Rio de Janeiro from the USA! A, Rio de Janeiro offers incredible landscapes, rich culture and unforgettable attractions. Whether it’s the epic beaches, vibrant city life or world-famous statues and attractions that lures you there, Rio is a place that will leave a lasting memory on any traveller. If you’re journeying to or from the USA, here’s what you need to know about when to go and how to get there, as well as the best places to visit.
Best Time to Rio de Janeiro from the USA
Summer: December to March
Your best bet to experience the city of Rio de Janeiro is to go in Brazilian summertime, during December to March. The reason for this is that, during this time, temperatures are high, averaging between 75°F to 95°F, allowing you to make the most out of its beaches and the outdoors. Rio’s Carnaval, an extravaganza of parades, samba music and extravagant costumes, is also typically held during these months, usually in February or early March. However, remember that this is also peak tourist season, so you can expect bigger crowds and higher prices. Rio de Janeiro from the USA.
Shoulder Seasons: September to November & April to May
Those after a quieter experience, with more manageable temperatures, or avoiding the height of the tourist season, the shoulder seasons are the ideal time to visit. It is warm but not sweltering, good for getting around. Other benefits are rooms are also cheaper.
Winter: June to August
Although the winter months in Rio are cooler (60°F to 75°F), it’s still a great time to visit. The beaches are more serene and a good option for those who want to avoid the crowd. Prices also go down in the low season. Rio de Janeiro from the USA.
Getting to Rio de Janeiro from the USA
Direct Flights from Major U.S. Cities
You can fly from any major city in the USA to Rio de Janeiro without stopping. New York and Miami connect with direct service, as do several other east-coast cities, with direct flights to Galeão International Airport (GIG), via airlines including American Airlines, Delta and LATAM. The flight time is around eight-10 hours.
Connecting Flights
If you’re travelling from elsewhere in the USA or you just want a cheaper flight, this might involve a change in a larger city such as Miami, or even a European connecting city like Madrid, which of course adds time on to your journey but also sometimes saves money.
Transportation from the Airport
From there, you can get downtown Rio by taxi, ride-sharing service, or public bus; the airport is only about 12 miles from the city’s centre, so it’s a relatively short ride to most lodgings.
Must-Visit Attractions in Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer
Another Rio icon, Christ the Redeemer, is undoubtedly one of the city’s major attractions. Perched atop Corcovado Mountain, which overlooks the city and provides unforgettable panoramic views of Rio, the large statue is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Brazil, with millions of people flocking to see it every year. You can get to Christ the Redeemer by taking a scenic train ride or by hiking up the mountain.
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
Also not to be missed is a ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, another one of Rio’s memorable landmarks. Take a cable car to the peak where you are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of the city, beaches and ocean. Sunset is a particularly romantic time to go, when the sky turns golden and the city lights up.
Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches Rio de Janeiro from the USA
Rio de Janeiro is known the world over for its beautiful beaches and spending time on the shore is a must for any visitor to the city. Copacabana and Ipanema are the main beaches and both deserve your time. Copacabana Beach is active, lively and full of energy. The shoreline is lined with vendors selling food, drinks and souvenirs, but don’t let this crowd you. There is plenty of room to relax, take a swim, feel the sand between your toes, and people watch. Close by, Ipanema Beach is renowned for its gorgeous shoreline and hip ambience. Whether you want to soak in some sun or catch a wave, Ipanema is the place for you. Rio de Janeiro from the USA.
Santa Teresa and the Selarón Steps
The neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, located on the highest point of Rio, is a mix between an artsy district and a bohemian neighbourhood. Walk the narrow streets in this colonial area filled with local art, shops and restaurants. When you arrive, it won’t be hard to figure out where you are. Just look for the Selarón Steps and you’ll know. These steps actually belong to the local community, but they are decorated by tiles collected all over the world by the artist, Jorge Selarón to create one of the most vibrant staircases in the city. Rio de Janeiro from the USA.
Lapa Arches and Lapa Nightlife
Rio’s Lapa neighbourhood is well-known for its nightlife, for samba clubs and street parties, and the Lapa Arches are a significant part of Lapa’s history, providing a scenic place backdrop for the nightlife. Go to Lapa to dance the night away at one of the neighbourhood samba clubs, or listen to live music at an open-air bar. Rio de Janeiro from the USA.
Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) Rio de Janeiro from the USA
If you need to escape the noise of the city, make your way to the Jardim Botânico, a botanical garden full of abundant plant and tree life (more than 6,000 specimens) https://www.rjparqueambiental.com.br/jardim-botanico.php. The immense line of royal palms lining up the avenue are iconic for Rio. Take a walk in the gardens to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Final Thoughts
Rio de Janeiro draws you from the rollicking neighbourhoods of Copacabana to the quiet heights of Christ the Redeemer, from the beaches to the museums, from the street stalls to the bohemian bars. Rio has something for every kind of traveller, always, no matter the season, but the city’s easy-to-reach proximity from much of the US and its varied seasons make it a great place to visit no matter your travel style. Rio de Janeiro from the USA.