Rio de Janeiro, affectionately known as the Marvelous City, is world famous for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and, above all, its iconic beaches. With an extensive coastline bathed by the Atlantic, Rio’s beaches offer a unique diversity of settings, from lively urban coves to quieter natural hideaways.
Rio’s beaches are real postcards, each with its own personality and charm. Copacabana, with its wave-lined promenade and lively atmosphere, is one of the most famous destinations in the world. Ipanema, eternalized by the famous song “Garota de Ipanema”, attracts visitors with its scenic beauty and relaxed vibe. Leblon, on the other hand, known for its sophistication, offers a more reserved and family-friendly atmosphere.
Copacabana Beach Ipanema Beach
For lovers of water sports and adventure, the long Barra da Tijuca beach is a paradise with its clear waters and ideal conditions for surfing, kitesurfing and other sports. And for those seeking closer contact with nature, Prainha and Grumari, with their unspoiled landscapes and crystal-clear waters, are true ecological sanctuaries.
Barra da Tijuca BeachPrainha BeachGrumari Beach
Each beach in Rio de Janeiro tells a story, reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of the city. Whether you want to relax in the sun, play sports, enjoy a stunning sunset or simply be enchanted by the scenery, Rio’s beaches are unmissable destinations that offer unforgettable experiences for all visitors.
Rio de Janeiro, famous for its sunny beaches, has a lot to offer even during the winter months. Check out our tips on activities and attractions to make the most of the Marvelous City.
1. Stroll through the Botanical Garden
Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden is an excellent option for a peaceful stroll. With a vast collection of native and exotic plants, lakes, fountains and greenhouses, the garden is a true oasis of peace in the middle of the city.
2. Visit the Museum of Tomorrow
Located in the revitalized Porto Maravilha region, the Museum of Tomorrow is an unmissable attraction. With its futuristic architecture and interactive exhibitions, the museum explores themes such as sustainability, technology and innovation, providing an educational and inspiring experience.
3. Tour of the Historic Center
Without the intense heat of summer, winter is a great time to explore the city’s historic center. Walking through the old streets, visiting the Confeitaria Colombo, seeing the churches and exploring the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura are some of the memorable attractions that reveal a piece of Rio’s history.
4. Sugarloaf Mountain
Although Rio’s winter is mild, the days are cooler and often with clear skies, perfect for enjoying the view of Sugarloaf Mountain. Taking the cable car and enjoying one of Rio’s most iconic landscapes, with breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay, Christ the Redeemer and the beaches of the South Zone, is a unique experience.
5. Corcovado
Visiting Corcovado, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro, is a must-see attraction in any season of the year. Famous for housing the monumental statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of Brazil’s most recognized symbols, Corcovado offers stunning views of the city, including Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. An unmissable opportunity for anyone who wants to explore the natural beauty of Rio de Janeiro.
6. Night at the Municipal Theater
An evening at Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Theater is a cultural activity not to be missed. With a diverse program that includes operas, ballets and concerts, the theater offers high-quality shows in majestic surroundings. Taking a guided tour to learn more about the theater’s history and architecture is a great option.
7. Explore Santa Teresa
The charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa is ideal for a cultural stroll. With its winding streets, old houses and artists’ studios, the neighborhood offers a bohemian and welcoming atmosphere. Visiting the Ruins Park, the Chácara do Céu Museum and ending the day in one of the local bars or restaurants, enjoying the view of the sunset, should be part of the itinerary.
8. Beach day
Although winter isn’t the warmest season, sunny days still allow you to enjoy Rio’s beaches. The beaches are less crowded, offering a quieter environment in which to relax.
On February 10th, the radiant atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro’s carnival will be present in the dazzling halls of the city’s most iconic hotel, the Copacabana Palace, the Belmond Hotel.
The theme chosen for the 2024 Copacabana Palace Ball will be Extravangarde, an invitation to extravagance and the avant-garde, inspired by the main avant-garde artistic movements: Dadaism, Surrealism, Expressionism and Cubism.
Dadaism will be presented in different places of the hotel, revealing irreverence and lack of logic, while Expressionism will be highlighted in the renowned Golden Room lounge, with reference to Van Gogh in a totally immersive experience, with yellow and gold sunflowers.
The Surrealist Movement will take over the stunning halls, transporting all guests to a world of dreams and imagination, inspired by the works of René Magritte, and Cubism will be present through geometric and abstract shapes inspired by Picasso on the dance floor and in the external area of the hotel.
The buffet is also worth highlighting, with the best of international and local cuisine, prepared by renowned Italian chef Nello Cassese, as well as the dress code, with black tie attire or luxury costumes, which invites everyone to be inspired by the ‘avant-garde extravagance ‘, praising the eccentric.
Certainly, a unique experience that will be marked in everyone’s history and memories.
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with joy and diversity. Several street blocks liven up the city center, passing by its historic buildings such as Palácio Tiradentes, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cinelândia and the Municipal Theater.
Thousands of costumed revelers, coming from all over the world, have fun following the groups, the most popular being Orquestra Voadora, Cordão da Bola Preta, Bloco da Preta and Monobloco.
Orquestra Voadora enchants with its eclectic mix of musicians, including wind, percussion and other instruments, creating a vibrant and immersive sound; the Cordão da Bola Preta represents an important part of carnival culture, preserving the famous carnival marches; Bloco da Preta, led by singer Preta Gil, is known for its energetic performances, while Monobloco is contagious with its fusion of rhythms such as funk and samba.
Another neighborhood that attracts attention during the festive period is Santa Teresa, where several lively groups parade, the most popular being Bloco Carmelitas and Céu na Terra.
The Bloco Carmelitas is known for its irreverence, revelry and an urban legend that involves Carmelite nuns running away from a convent during Carnival to join the party; Céu na Terra is recognized for its mix of rhythms, with Afro-Brazilian cultural influences.
Whether in the center of Rio de Janeiro among historic buildings or going up and down the slopes of Santa Teresa, carnival in the wonderful city provides a contagious energy.Contact us to arrange a trip that will forever be remembered by your customers.
Known as the Greatest Show on Earth, Rio de Janeiro Carnival is one of the most famous in the world, with its explosion of colors, rhythm and joy.
The majestic parades of the Samba Schools in Marquês de Sapucaí, where thousands of people, dancers and musicians perform with huge floats, dazzling costumes and impressive choreography, provide a unique experience.
In addition to the Samba Schools, numerous Street Blocks spread throughout the city attracting crowds of revelers who dance and sing, creating an atmosphere of contagious celebration in several postcards of Rio, such as the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Many dances also take place during this period, with the legendary Ball at the Copacabana Palace Hotel being the most iconic of all, where glamor and sophistication meet in luxury costumes and black tie.
Contact us and don’t miss the chance to be part of the Marvelous City Carnival! Book now and guarantee your customers an unforgettable party.
*In 2024, Carnival will take place on the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th of February.
In a stunning setting, with an extensive stretch of sand and views of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro, New Year’s Eve at Copacabana Beach is considered one of the best in the world!
The fireworks that announce the arrival of the new year, launched from ferries at sea, create a pyrotechnic show of light and color that lights up the sky for more than 10 minutes and enchants all spectators with dazzling patterns.
Stages scattered along the waterfront, with several shows by renowned artists and a diverse soundtrack, contribute to an even more lively and festive atmosphere, providing a complete entertainment experience.
Without a doubt, a celebration of epic proportions that brings together millions of people of all ages, cultures and nationalities, creating a unique and contagious energy to celebrate the New Year.
Book now and provide your customers with an unforgettable party!
Public green areas, lagoons, forests and urban or wild beaches to choose from. How can we not say that Rio de Janeiro is blessed by such a rich diversity.
Nothing is more grateful than walking in the Tijuca Forest, listening to the birds and the sound of the wind through the trees.
For those who are food lovers, a stop to taste a jackfruit, which is a fruit that weighs up to 15 kg, rich in carbohydrates, minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, iodine, copper and iron. Or perhaps, the preference is for a waterfall bath? Or for the more adventurous, rappelling?
The coast of Rio is 86km long, with beaches for all tastes. Copacabana, known as “Princesinha do Mar” (Little Princess of the Sea) is one of the best known in the world and was the stage for several concerts, such as the Rolling Stones for example.
There is no questions that Copacabana hosts the most famous New Year’s Eve in the world! Ipanema, imortalized by Tom Jobim with the song Garota de Ipanema (Girl Of Ipanema) Leblon and its fashionable people, São Conrado with its colorful sky with hang gliders and paragliders. Barra da Tijuca and its famous beach points.
We also have a beautiful Lagoon, an open space where tourists and locals who love being in contact with nature can use to practice outdoor sports, stroll, walk and do many other activities over more than 8 km in length. The area also offers multisport courts, in addition to baseball and tennis courts, and is home of the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (the most famous local soccer team) and faces its famous headquarters, where a great museum will be inaugurated in 2021.
Skate Park, helicopter tour, water sports and green grassy areas for those who love outdoor physical exercise
It is an immense body of water, surrounded by mangroves, it shelters several species of birds and even the water-chicken.
Last but, not least, the lagoon became an area for celebrations, as many celebrate their birthdays there by the beautiful picnic areas. It is a proof that Rio de Janeiro is really one of the most democratic cities in the world.
And what about the sandbank area of Marambaia? A sport that became a fever in the summer, the stand up paddle is a good choice for anyone visiting it. Being a region of calm waters, in the mangrove, it is ideal for beginners.
It is for this and for many other reasons that we believe that Rio is truly a blessed city, always ready to reinvent itself to embrace everyone who arrives here. Lucky for those who live here and even luckier for those who have the opportunity to visit it and immerse themselves in the vibrancy of this city.
Brazil is known for its receptive and hospitable people. In the month of June, we at Havas Creative Tours love to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and make a toast to diversity!
We are proud to say that Brazil is a destination that not only offers beautiful landscapes, but also people that welcome all tourists and love diversity! For June, the month of LGBT pride, we have prepared for you a list of the top 5 LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in our country:
Sao Paulo: São Paulo is on of the most interesting cities to be in when we think about LGBTQIA+ tourism in Brazil. The city is one of the most populous in the world, this makes it, in essence, quite diverse. Amazing nightlife, the best restaurants in the country, year round celebration of art all over the city and the home of the one of the largest LGBT Pride Parade in the Americas!
Rio de Janeiro: Rio is the the place to be for LGBTQIA+ tourists is Rio de Janeiro. Attracted by the natural beauty of the beaches and hills, as well as by the cariocas running along the beach of Ipanema or Copacabana, foreigners have already chosen Rio as the most LGBTQIA+ friendly destination in the world and the Carioca lifestyle is one of those responsible for maintaining the city’s charm.
Belo Horizonte: Is one of the new exponents of LGBTQIA+ tourism. With increasing investments, it has participated in events in the segment to show its openness to diversity. Around Belo Horizonte region we find the historic cities of Brazil, full of culture, art, history and some legendary parties and festivals!
Florianopolis: In the southern region of the country, Florianópolis is certainly the highlight. “Ilha da Magia” (The Magic Island) has been working its magic with the LGBTQIA+ community for many years. So much so that in 2012 the International Association of LGBTQIA+ Tourism, held its annual convention in the city. With amazing beaches, good nightlife and a very unique island feeling ambience.
Salvador: As the most internationally known city in the Northeast, Salvador welcomes diversity. Crowded during its famous Carnival, the city has good weather all year round and, for the LGBTQIA+ public, nothing like an excuse to put on beach clothes and enjoy the sun, the music and the laid-back lifestyle.
There is no way to talk about the staircase without mentioning the artist responsible for it and who lends his surname to the work: Jorge Selarón.
Selarón was born in Chile, in 1947, in the small town of Limache, and died in Rio de Janeiro, on January 10th, 2013. A self-taught painter and ceramist, the Chilean realized in Santa Teresa his greatest and best-known work, known today as “Escadaria do Selarón”, listed by the city hall of this city in 2005 and located at Rua Manoel Carneiro.
The “Escadaria do Selarón“, a place formerly known as Escadaria do Convento de Santa Teresa, has 215 steps and 125 meters in length and connects Rua Joaquim Silva, in the Lapa neighborhood, with Ladeira de Santa Teresa, in the Santa Teresa neighborhood in the city of Rio.
The “Escadaria do Selarón” is considered the largest sculpture in the world made by a single artist since Jorge Selarón has always worked alone, relying only on the money he made from the sale of his paintings (all representing the theme of the pregnant black woman, an emotional motif of his own life, as he states) and with eventual donations from residents. The work does not stop, the tiles are placed, new tiles arrive, others are removed from there, they change places.
Nowadays it is a very popular place for locals and tourists to take pictures as the colors are simply amazing, don’t miss it on your next visit to the Wonderful city!
In the middle of the mountains and the sea, the Portogalo Suíte hotel is located in front of the bay of Ilha Grande, just 3 hours from Rio de Janeiro. It has ample infrastructure with sauna, swimming pool, hot tub, cinema, sports court, all in a modern and pleasant environment that blends perfectly with the beauty of Angra dos Reis.
One of the main attractions is the hotel’s exclusive cable car that connects to the paradisiacal Praia do Portogalo, providing guests with one of the most breathtaking views of Angra dos Reis.
Angra dos Reis is a small fishing village with great tourist potential due to the natural wealth and beauty of its landscapes.
