I am going to a conference in Rio de Janeiro that will take place from 17-19 June. After the conference I am still going to stay in Brazil for another week and do the tourist thing (I fly back to South Africa on 26 June). Recommendations for things to do and photograph? I still have to organise my accommodation for the week after the conference so I might also go somewhere other than Rio de Janeiro. I have never been to South America before, so I only know what I have seen on TV/online.
In Rio de Janeiro you could/should visit "Cristo Redentor", "Sugar Loaf" and some beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema/Leblon). This would be the "must see for tourists". (The Christ is actually under repair, and I dont know if it will be OK for visitation in June, but the Sugar Loaf is a nice option for take some pictures). You also have some beaches farther away, with less buildings and a more "wild" feeling...
The botanic garden is a good option too!
Depending on your taste, you could go for different night clubs, bars, etc...
There are also some near towns with different approaches (beaches or hills). Google "Buzios/RJ" to see a different beach town nearby (100 miles, I think). Google "Teresópolis/RJ" or "Petrópolis/RJ" to see some towns uphill.
Take a look at my pictures. Most of them were taken in Rio.
Send me a PM if you want some specific information and I´ll try to help.
jotaga: Thanks for the reply. You mention a few places that I am definitely going to try visit, but I am also interested in less "touristy" places (especially for landscape photography). I have sent you a PM.
The views of Rio from the Favelas are spectacular as well. They did get some flooding a couple of months ago, so I don't know the current situation. I would check in advance.
Do not go on your own, only go on a guided tour. They can be dangerous if you don't know you're way around.
It's too bad that the Christ the Redeemer statue is closed, it was really high up on my list of things to see. I will still try to get a shot of it from a nearby hilltop (hopefully there is not too much scaffolding around the statue).
Would anyone staying in Rio de Janeiro (or the surrounding area) be interested in a DPC GTG?
Keep big cameras hidden and take taxis everywhere. I had a gun put to my head last time I was there. Don't worry, I fought him off - he wasn't having my camera!
Keep big cameras hidden and take taxis everywhere. I had a gun put to my head last time I was there. Don't worry, I fought him off - he wasn't having my camera!
Unfortunately this is a good advice. Metro (subway) is fine, but avoid buses, and avoid walking with the camera hanging on your neck. I live here and i don't do this...
It's too bad that the Christ the Redeemer statue is closed, it was really high up on my list of things to see. I will still try to get a shot of it from a nearby hilltop (hopefully there is not too much scaffolding around the statue).
I haven't been to Rio in years, but I always liked Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar) a lot more than the Cristo. You get there on two cable cars, and if the weather is decent, you should be able to get some spectacular "aerial" shots.
A trip to the old Imperial summer capital at Petropolis is very interesting.
You'll have many wonderful places to visit in Rio.
If you plan come to Sao Paulo, send me a PM, I can show you the city.
I am going to see if I can make a trip to Sao Paulo (more than just stopping at the airport to/from Rio de Janeiro), depending on availability/affordability of transport. I will give you a shout if I go there.
