Travel Through Books: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by jalisa.whitley

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Pack your dancing shoes, ditch your inhibitions, and prepare to be swept away by the rhythm of Rio! This is your chance to embark on a journey that transcends pages and explodes onto the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, just in time for the legendary Carnival!

We’ll delve into the heart of the city guided by Harold Rogers’ book “Tropicalia.. Imagine yourself strolling along Copacabana beach, the sun warming your skin. Sip caipirinhas at one of our bar recommendations in Ipanema, the air buzzing with anticipation for the electrifying Carnival parades. Imagine the electrifying energy of the Sambadrome, the heart of Carnival, where extravagant floats parade and samba schools compete in an epic display of music, dance, and cultural pride.

Join us on this unforgettable adventure and let “Tropicalia” be a Rio trip of a lifetime. In our guide you’ll find tips on where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more. Here are a few sneak peeks. Scroll through in the full guide above for all our recommendations!

WHAT TO READ:

“Tropicalia” by Harold Rogers unfolds just before New Year’s Eve in Rio. The Cunha family, grappling with old wounds and secrets, faces a turning point with the return of their estranged mother, Maria. As tensions rise, the story paints a vivid picture of Rio’s complex tapestry – its intoxicating beauty, simmering social issues, and the electrifying energy that fuels Carnival.

The story centers around Daniel: dumped by his pregnant girlfriend, grieving his grandfather, and bracing for the return of his estranged mother on the anniversary of the raid that doomed his drug-dealing aunt and uncle. Secrets simmer, truths explode, and generations collide as they grapple with what it means to belong to two cultures, two homes, two worlds.

WHAT TO DO:

• Visit Real Gabinete Portugues da Leitura, or the The Royal Portuguese Reading Room (pictured above). The library was founded in 1837 by a group of 43 Portuguese immigrants who wanted to promote culture throughout the Portuguese community living in the Brazilian empire. However, the construction didn’t actually begin until several decades later in 1880 by Portuguese architect Rafael da Silva.
• Hang out at Copacabana beach where the book is set or make your way to Ipanema.
• Explore the photography, music, and literature collections at mansion-turned-museum Instituto Moreira Salles.
• See Santa Teresa and Tijuca National Park as a part of an E-bike Tour.
• Check out Samba Que Elas Querem one of the few all women samba bands
• Visit Christ the Redeemer one of the most famous attractions in Brazil.
• Check out the stunning Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (@ccbbrj) where you can enjoy music, theater, cinema, exhibitions, a library, and historical archives.
• Get a photo op at Escadaria Selarón, or Selarón Steps, a 250-step staircase decorated with more than 2,000 carefully placed tiles from around the world.
• Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain.

WHERE TO STAY:

• Hotel Arpoador – perched on Rio’s stunning coastline, offers sophisticated simplicity, beachfront access, and breathtaking ocean views, ideal for a relaxing escape with a touch of luxury.
• Miramar Hotel by Windsor Copacabana– a 5-star hotel that blends beachfront luxury with modern design, offering stunning ocean views, a rooftop pool, and butler service for an unforgettable Rio escape.
• Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro – combines cutting-edge design with local Brazilian soul, offering rooftop cocktails with Sugarloaf Mountain views and an immersive Carioca experience.

Want help designing your dream trip? We plan private experiences! We have existing group itineraries in Cape Town, South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Accra, Ghana, Cartagena, Colombia, Bogota, Colombia, Mexico City, Mexico, and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica that can be customized. Fill out our private trip interest form or email jalisa@bookedtrips.com for more information.

Or join us on our upcoming small group trip to Accra, Ghana October 10-16, 2024.