|
Going Places: Destinations |
|
|
|
Together with:
|
|
|
Many Cariocas, as Rio locals are called, will tell you that to be born in Rio de Janeiro is a privilege. Between Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the city is home to some of the most famous stretches of sand on the planet.
While Rio is revered for its urban beaches and forest-clad mountains, the city that winds its way through this dramatic landscape is also rich in Afro-Brazilian culture. Here, in the birthplace of samba, the rhythmic beats will lead you down the hidden alleyways of Rio's forgotten past, far beyond the polished seaside neighborhoods that tourists know about. Read more in Carla Vianna's Guide to Rio de Janeiro.
|
|
|
Never miss a deal to Rio de Janeiro! Head to the Going app to find deals around $553 roundtrip (that's 38% off the regular price). |
|
|
|
From the Caribbean to Latin America, Marriott is there |
The Caribbean and Latin America are full of destinations worth exploring-and Marriott has a stay to match, no matter where you land. With 7,900+ hotels and resorts across 138 countries, there's something for every kind of trip: budget-friendly picks like Fairfield and Four Points, all-inclusive beach resorts, and luxury destinations like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis.
Book direct on Marriott.com, and get more than just a room. Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee means you won't find a better price anywhere else. You'll also earn Bonvoy points, unlock elite perks like room upgrades and late checkout, and enjoy greater flexibility if your plans change-advantages you won't get booking through a third party.
|
|
|
|
|
More than 53 miles of coastline. Mountains rising straight out of the city. Rio rewards both lounging and moving. |
-
Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana: Rio's three most-famous beaches. Ipanema and Leblon share the same stretch of sand, backed by Two Brothers Mountain. Copacabana is the most iconic, and the most touristy.
-
Arpoador Beach: A small peninsula between Ipanema and Copacabana, great for surf lessons. Beware: These aren't beginner waves.
-
Tijuca National Park: The largest urban rainforest in the world at ~13 square miles, with trails for every level.
-
Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea: A 40-minute trek up Pedra Bonita puts you face-to-face with Pedra da Gávea, a 2,769-foot monolith and Rio's toughest, most popular hike (guide advised).
-
Dois Irmãos: A 40-minute hike to the twin peaks seen from Ipanema. The adventure starts on the back of a motorbike, riding through a favela to reach the trailhead.
-
A favela tour done right: These tours can be controversial, but if you're curious to explore this side of Rio, opt for a local, favela-born tour guide like this one, who works to benefit their own community, over a big tour company.
|
|
|
Samba, the Brazilian dance and music genre, is an integral part of the country's identity. Born from religious rituals and celebrations performed by enslaved Africans in Bahia, it later evolved into the entertainment it is today in Rio.
Each Monday night, the pulsating rhythm of samba can be heard in a secluded alley downtown. It's coming from Pedra do Sal (Salt Rock), a historic site that once served as a prominent slave market. It was also where salt was offloaded from incoming ships, hence the name.
Over time, the site became a haven for Rio's Afro-Brazilian communities. Today, the free outdoor samba show attracts both locals and tourists. Everyone comes casually dressed, with a caipirinha or beer in hand, and surrounds the group of sitting musicians. While there are other places to catch a roda de samba, this is the most exciting.
-Carla Vianna, Going contributing writer |
|
|
|
|
Rio's food and drink scene lives on the beach, in the dive bars, and blended into a thick smoothie consistency. |
-
Caipirinha: Cachaça, lime, sugar, and ice. Rio's signature cocktail, poured in every bar, restaurant, and beach kiosk.
-
Açai: The frozen Amazonian berry that's shot to superfood-stardom. It's blended into smoothies, topped with granola, banana, and guaraná syrup, and sold on nearly every corner in Rio. Head to our guide for where to try it.
-
Fried snacks: Pastéis (crispy stuffed empanadas), coxinhas (chicken and cheese croquettes), and bolinhos de bacalhau (cod fritters). Classic caipirinha pairings.
-
Pé sujos: Rio's "dirty feet" dive bars. Gritty but never intimidating, the kind of place where a samba circle might break out in the evening.
-
Beach vendor bites: Look for biscoito globo (airy cassava biscuits), steamed corn, coconut water, and mate, sweet iced tea carried in giant barrels by vendors in bright orange uniforms.
|
|
|
Go Premium for international deals, member perks, mistake fares, and custom flight alerts. |
|
|
|
|
Every year in the week leading up to Lent (generally in February), Rio erupts in a sea of glitter as revelers fill the street for Carnival, a celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture and Brazilian perseverance dating back to the 1700s.
The main event is the official parade at the Sambadrome, Oscar Niemeyer's avenue-like stage, where 70+ samba schools compete to put on the best show. Each school spends the year creating sequined costumes and towering floats, often using irony and sarcasm to take on political injustice and racism. It runs from evening until sunrise, over several days.
Even if you don't make the official parade, you have options. Neighborhood street parties called blocos pop up all over the city. It's not hard to find one. Simply walk outside and follow the music.
Carnival 2027 runs February 5-13. As it's peak international travel season in Rio, fares climb and seats fill up fast. Waiting for a last-minute deal will undoubtedly cost you. Our advice: Book 4-10 months out, meaning now through October 2026, if you want to be there. |
|
|
Interested in a trip to Rio de Janeiro? Premium and Elite members get alerts for specific trip destinations and dates in the Going app. |
|
|
|
Best time to book a flight |
|
|
Tampa  Rio de Janeiro
|
|
|
Austin Rio de Janeiro
|
|
|
Chicago Rio de Janeiro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share with a fellow travel lover by forwarding to a friend. |
|
|
|
Get the app today 
|
|
|
|
|
|
