insider's rio by guest blogger caipi

Hundreds of thousands of tourists are expected to descend upon Brazil in June and July for the highly-anticipated World Cup.  As many of the tourists will have a home base in Rio de Janeiro, or at least pass through to watch a game or two, we thought it would be a good idea to offer some tips and tricks.

Christo Redentor

Although Brazil is in South America, your high school Spanish is not going to cut it here.  Brazilians speak Portuguese, and although it may look like Spanish, most Brazilians do not speak Spanish or English, especially in the service industry.  Even if you can find an English menu at a restaurant, chances are the server will not understand you when you order a "beer" or a "chicken sandwich."  Brazilians are very appreciative when people try to speak their language, so learning a few key phrases before you go can pay off in spades.

Rio is far from the safest city in the world.  As in any big city, you should be smart and exercise caution, especially at night.  Tourists in Copacabana, the neighborhood where many of the tourist hotels are located, as well as the fan fest, are targets for pick pockets and muggings.  It is always a good idea to carry only the cash you need for the day on you, leave the passport, Rolex and engagement ring at home or in the hotel safe.  If you do get into trouble, look for the tourist police.  Also, it is always a good idea to sign up for the STEP program via the State Department (link: https://step.state.gov/step/) and you will be notified of any security warnings put out by the Embassy.

Pao de Acucar

Any tourist guide will direct you to the two big sites of Rio: Christ the Redeemer (aka Christo Redentor) and Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar)

Although no trip to Rio is complete without a visit to the two big tourist attractions, there are a lot of fun things to  do, such as spotting monkeys Jardim Botanico (the botanical garden), visit Rio’s downtown historical district (be very cautious at night), see one of several museums, including a Dali exhibit that is scheduled to be in town through the Cup or take a day trip to Petropolis to see the summer home of the Portuguese emperor.

Tourist spots aside, the main attraction in Rio is the beach.  Cariocas consider the beach their back yard and flock to the city’s beaches at every opportunity.  A favorite passtime is to enjoy a coconut or a caipirinha at the beach..   Just find a stand that looks like this and ask for “agua de coco”, cerveja (beer) or a Caipirinha.  They may ask you a question when you order the caipirinha, which is most likely “do you want sugar”.  Keeping in mind that the ingredients are lime and cachaca, you probably want at least a little sugar.  So your answer should be “Sim” (yes) or “pouco”  (a little).

If you are headed out for a day at the beach, no need to bring anything with you.  Every 5 feet along Copacabana and Ipanema you will find Baracas, where you can rent chairs and umbrellas and order food and drinks (for a reasonable price).  And, if you are not happy with the selection at your chosen baraca, fear not.  A virtual shopping mall of items will come parading down the beach.  You can buy anything from a bikini to grilled shrimp from one of the many roving vendors.

On of our favorite places in Rio is Bar Urca, located at the end of the Urca peninsula (where you will find sugarloaf mountan).  There, you can grab a few beers, some delicious empanadas and sit out on the sea wall admiring the great view of downtown Rio.

If you are coming to Rio for the World Cup, prepare to have a good time.  Although, as many recent articles will attest, many Brazilians are more than a little displeased with the politics (and excessive spending) surrounding the Cup, Brazilians are an overwhelmingly friendly and fun-loving bunch.   Rio is a city filled with natural beauty, endless beaches and a unique culture.  Stay safe, have fun, and go team USA!

*Caipi is a world traveler who has made Rio de Janeiro her home base for the past two years.