After a short flight from Buenos Aires we arrived back in to the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. As we got to the hotel after midnight, we made arrangements to get up early the next morning for a full day of sightseeing.
The bus driver that picked us up from the airport arranges tours so the Portuguese speaker negotiated with him and we were up bright and early. Our first stop was one of Rio’s most famous icons – Christ the Redeemer, also known as “Cristo Redentor” in Portuguese. It stands at 30 metres tall (not including the 8 metre base), and the arms stretch out to 28 metres.
The Christ is located at the top of the Corcovado mountain overlooking the city, so as you can imagine the views are stunning. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t quite as good as on our first day, and although it was hot, it was pretty foggy.
Even though we arrived early, it was already getting very busy. We still managed to fight our way through the crowds and see some of the amazing views though!
Next on our tour was the Selaron steps, or “Escadaria Selarón”. There are around 250 steps which are covered in over 2000 colourful tiles from all over the world.
They are the work of a Chilean artist named Jorge Selarón, who called them his tribute to Brazil.
Our driver dropped us off at the top of the steps, and coming from above you almost don’t realise that there is anything special about them….and as soon as you look up you see hundreds of beautiful, intricate tiles.
After stopping for a quick drink and a bite to eat we headed towards the Sambadrome. Obviously it wasn’t carnival season in Brazil, however for a very small price it’s possible to try on some of the amazing costumes, all year round!
There were a few other people trying on some of the costumes at the same time and suddenly everyone wanted a picture with us! The head pieces were actually incredibly heavy, I can’t imagine how the dancers wear them for hours at a time!
After attempting to learn some basic salsa steps and failing miserably, we drove on to our next stop – Pão de Açúcar, or the Sugarloaf Mountain.
There’s a cable car which takes you up to the first level – Morro da Urca, at 220 metres.
The next cable car takes you up to the Pão de Açúcar. Whilst in the cable car we actually spotted some crazy people climbing up the side of the mountain!
The views from the top are some of the best I’ve ever seen. It was still a little foggy but we could even see the Christ in the distance!
Next time (if I’m lucky enough to get this trip again!) I’d love to go on one of these helicopter rides over the city!
After admiring the view from all sides, we got back on the cable car to go down, where our driver was waiting for us. Reluctantly we drove back to the hotel, with a quick stop at Copacabana beach. We just had time for a meal by the pool before it was time to get ready to fly the long 14 hours back to Dubai.
This trip was by far the best I’ve ever done and I realise how lucky I am to have been able to see all of these places (and get paid for it!). Fingers crossed I get to go back one day!
P.s. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @rachelwwilson for more regular day-to-day updates!
Hey Rachel! I’m glad your best trip so far was here in Brazil! 🙂
I was wondering if crew scheduling always puts together the trip to Rio along with the one to Buenos Aires, or if it’s not a rule. Also, are there other destinations that they pair up, like they did to Rio and Buenos Aires? Thx! xx
Author
Hi! It was by far my favourite 🙂 Yep, as far as I know it’s always the same trip – GIG-EZE-GIG! There are quite a few others, for example: SIN-MEL-SIN (also BNE instead of MEL), SYD-AKL-SYD (also MEL/BNE instead of SYD), MXP-JFK-MXP! So yeah, there are quite a few 🙂
I think when you’re doing this all the time it can be a little tiring, but it sounds fun! Thanks for answering. I admire the patience and dedication you have with the blog, and with answering all the comments. I know you hear it all the time, but I really like the way you tell your stories, it doesn’t sound braggy and it’s fun. Hope you keep writing! 🙂 xo, Carol
Just love reading your blog’s and enjoy travelling with you. Have fun girl!
Author
Thank you! 🙂
Hi! I just wanna ask if you have any experiences when you apply in emirates and what is your age then when you apply. I love your blog btw
Author
Hi there! Yes I had lots of experience, I worked in plenty of part-time jobs from age 15. I applied a few weeks before my 21st birthday. Thanks for reading!
awesome pictures, and can’t wait to head down to Rio next week! Do you have any tips on safety? Heard that Escadaria Selarón area can be sketchy, even during days?
Author
Ah I’m very jealous, I wish I could go back! To be honest I would say I didn’t find it any more dangerous than other places that I’ve been, and the Escadaria Selaron seemed to be pretty much only tourists! I guess just use your common sense and don’t go around flashing your cash haha!
oi (hi in portuguese), and got back from Rio.. it’s so amazing, and def live up to their nickname, marvelous city! is it easy for you to “pick” same destination again, or you generally want to visit new places much as possible? 🙂
Author
I would ideally love to fly to all of our destinations, but now I’m working in business I’m flying much more on the A380, so there are limited destinations 🙁 We do have a bidding system so hopefully once I’m “top bid” again I’ll be able to go back to Rio again! 🙂