Rio de Janeiro (or just Rio) is the most popular city in Brazil and probably in the whole Latin America. And it will host the next Olympic Summer Games in August/2016.
The first curiosity about it is that this summer games will be hosted during the Brazilian winter!!! It's strange but true, in the southern hemisphere we have winter between June and September. But you do not need to worry because the average temperatures in Rio at that season are about 22°C/ 71°F. A pretty nice weather...
Rio is not the Brazilian Capital (which is Brasilia), but is the Capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro. It is a big and crowded city with almost 10 milions inhabitants living in its metropolitan area.
The city is world widely knowed by its beautiful beaches and landscapes (positive vision) and also by its not so pretty favelas. And yes, there really are a lot of beauty in the city but at the same time many degradeted sites. It is a place full of contrasts.
But let's talk about some trip tips about the city and the Games...
- Normally the best part of the city to be hosted in is its south zone, a region near the mainly beaches, full of good restaurants, shopping malls and typical local atractions such as public fairs/markets, theatres, etc. This region includes the districts of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Botafogo, Flamengo, Catete, etc.
- But the Olympic Parc is located in a region a little far away from the south zone (around 30 km), in the relatively new district of Barra da Tijuca (west zone). It is also a good neighborhood to be in, full of big and new apartment buidings, some huge shopping malls and also with some (not so popular, but good) beaches. So if you are coming to watch the games, it sounds like an interesting option.
- One other option to be hosted during the Olympics will the inside the Cruse Ships in the City Port. This part of the city is being re-vitalised specially for the games. So if your bugdet allows, it sounds pretty nice as well.
- Rio is one of the most expensive cities in Brazil and during the Olympic Games it tends to be still more, so be prepared to it. But on the other hand, due to a recent economic and political crisis, the Brazilian Currency (Real) suffered huge downgrades in the last months and currently with US$1,00 you can buy around R$3,40 (last year it was around US$1,00 = R$2,20).
- Due to the Olympic Games, the public transport system in the city was completely restructured. Although its traffic is still crowded and slow, nowadays (and specially for the games) it is possible to consider the use of the metro, the new tram and the bus rapid transport (brt) in your plans to move yourself inside the city. (If you prefer taxi cabs, be aware to get the authorized ones or use the Uber Service).
- The Brazilian official language is Portuguese and the most of the people does not speak fluent English (actually some of us do not speak a word), but mainly the younger ones are quite able to comunicate themselves in English and certainly the staff of the Games will be able to speak English, as well. So I think the language will not be a huge problem for you here.
- Is Rio safe? Well, a simple answer to this question would be NO. But I would not say, as well, that Rio is dangerous to you, a foreign tourist. Rio receives thousands of tourists from all over the world every days and in general they are able to have a pretty good time here. The touristic districts are quite ok and specially during the Olimpic Games there will be a lot of police force in the whole city... So I would tell you to come and enjoy, but do not try an adventure outside of the turistic places.
- During the Olympic Games, Rio will be receiving a lot of Brazilian tourists from the whole country (which is huge). So it is a great chance to get in touch with the Brazilians and make friends here. Our people is quite friendly and welcoming with foreign ones. They would be quite happy to talk and exchange experiences with you, for sure.
And finally, as you could see, I strongly recomend your visit to Rio, specially during next August in the Olympic Games. If you have any doubts, please write it here in the comments and I will be happy to answer.
See you later, in Rio.
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