Print
Email
Bookmark & shareA little dancing on the sand will put the jingle back in your tambourine.
Be warned: Rio's powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of saudade (indescribable longing) when you leave. Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) has many charms, most notably the Cariocas , its exuberant residents.
The international tourist crowd takes advantage of Rio's ritzy side - there are innumerable opportunities to be decadent. But Rio also has much to offer the budget traveller: there are cheap hotels and restaurants aplenty, and the beach is a free entertainment zone.
Travel Warning: Dengue Fever on the Rise
Cases of dengue fever have risen dramatically in Rio de Janeiro. Travelers should consult their doctor before visiting the city, and take the appropriate precautions against mosquito bites while they are there.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Population
7,000,000
Currency
Name: Brazilian Real
Code: BRL
Symbol: R$
Electrical Plugs
127/220V 60Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Portuguese
Time Zones
GMT/UTC -3 (Brazil Standard Time)
Country Dialing Code
+55
Weights & Measures
Metric
Brazil - Pick & Mix Chapters
Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Brazil guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Brazil download page.
Related Travel Stories
-
Rio's Favelas
article by Regis St. Louis, April 2007
Rio's shantytowns are doin' it for themselves: grassroots organisations bring hope to difficult lives. Read the full article ›
Tags: Responsible Travel • Rio de Janeiro
-
Carnaval, Carioca Style
article by Regis St. Louis, January 2007
Beyond Sambadrome Feathers? Check. Samba moves? Check. Wild abandon? Check. You're all set for Brazil's Carnaval. Read the full article ›
Tags: Festivals & Events • Rio de Janeiro
BLUELISTS blu,list to recommend a travel experience
-
How to be as Brazilian as possible in Brazil
— 18 Dec 06 -
You know it's time when...
— 08 Dec 06 -
Best restaurant in Buzios
— 27 Feb 06 -
christmas in the baltics
— 27 Feb 06 -
South America Top Ten
— 29 Jun 08
Advertisement
Book Your Trip
Hotels & Hostels
Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›
Lonely Planet Newsletters
Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›
Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
