We all know Rio de Janeiro is huge. It’s a buzzing city (but without obvious stress) where 6.7 million people live between legendary beaches and lush forests. And of course, there’s no shortage of must-see spots. But when we got there, we had made a promise to ourselves: not to stick to the usual tourist routes. We wanted to experience Rio, not just skim the surface.
Live Rio
Right from the start, we made a simple but key decision: skip the hotel and book an Airbnb instead, to feel a little more connected to real Carioca life. Then, instead of getting lost in impersonal travel guides, we figured the best experts were the people who actually live there. So we found a guide, a real one, someone who knows Rio inside out. And we weren’t disappointed. Not only did we learn a lot about the city's history, but with all the tips and recommendations we got, we made the most of our two free days.
On top of that, Tiago has a Carioca friend who knew exactly where to take us for our first nights out. He brought us to lively bars where locals actually hang out, far from tourist traps, and even found us a street rehearsal for a Samba school (Salgueiro) getting ready for Carnival. It was insane. The energy was unreal. Apparently, Carnival in Rio isn’t just a few days, it starts as early as January, with schools practicing for months, and anyone can watch the rehearsals.
That’s why, from the very first hours, Rio showed us a whole different side, beyond the usual Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain clichés.
A Guide: The Key to Seeing the Real Rio
Having a guide for the first two days was one of the best decisions we made. Kadu (that’s his name) didn’t just take us around, he showed us Rio through his eyes, his experiences. We asked him everything, and he shared his insights and stories. Thanks to him, we found hidden-gem restaurants we never would have stumbled upon on our own, places with incredible food and a warm, authentic vibe.
And honestly? Getting around with him in a car changed everything. Rio is massive and sometimes chaotic, but with Kadu, everything felt easier, more seamless. Without him, we probably wouldn’t have seen 40% of what we did. And beyond that, it made us feel safer, even though, in the end, we never had any real issues.
Christ the Redeemer: A Mix of Awe and Disappointment
Of course, we couldn’t skip Christ the Redeemer. It’s the icon! So, like everyone else, we went up there… and unfortunately, we saw nothing. Corcovado Mountain is the highest point, and unless the sky is totally clear, it’s often covered in clouds. If you want to actually see the view, go on a perfectly sunny day! We were so disappointed to make it all the way up only to see nothing, especially since I was more excited about the panoramic view of Rio than the statue itself.
The crowds were insane. Pro tip: get there before it opens to avoid long lines, on a clear day, the wait can be up to two hours. Even at 8 AM, there was already a sea of tourists, all glued to their smartphones, desperate for that photo with the statue. Some even lined up just to get a solo shot in front of it. It was kind of sad to see such a historically and symbolically important place reduced to a selfie backdrop.
I was surprised to learn that Christ the Redeemer isn’t that old, it was inaugurated in 1931, meaning it’s as old as my grandmother! It watches over downtown Rio, welcoming visitors from all over.
Since we didn’t get much of a view from the top, we went a bit lower, to Mirante de Santa Marta, to get a sense of the city’s vastness and its different neighborhoods. Then, we went to Vista Chinesa, a viewpoint hidden in the Tijuca Forest, for another stunning perspective.
Tijuca: A Jungle in the Middle of the City
People often forget that Rio isn’t just a city, it’s a jungle. The Tijuca Forest is like a breath of fresh air right in the middle of everything. Walking through shady trails, spotting waterfalls, and sensing the hidden wildlife was amazing. I wish I had more time to explore, it’s full of hiking trails and waterfalls. This green oasis exists thanks to Dom Pedro I, who had the foresight (way ahead of his time) to replant the area after coffee plantations had devastated it. Even back then, they were thinking about environmental conservation!
Sugarloaf Mountain
Rio’s other must-see spot: Sugarloaf Mountain. This time, no disappointment, just pure awe. The view was incredible! Again, we went up before it opened to avoid the crowds, and in the morning, the lighting was perfect, the sun was behind us, lighting up the city beautifully. I loved being up there. There were way fewer people than at Christ the Redeemer, and we actually had a clear view of the city. The only thing we didn’t see? Christ himself, he was, once again, lost in the clouds.
From the start, our instinct was right: Rio isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a city to live. Behind the postcard-perfect views lies a vibrant, intense, chaotic, and fascinating city. Thanks to Kadu and Tiago, I’m grateful to say that I got a glimpse of the real Rio.
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