Cheap Flights to Rio de Janeiro

Introduction

Renowned for its relaxed beaches and scenic sceneries, Rio de Janeiro is the second-largest city in Brazil. Rio was founded by the Portuguese in 1565 and has a rich and diverse history attached to it. Owing to these beautiful landscapes, UNESCO has also recognized a part of the city as a World Heritage Site and named it “Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountains and the Sea.”

Owing to one of the best soccer teams in the world, sports craze is visible in Brazil. In 2016, Rio became the first South American and Portuguese-speaking city in the world to host Summer Olympics and Summer Paralympics. Maracanā Stadium, which is one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world, has hosted numerous prestigious events including the 1950 and 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals.

Reaching Rio

Along with being the second-largest city in Brazil, Rio is also a major transportation hub in the country, second to Sāo Paulo. Galeão - Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport is the largest airport in Rio Metropolitan Area which also offers flights to major international cities. Usual travel time varies between 12-16 hours when traveling from North America to Rio. American Airlines, Delta Air and United Airlines offer direct flights to Rio from major cities in the USA. Airlines such as Avianca Airline, Copa Airlines, and Aerolineas Argentinas Airline provide direct and hopping flights to Rio from other major South American countries and take about 2 to 24 hours to complete the travel. Air France, Lufthansa Airlines and TAP Air Portugal Airline are some of the major airlines that offer flights to and from Europe taking between 10 and 16 hours to travel to a European city. Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates Airlines connect Rio with Africa, the Middle East, and major cities in Asia taking about 18 hours- 27 hours to travel. Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport is another major airport in Rio de Janeiro, connecting it with other major cities in the country. Tourists can travel to and from Sāo Paulo, Vitória, Brasílía, etc. with Azul Brazilian Airlines, Gol Airlines, VoePass, and LATAM Brasil Airlines.

Getting Around

Tourists can opt from various modes of transport to commute in the city. One can comfortably visit the different sightseeing places in the city in various taxis such as the Yellow Taxis, Radio Taxis and can even book an Uber. The bus is probably the cheapest way to commute in the city, these buses ply to all the important destinations and busy city areas. For those looking for a cheap, convenient, clean, comfortable and quick ride, traveling in Subways is their best bet. Cars, bikes, scooters and other popular modes of transport in Rio and the adventurous travelers can also venture out on their feet.

About the City

Rio de Janeiro is a cultural melting pot which is also one of the most visited cities in Latin America. Though Portuguese is the national language of Brazil, English and Spanish are two other commonly spoken languages in the city. Famous for its annual Carnival, vibrant music and dancing styles such as Samba and Bossa Nova, beautiful natural settings and iconic landmarks, Rio de Janeiro has something to offer to every tourist.

Things to Do in Rio

The famous Rio Carnival during February is one of the biggest reasons to visit the city. Spread over two weeks, the world-famous event is full of floats, decorations, revelers from different Samba schools in Rio, and attracts over two million people on the city streets every day.

Nature lovers often compare a visit to Rio with a trip to paradise. Barra da Tijuca, Leblon, Copacabana, and Ipanema are absolute bliss for people who are looking for a laid back day sunbathing and enjoying the sea and sand. These Balneario beaches offer a stunning seaside resort full of food, drinks, spas, and recreational sports. Boasting the most breathtaking vantage point and panoramic views of Zona Sul i.e. Ipanema, Copacabana, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, and Botanical Garden along with the Maracana Stadium, Corcovado is an absolute must-visit place in Rio. This 2329 feet high mountain with its iconic Cristo Redentor statue attracts over a million visitors every year. Pāo de Açúar or the Sugar Loaf Mountain and its smaller partner Morro da Urca is yet another hilltop favorite of tourists. These provide magnificent vista points of the bay, the beaches, and the city center. Absorb the breathtaking beauty of these blissful hilltops at dusk, as the sun goes down bathing the statue of Christ in golden color and the city gradually lights up. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Arpoador, and Jardim Botanico are few other famous tourist places for nature lovers in the city.

Arts and sports enthusiasts must visit Maracana Stadium, Instituto Moreira Salles, Museu de Arte Contemporânea Niteroi, Real Gabinete Portugues da Leitura, Jockey Clube Brasileiro, and Toca do Vinicius livros e musica.

Shop and Eat

Shopping can be a great experience in Rio as a tourist can explore the various shopping options ranging from street markets to posh shopping malls. Some of the best shopping malls in the city are located at Zona Norte, Zona Sul, and Zona Oeste. Rio is delicious heaven for food lovers offering not only various local and international cuisines but also a variety of eating methods to choose from. Comida a kilo is a perfect way to experience the authentic Brazilian food, where visitors pay for food by weight whereas the hungry tourists must try the rodízio or all-you-can-eat services. Dias Ferreira Street is one of the best places to explore the trendy restaurants in the city and those looking to absorb some culture must-try street food. Coxinha a famous “must-try” chicken pastry served across cafés in the city. Caipirinha (a cocktail made of sugarcane liquor, lime, and sugar) Guaraná (soda made from the seed of Amazon fruit), mate (a sweet iced tea), Caldo de Cana (sugarcane juice) and água de coco (natural coconut water) are some of the most famous drinks in Rio. To experience complete natural bliss, travelers must try one of the exquisite Açaí bowls.

Relax and Rejuvenate

After an adventurous day in Rio, if you are looking to relax and sleep the city offers a variety of hotels, motels, and hostels, fitting everyone’s budget. Zona Sul has some of the most luxurious hotels and beach resorts and business travelers can find the perfect spot to spend the night at Centro Rio. Located at convenient walking distance from tourist spots, Lapa, Glória, Catete, Flamengo, and Botafogo, have some of the best hostels for backpackers and budget travelers.

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