WINTER ESCAPE: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL— WHERE TO STAY, WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO LIVE THERE
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil has been my favorite destination since 2013. It was the first international trip I planned entirely on my own while still in college. When a friend was accepted into a four-week winter study-abroad program in Salvador de Bahia in the Northeast part of the country, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity. In January 2013, I embarked on a journey to the destination I had dreamed about since my teenage years. While I’m not sure where my fascination with Brazil began, I always knew it would be the first country I’d visit. After just a few hours there, I knew Brazil was a place I would return to again and again—and one day, even call home.
Inspired by my amazing experience in Salvador de Bahia, upon returning back to NYC I immediately enrolled in Rennert International Language school near Grand central to learn Brazilian Portuguese. I was determined to visit my bucket list Rio de Janeiro next, so it was important for me to fully prepare myself as much as I could to maximize my experience. Plus— let’s be honest guys— Portuguese just sounds sexy, period.
During the time I was learning Portuguese, I serendipitously met a warm Brazilian couple and their daughter through my friend’s mom. She had casually struck up a conversation with them at the supermarket while they were visiting New York and, naturally, mentioned how much her daughter, Kaity, and I loved Brazil. A few days later, Kaity and I met up with them at Miss Favela in Brooklyn—a cash-only bar with live samba music and authentic Brazilian food— which quickly became one of my favorite summer spots in Williamsburg.
Fast forward to April 2015, I finally made my way to Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian couple, whom I now affectionately call my “Brazilian parents,” hosted us in their cozy Copacabana apartment, just steps away from the beach. I fell so deeply in love with Rio that I returned just a few months later with my best friend and brother, staying twice as long and then visited again in 2019.
Rio De Janeiro is a big city filled with so many things to do. Each time I’ve gone back I’ve experienced something new like hang-gliding off a mountain in Ipanema beach or riding in the back of motorcycle through the favelas. It’s the perfect winter destination for any kind of traveler – foodie, adventurer, cultural enthusiast or beach lover. I can spend hours bonding with locals, listening to live samba music in Lapa, going for a run at the Copacabana boardwalk or lounging at Leblon beach. It is my absolute favorite place on earth and your next perfect winter escape.
WHERE TO STAY:
Emiliano Rio (Ipanema)
Arena Ipanema Hotel (Ipanema)
Pestana Rio Atlantica (Copacabana)
JANEIRO Hotel (Leblon )
WHERE TO EAT AND VIBE:
Boteco Belmonte: Enjoy authentic Brazilian cuisine in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Elena Horto: Savor Asian-inspired dishes in an elegant fine dining setting.
Lapa: This vibrant, bohemian neighborhood in the heart of Rio is famous for its traditional bars, live music clubs, dance halls, and open-air samba jams. After exploring Escadaria Selarón, make your way to Lapa to experience authentic Brazilian food, live samba, and an electrifying nightlife. It’s a cultural gem and one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rio.
Rio Scenarium: A multilevel bar filled with eclectic, vintage decor, live music, and plenty of dancing. It feels like a fun museum—I absolutely love it here!
WHAT TO DO:
Visit Christ the Redeemer: Go early in the morning or a couple of hours before sunset on a clear, sunny day. On cloudy days, the view—and even the statue itself—can be obscured. Be sure to book your ticket in advance, as the lines are always long.
Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain): Enjoy breathtaking views from 1,300 feet above, overlooking the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The two peaks are connected by a scenic cable car. If possible, visit about an hour before sunset for the most stunning experience. You can purchase tickets in advance or on-site.
Hang-Gliding: Conquer your fear of heights and create an unforgettable story to share for years to come by hang-gliding 1,700 feet above Rio. This remains one of my favorite travel experiences!
Escadaria Selarón: Locally known as the "Lapa Steps," these colorful stairs are one of Rio's most famous attractions. For the best photos with less crowds, visit early in the morning. For a blend of great vibes and beautiful pictures, go in the late afternoon and then head over to Lapa.
Selaron Pro-tip: Take some time to read about the story and inspiration behind the stairs, designed by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.
Favela Walking Tour: While Brazil may be famous for its Favelas, it’s super important to be mindful that favelas are communities and homes to families, children and locals alike. Please show your respect by avoiding treating the tour like a safari; ask before you take pictures, engage with locals respectfully, refrain from displaying excessive wealth or flashy items, contribute to the local economy, if you can, by purchasing goods or beverages from the local market and make sure your tour is run by a resident of the favela. In the article linked you’ll find options for tours ran by locals which proceeds go back to the community.
Spend a day at Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon beach enjoying a caipirinha, beach volleyball and paddle-boarding.
MOVE TO BRAZIL OR STAY A WHILE!
If you’re considering living in Brazil for more than three months, there are a couple of ways to make it happen: apply for a Brazilian student visa or a digital nomad visa. While the requirements may vary by nationality, here’s a breakdown for Americans:
Student Visa (VITEM IV)
The Brazilian student visa allows foreigners to live in Brazil as long as they’re enrolled in educational programs such as undergraduate or postgraduate studies, technical courses, internships, language programs, or exchange programs at recognized Brazilian institutions.
Key Requirements:
Course Duration: The program must last longer than 90 days.
Weekly Hours: A minimum of 15 hours per week.
Financial Proof: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources through personal funds, scholarships, or sponsorships to support their stay.
Enrollment Confirmation: Provide proof of enrollment or admission from a Brazilian educational institution.
To apply for a Brazilian student visa, visit your local Brazilian consulate or review the specific requirements here.
Student Visa Pro-tip: If you’re on sabbatical, need a break from your career or have the time and resources to live abroad, I suggest opting for the language program. Rio & Learn, located in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, is an excellent choice! This interactive language school intentionally offers the perfect combination of language learning, cultural immersion, and social connection. You’ll learn Portuguese through small group classes and engaging activities that take your learning beyond the classroom, like visiting Christ the Redeemer or relaxing at the beach—all while practicing your language skills with fellow classmates! You’ll not only gain a new language but also experience the culture and build friendships along the way!
Classes usually run from 9 AM - 1 PM 5 days a week .
Digital Nomad Visa
A digital nomad visa (or remote work visa) in Brazil allows remote workers to legally live and work in the country while being employed by an employer outside of Brazil. Learn more here.
Key Requirements:
a valid passport
passport-sized photos
proof of health insurance valid in Brazil
a declaration letter stating your digital nomad status
a work contract with a foreign employer (you’re employer)
proof of sufficient income (generally a minimum of $1,500 per month),
a criminal background check
birth certificate with apostille and translation
completed visa application form with the application fee paid
Why should you live in Brazil? Because it’s my favorite country in the world—duh! But more importantly, living in another country can be a transformative and restorative experience.
If you’ve outgrown your current environment, feel uncertain about your next steps, or simply crave a bold new adventure, moving to Brazil might be exactly what you need. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, embrace something new and courageous, and create unforgettable memories. Plus it’ll make a great story when you’re 80 or when you meet someone new or even when you start your next new job!
Ready to embark on your next trip or solo adventure? I’m thrilled to help you make it amazing! Email me at maria@rosarioontheroad.com to book a FREE 15-minute planning chat and enjoy 20% off your custom trip itinerary.