17 Jun 2014
With the England squad back in Rio de Janeiro after their 2-1 defeat against Italy in Manaus on Saturday, specialist tour operator Journey Latin America share their top tips on how England manager, Roy Hodgson, can boost team moral by experiencing Rio de Janeiro like a local and for free ahead of their match in São Paulo on Thursday against Uruguay.
Hangout at the beach
When not working out at the gym or feasting at a barbecue, Cariocas' (people from Rio) favourite pass time is hanging out at the beach. Whether it's playing a game of volleyball, surfing or just parading up and down the water's edge, live like a local by heading to one of the following beaches; Copacabana (great for people watching), Arpoador (great for families), Ipanema or Leblon (where the body beautiful show-off their latest designer beach wear).
Climb a mountain
A visit to Rio is not complete without a a trip to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Instead of taking the crowded cable-car, stroll along a beautiful shoreline pedestrian path, popular with walkers and joggers. This is followed by a weaving hike up a trail with awesome views of Guanabara Bay.
Feast in a food market
CADEG is an authentic indoor market selling everything from food to fire alarms. The highlight is the excellent yet unpretentious restaurants that adorn the aisles. Open daily, CADEG is located in Benfica - roughly a 45-minute drive from Copacabana and offers a real insight into how the Cariocas live and shop.
Take a rainforest trail
Located in the heart of Rio, the Tijuca rainforest is a national park and the world's largest urban rainforest. Explore numerous marked trails taking you to hidden waterfalls and impressive view points of golden beaches and the famous statue of Christ. The park is also home to an array of exotic plants including orchids and bromeliads as well as tropical birds such as parrots and toucans.
Go for an urban hike
Start at the Copacabana Palace hotel located at the far end of Copacabana beach, near Urca. Take a 45-minute stroll down the waved-pattern promenade that runs alongside Copacabana beach looking right for occasional glimpses of the statue of Christ until you reach the lifesavers lookout post no.6. Cross Avenida Atlantica (the main beach road) at Sa Ferreira street and continue one block to Nossa Sra. de Copacabana - a busy commercial avenue with some excellent music shops. For a 'light' snack head north to Toca do Siri bar on Raul Pompeia no.6 - their speciality is cuisine from the northeast. Return to Copacabana beach and head towards the fort. Enjoy a caipirinha at Colombo cafe inside the fort and appreciate one of the best views of Rio with Sugar Loaf mountain as the back drop.
Journey Latin America specialises in tailor-made holidays as well as group tours to all of Latin America including Brazil. An 11-day holiday for two to Brazil staying 4 nights in Rio, 2 nights Parati, and 4 nights Buzios starts from £2,197pp. The price includes flights from Heathrow, 3 star hotel accommodation, transfers, excursions and breakfast daily.
The holidays price is valid for travel in 2014 low season (01 Sep-10 Dec). The holiday is subject to availability. The holiday is a suggested itinerary- as such it can be tweaked to clients preference.
Fact box contact details:
Journey Latin America
T. 02086228444
www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk
