5-Days in Rio (Part III)
Written: Mar 25 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: See the most in a short time
Cons: Long Walks
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| CariocaSurfer's Full Review: Rio de Janeiro |
Day 3 -> THE GREEN SIDE OF RIO AND THE BEST VIEW
Begin your day taking a cab to the Botanical Garden in the Jardim Botanico area, located behind Ipanema and Lagoa.
Created by the King Joao VI when he lived in Rio, this tropical garden is simply enchanting. In my last visit I could see monkeys wondering around the tress and toucans flying freely above my head. It has exotic tropical fruit trees, flowers & plants, lagoons, monuments & historic buildings, a museum and a great souvenir shop where I bought some unique candles made of bamboo . The Imperial Palm Avenue is magnificent. Also, don’t miss the view from the grassed area behind the Orchidiary. You can see the green house placed against the Cristo mountain in the background. Lovely picture. Walk extensively the entire garden ( the map offered at the entrance is very useful). If you can, save the food from your hotel breakfast and have here your own picnic. You could not ask for a better location.
By mid-morning take a cab to Tijuca. This is a residential neighborhood and there is nothing really attractive to visitors, but this is a central location to get to your next destination: the Tijuca Forest. The entrance to the forest is actually located in Alto da Boa Vista, up on the mountains and a bit out of the way. So, cab drivers may charge you
for a round-trip fare to take you up there. For this reason, you will ask to be dropped off at Saens Pena Square , the heart of Tijuca and here you can wait for a quite frequent van , mostly used by commuters, with a handmade sign on the windshield saying ALTO. This is an easy and fast way of transportation in the area, a little more costly than a bus, but safer, faster and still a bargain.
Going to Alto is really beautiful. The temperature drops rapidly as you go up and the air suddenly is more pure and cleaner. Along the way you can see magnificent mansions, many of which are used for incredible social parties and ceremonies. Soon you will be at the Praça do Alto (Alto’s Square) where is the entrance to the Forest itself.
The Tijuca National Forest is the largest urban forest on Earth. Upon entering it the first words out of your mouth will probably be: I can not believe I am in the middle of the city. Exactly, the Tijuca Forest is a world apart and away from the traffic and noise that surrounds it. It is great for relaxing, but immense to be fully explored. A must stop is
at the Cascatinha, the nice tall waterfall visible from the main road just a few minutes from the main gate. By its side there is a cafe where you can drink something and enjoy the beauty of nature. Explore the forest walking further for an hour or so , but keep yourself on the main paths and roads since people can get lost for days here.
Return to Alto Square . You must be hungry after so much walking and conveniently located at the forest exit is a quaint restaurant (I don’t remember the name, but it is the only one located right there in the middle of the square) for a good lunch, that serves simple, but nice homemade meals. A hint: it is very common in Brazil to share your
meal with your companion since usually every main dish comes with a multitude of side orders (rice, beans, farofa, French fries,etc). A great idea is to start with a covert ( different mix of small appetizers) and then share the main course. Nobody will think you are being cheap, just healthy and logical, since wasting food is considered a sin and besides, one should never ask to take home leftovers in any restaurant you go to in Brazil. Waiters will not bring you the bill until you ask for and ten percent service is usually already included , but round up to the next Real (currency) amount and don’t wait for the small change . BTW, I just remembered to say that cab drivers do not expect to be tipped.
Now, wait for a van going down, across the street . The windshield sign should say TIJUCA this time. Get in and ask to be left at the train station that will take you to the Corcovado (Hunchback Mountain where the Christ Statue is located).
This train ride on an old railroad in the middle of the forest going up to one of the highest points in the city is a trip highlight you will never forget. The views are superb and the anxiety grows higher and higher as you approach the top. Here is Rio most famous attraction: the statue of Christ, the Redeemer with its open arms as if blessing all the
people from up there. Undoubtedly this place has the best view you could ever imagine. Prepare yourself to climb a lot of steps, but from here you can see the entire city and beyond...just an outstanding scenery. Take your time, feel the wind and the magic in the air. Did you remember to bring an extra roll of film?
On your way back down you could take the train once again, but to make your journey even more complete you should get into a cab waiting for tourists at the parking lot bellow the statue stairs. Of course, ask about the price before you get in and they will know they are dealing with an expert, not a naive tourist. The reason for taking a cab
instead is because the shady road down to the city runs through the forest and also offers different perspectives and points of interest. Therefore, you can ask the driver to stop for a minute here and there so that you can take a look and more pictures. Ask to be dropped off at Saens Pena Square in Tijuca and take the subway back to your hotel.
Take a break tonight. There is a lot more coming on Day 4.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
CariocaSurfer
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Member: Marcus
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 6 members
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