Day 42. Rio De Janeiro. 27.2.25

"SANTA TERESA & LAPA 4 HR WALKING TOUR. Embark on our exclusive tour to explore two of Rio's cherished neighbourhoods, Santa Teresa and Lapa. Journey with our knowledgeable local guide via the subway to experience the city's local transportation. Disembark at Carioca Station and traverse the Financial District en route to Lapa—a lively suburb renowned for its vibrant nightlife, historical monuments, and the Roman-style Arcos da Lapa aqueducts. Board the charming tram for a 20-minute ride over the aqueducts to Santa Teresa. Alighting at Largo dos Guimaraes, immerse yourself in exploring the cobblestone streets of one of Rio's oldest suburbs. Ascend through the hilltop suburbs, where your guide will highlight hidden local gems and vantage points offering fantastic views over downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay. Once a neighbourhood dominated by the elite, Santa Teresa has transformed into an artistic center, attracting numerous artists as residents. Visitors often liken Santa Teresa to the bohemian district of Montmartre in Paris—an apt comparison. During Carnival, experience street performances, with the famous "Bloco das Carmelitas" a notable highlight.

Descend towards Lapa, where your guide will introduce you to a Brazilian speciality—Acai, a superfood made from a blueviolet berry predominantly found in the Amazon. Blended with Guaraná, a nutty seed native to the Amazon, Acai boasts a distinctive sweet taste. Indulge in this authentic local dish. Proceed to the final and significant stop on your tour: Selaron's Staircase, a masterpiece crafted by the late artist and a highlight of our Rio tour."

We have a 4 hr morning tour then the rest of the day is ours to explore. Visiting Rio is a bonus for us as it was a "would like to" but not a "must do" for us but somehow our travel agent managed to squeeze it in in the time frame we gave her. I am nervously looking forward to the tram ride across the aqueducts.

Our view of Copacabana Beach out the bedroom window.  Shame about the curtain reflection. 

Copacabana Palace. 

The trains are no different to ours.

We took a 20 min tram car ride up to Santa Teresa. 

1 of 7 castles in Rio.

The same castle as we walked down the hill.

An art store where the guy makes everything from 'junk' found laying around.

will fill in the gaps tomorrow. too tired again.

Temperature got to 31 and we walked 7+ kms.

Day 41. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. 26.2.25

"Today enjoy a half day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls.You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the Visitors Centre. From here board one of the Park Authority’s tourist buses and enter the National Park. Equipped with panoramic windows, the buses are designed to maximise your views of the falls, while the walkways and steps provide you with great panoramic views of the Argentinian side of the falls. Views of the Floriana Falls, the Devil’s Gorge Canyon and the Iguazu River are spectacular and are guaranteed to impress."

The views of the falls from the Brazilian side were quite spectacular.  We probably enjoyed this side more as we got there a bit earlier before the crowds and the temperature was a bit cooler. Also the pathway had more shade today.

Started with a bus ride. 

We have a 2 hour flight from Iguazu to Rio De Janeiro in the late afternoon. So we elected to visit the bird park before going to the airport.

Stunning 

Managed to get bird photos on while waiting at the airport. 

"Known as the ''Cidade Maravilhosa'', or Marvellous City, Rio never fails to amaze with its sandy beaches, carefree lifestyle and unparalleled natural beauty. As the capital of Brazil until 1960, Rio is today one of the most culturally and economically prominent cities in the country, receiving more tourists than any other part of Brazil."

Lots of macaws. 

Macaw

The actual flight was pretty good but Latam Airlines was a bit amateurish today but that's a story for another day as we got in very late to our hotel due to a 70 minute drive to only travel 25 kms 🤦‍♀️. Rio is preparing for Carnival.

Part of our huge suite. 

"Known as the ''Cidade Maravilhosa'', or Marvellous City, Rio never fails to amaze with its sandy beaches, carefree lifestyle and unparalleled natural beauty. As the capital of Brazil until 1960, Rio is today one of the most culturally and economically prominent cities in the country, receiving more tourists than any other part of Brazil."

We are staying at the Widsor Leme Hotel in Copacabana.