Great Itineraries: Rio de Janeiro

     When you think of Rio de Janeiro, images of breath taking beaches and iconic landmarks immediately come to mind and rightfully so.  Rio is a city blessed with several of the most amazing beaches in the world (Ipanema and Copacabana) as well as spectacular rock formations (Corcovado and Pao de Acucar).  Add in a hodgepodge of unique architecture (ranging from colonial to ubber modern), delicious food, some of the most kind and patient people I have ever encountered.  Oh, and did I forget to mention one of The Seven Wonders of The World (Christ The Redeemer).  A stay in this tropical paradise will certainly be a trip to be remembered!

Day One

• 9:00  A.M.       Take the cable car to the top of Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Moutain)
• 1:00 P.M.         Have lunch on Copacabana
• 3:00 P.M.         Lounge on Copacabana Beach
• 7:00 P.M          Have diner at one of the amazing restaurants near bye
• 9:00 P.M          Have a cocktail at one of the incredible nightclubs in town

Day Two

• 9:00 A.M         Take the train through Floresta da Tijuca to Corcovado and see  the epic monument of Christ The Redeemer
• 1:00 P.M.         Lunch
• 3:00 P.M.         Check out the beach scene on Ipanema
• 7:00 P.M.         Diner

Day Three

• 9:00 A.M.         Head to Centro and check out the colonial architecture of the city
• 11:00 A.M.       Have a snack or a light lunch at the legendary Cafe Colombo
• 1:00 P.M.          Either head to the cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa or to the Museu National for a taste of the Brazilian Art scene.
• Or do some window shopping in Centro or Ipanema
• Or hit your favorite beach one last time
• 7:00 P.M.          Have one last amazing meal in this great city

If you have more time in the Rio de Janeiro area, try a day trip to either:

• Petropolis and see the Museu Imperial (home to the Brazilian Emperors)
• Paraty (One of the best examples of Portuguese colonial architecture in the country)

Note to the readers:
     As of the publication of this article, the trolley to Saint Teresa was shut down due to the untimely death of one of the local residences (a fellow fell underneath the trolly and was decapitated) and it does not appear that they have any plans to reopen it anytime soon.  So if you do travel to Rio in the near future, ask your concierge before heading over to Centro to ride this iconic landmark.

     Remember, this is only a suggested itinerary that encompasses many of the highlights of this sensational city, you should take into consideration your likes and dislikes.  If you cannot stand meandering through a museum and adore shopping, then add in more time to check out the hottest trends at the local boutiques.  Or if you read about a site that caught your attention then by all means check it out! Vacations are a personal adventure and you know what will make that next trip extra special and fulfilling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSgvvbCQq9c