Returning to Rio

13 years ago I went to Brazil for the first time. That trip went to Florianopolis which I loved and Rio which I had a foggy memory of. It was not only completely foggy all days, no sight at the Christ redemption statue, same at the sugar loaf and I had no clue that islands just outside the beaches existed. Safety at that time could also be discussed. I simply needed to return. I tried and tried to get a spot for Rio marathon but the luck was not on my side half a year ago when the tickets went on sale. I didn’t have up the hope and just slightly a week before the start I managed to get a spot. Trip planned and ready to say hi to Brazil again.

Rio was absolutely amazing and welcomed me back with charm, sun and amazing vibes. Here I could live.

Five nights in Rio

The flight from Europe arrived early in the morning but the hotel was great and let us check in already before 7am. Went for breakfast and enjoyed the view when the sun rose over the beaches from the breakfast terrace. I was back.

First half of the day I was just enjoying the pool, beach and dusted off the travel germs. In the afternoon we took and Uber to pick up my marathon race number. It was completely chaos. Kilometers of lines just to enter the number pickup and no signs with English. Sorry to say but I cut the line so it took long but not forever. Got my number after a small chaos and then off. Took a walk at the beach promenade and enjoyed the life and people spotting. Packed with the people but in Brazilian winter (hello 22+ degrees in the water) almost nobody swim. since it is winter it got dark around 17:30 and we felt hungry so headed to Ipanema for eating. Great place and ambience with outdoor restaurants along the streets. The pizza I had was nothing to write home about though.

Biking along the beaches

Biking along the beaches was not possible during my last visit. Now it was perfect biking paths so the second day the activity except gym, pool and beach was biking Ipanema and Copacabana including an ice cream stop. Great way to spend an easygoing day.

Sightseeing day

This day was loaded with tourist must does. Now in sunlight and comfy temperature. I was in doubt to do it on our own or booking a full day tour but in the end I was happy we went for a group tour. Just to go with the flow and the group of the day was great. First stop was Sugar loaf followed by the Christ statue. It had completely changed. First time to the statute it was local buses to go up on the mountain through the snake streets. Now it was organized with mini busses and que system. Then lunch break at some buffet place but I would have been happy to skip that and probably a source of food poisoning.

Next stop was the famous stairs and then on to Maracana stadion and some small sights like a church looking like a pyramid. Fair itinerary for a day. Back home we tried out the pasta restaurant at the hotel. Nothing to write home about either but enough carbs to run a marathon on.

Marathon day

42K of Rio was the plan and it was as amazing as I expected. Actually above. Fantastic samba vibes since 5 in the morning. People everywhere and the city was cooking. The course passed all sights and it was just to go with the flow. It was very crowded though and I cashed in almost a kilometer extra. But the vibes, the people, the course everything was great! Time wise I was also happy. 3:47 without pushing. It was 24ish degrees hot and 82% humidity so be prepared for that if you sign up. My first marathon in South America finished and I will be back for more I hope. Next year maybe?

Botanical garden

Post marathon day was another day to enjoy. A Long Beach walk and relaxing time at the pool to start off the day with and then heading to Botanical gardens. It’s a big place in Rio so we went for a late lunch and checking out a levada plus tall palm trees. It’s a great oasis in the busy city and can ideally be combined with a bike ride around the Laguna. If you like me are popular among mosquitoes watch out. I got 40+ bites and it’s not very nice.

After sightseeing we headed to a market for some souvenir shopping – read I needed a new magnet and also we went for some other shopping and of course got a new Havaiana shoes. When in Brazil…

Travel day

Last day and the flight to Europe was in the evening so didn’t do much more than enjoying the hotel. Gym, pool and hot tub. The pools were 100% nice and even when it started to rain which called off the trip more or less they were so good I wished to bring it in my suitcase. Full rain started and that was the sign to leave.

Rio I will be back I hope. A new favorite city of mine and Brazil I definitely need to explore more. Soon.

Anyone else who been to Brazil lately?

/ Pernilla that had a great trip to Rio