BRAZIL
EXPLORE:
Carnival
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Where to Stay in Rio for Carnival 2027: Best Areas & Hotels
Choose your Rio Carnival base with my guide to Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana and Ipanema, including hotel recommendations and the areas I’d avoid staying in.
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Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2027 Guide: How to Plan Your Trip Without Burning Out
A practical first-timer’s guide to Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2027, including when to go, blocos vs. the Sambadrome, how many days to stay, where to base yourself, transportation, safety, and…
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What Is Rio Carnival Like? My Honest Experience
I returned to Rio for Carnival after living there for a few months. From spontaneous street parties to the Sambadrome and a stolen phone, here’s what the experience was really…
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Is Rio Carnival Safe? What I’d Actually Worry About
I loved Rio Carnival, but I wouldn’t call it carefree. After witnessing two phone thefts in two days, here’s what actually felt risky and what I’d do differently.
Rio de Janeiro
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Pedra da Gávea Hike: How Hard Is It Really?
After hiking Pedra da Gávea three times, with others and solo, here’s what I’d want you to know about the climb, descent, changing weather and whether to book a guide.
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Sugarloaf Mountain Rio: 3 Ways to Reach the Top
A firsthand guide to visiting Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio by cable car, hiking Morro da Urca, or climbing Costão, with tickets, timing and sunset advice.
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Dois Irmãos Hike in Rio: Sunrise, Vidigal & What to Expect
I hiked Dois Irmãos for sunrise without a guide. Here’s what to expect, from taking a moto taxi through Vidigal to the steep trail, summit views and walk back down.
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8 Best Hikes in Rio de Janeiro: Easy Trails to Technical Climbs
I’ve hiked these eight routes around Rio, from easy forest trails to technical granite climbs. Here’s who I’d recommend each one to and which I’d choose for a short first…
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12 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro After Living There
After spending three months living in Rio de Janeiro, these are the 12 experiences I’d prioritize for a first trip—from iconic viewpoints and beaches to samba, hikes, and neighborhood culture.