Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere. The famous Brazilian port is best-known for its beaches, Carnival, samba, and the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer.
The city is much older and more abundant in natural beauty when compared to its larger counterparts in Brazil, Brasília and São Paulo. It was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese who were convinced they found the mouth of a river in January 1502. This is why they named the city Rio de Janeiro — “the January River”.
Read on to learn why you should cruise from Rio de Janeiro.
When is the best time to cruise from Rio de Janeiro?
The best time to cruise from Rio de Janeiro is from December to March. The climate in Rio de Janeiro is generally tropical, hot, and somewhat humid. With an annual average temperature of about 23 degrees Celsius, Rio is a year-round cruise destination.
Winters are pleasant (June-September) while summers (November-March) are perfect for sightseeing and sunbathing. February is one of the most popular months to visit the city, as this is when its iconic Carnival takes place. The months between April and October have more moderate temperatures and slightly more rain.
Which cruise lines sail from Rio de Janeiro?
There are various cruise lines that have cruises departing from Rio de Janeiro. Operators such as MSC Cruises, NCL, Celebrity Cruises, or Azamara have sailings from Rio and offer exclusive perks that make them stand out.
MSC Cruises often have guided city tours on offer, so you will be able to visit the city’s most important spots. If you are looking for a proper celebration, go for an NCL cruise. NCL is known for their deck parties where one can dance the night away.
Celebrity Cruises provide amenities such as The Retreat Sundeck, a luxurious outdoor area with savoury cocktails and delectable treats. You can’t go wrong with Azamara either — you can sip a drink by the deck pool while choosing your next destination from their digital brochure.
Where do cruises from Rio de Janeiro go to?
Cruises from Rio de Janeiro go along the Brazilian coast to Uruguay and Argentina. The coastline of Brazil is 7,491 kilometres long, facing the Atlantic Ocean, and pinned by islands, bays, and coral reefs. Brazil has 2,095 beaches that allure a great number of tourists every year.
Uruguay is a small country with attractions such as its capital, Montevideo, the beach Punta del Este, which is referred to as “the Monaco of the South”, and Colonia with its old town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Argentina is another beautiful country, famous for its Nahuel Huapi National Park, Moon Valley, and Puerto Madryn with its arctic wildlife, especially penguins and whales.
What should you do whilst you’re in Rio de Janeiro?
There is a great range of things to see and do in Rio de Janeiro. The city houses the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca National Park. The Copacabana and Ipanema beaches lay nearby, while one of the oldest cable cars is available right in the centre of Rio.
The Sugarloaf Cable Car was the first one in Brazil and was launched in 1912. It goes to the famous granite peak called Sugarloaf Mountain, where you will find viewpoints overlooking the Rio bay and the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Christ the Redeemer is considered the largest statue of its kind in the world. Its construction began in 1922. It is located on the top of the 710-meter Corcovado Peak with elevators and escalators available to take visitors to the top.
There are also a couple of neighbourhoods you need to visit. The first one is in the central area called Lapa. This was once the city’s red-light district and is now famous for its nightlife with samba and choro bars lining its streets. Most of the architecture dates back to the 1800s. A must-see is Escadaria Selarón, a set of popular colourful steps that connects Lapa with Santa Teresa.
The Santa Teresa neighbourhood is located on a hill overlooking the city’s harbour. It was a hub for artists and musicians in the 20th century. Its famous tram, the last remaining streetcar, has been a popular tourist attraction for a long time.
Rio de Janeiro is also famous for its Carnival, which is considered the biggest one in the world. More than two million people per day walk and dance on the streets of Rio during this time. The first carnival was organized in 1723 and has been celebrated every year with very few exceptions.
This vibrant city is a centre of leisure for locals and tourists alike with people socializing in swimming attire, whether sunbathing at the beach or riding in a city bus. Nightlife, music, and street parades add to the special atmosphere that Rio de Janeiro is famous for.
Extend Your Stay?
One of the places that make extending your stay worth it are the Iguazu Falls. The falls lie on the border between the countries of Brazil and Argentina. This is one of the most important destinations in South America and is visited by millions of people every year.
The Iguazu Falls are a set of cascades with a height of 82 meters. For reference, the momentous Niagara Falls are only 54 meters high. The Iguazu Falls were declared to be a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. They are located 29 km Foz de Iguazu, the nearest town on the Brazilian side.
With so much to do in Rio de Janeiro and the rest of Brasil, extending your holiday to stay a little longer is bound to be the best decision you can make.
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