggest urban forest to see Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado
mountain. It’s better to divide those two visits to different days as
they can be quite tiring and choose bright sunny days to enjoy the views to the
fullest. I would highly advice to book guided tours to skip long lines and
have comfortable transportation to and from the sites. Plus all the tours give
you short information about city history and stop in the downtown for some more
sightseeing. We used viator.com for booking both trips and were very pleased
with their local partner Gray Line tours. If you have more time, helicopter
tour over the city is sensational as well as tropical islands boat tour where
you can rest from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some quite rest
and swimming in clear water.
–
When dining out in Rio, you have to know exactly where to go. Walking along the
beach and finding by chance a great restaurant with spectacular view just
doesn’t work in Rio. Unfortunately, little cabins along Copacabana are
only good for drinks and listening to some live guitar music while
watching the sunset. Do not risk eating anything there! Hotel concierge
will help you with your list of preferences and you should really follow
recommendations. Again, don’t expect luxurious uptight restaurants. Most places
are very relaxed with people having dinner in flip flops. When in Brazil, you
have to visit churrascaria type of restaurants where up to 15 types of
grilled meat will be brought on skewers and served to your table. Best places
to have rodizio (fixed price meat and salad buffet) are Churrascaria Palace and
Churrascaria Carretao. For a night of samba or Brazilian jazz go to Lapa
district. Rio Scenarium is a spacious bar/club with three floors of live
music fit to satisfy anyone’s taste. If you are unsure about clubbing on your
own in Rio there are also nightlife tours at viator.com
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Rio Carnival is another wild 5 days celebration, starting 40 days before Easter
during which the whole city goes mad. This year Carnival will take place form
28th February till 4 March, the hottest time in the Southern Hemisphere,
when summer is at its peak. Parties till sunrise, balls, street
bands, samba school parades. Carnival is all over the city and it’s a living
proof of passionate fun loving Brazilian nature. Like any street event in
Rio it’s free, it’s coming and everyone is invited to participate!
If you go:
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Ukrainian citizens traveling to Brazil do not require visa for a period
of stay up to 90 days.
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Lufthansa, Air France and Ukraine International airlines all operate 1 stop
flights to Rio de Janeiro.
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Best hotels to stay in Rio are Copacabana palace, JW Mariott, Windsor
Atlantica. Check booking.com for more.
Nataliia Protasova is a freelance journalist.
