2016 Rio Olympics: Planning Your Trip

The 2016 Rio Olympics are less than 30 days away. The majority of you planning to make the trip to Brazil’s self-proclaimed “Marvellous City” this August will probably have everything booked, but it is still not too late if you want to join the world’s biggest beach party. This mini-guide will help you get organised and introduce you to some sightseeing tour ideas to help fill your free time in between events.

The eyes of the world will be fixed on Rio in August / Image Source

GETTING THERE

Rio de Janeiro is very accessible by air and there are still plenty of vacant seats to be snapped up. Multiple airlines fly into the city from countless destinations, but you should be sure to look around to find the best deals – flights a few days after and before the respective opening and closing ceremonies are generally cheaper.

EVENT TICKETS

Getting your hands on some tickets is a complicated process with each country having its own designated authorised reseller. The first and second draws took place in March and October 2015, meaning that most events are already sold-out. For those living in Australia, Canada, Great Britain and the US, CoSport is the official agency to visit for further information. At the time this article was published, tickets to Wrestling, Volleyball, Golf, Taekwondo, Handball, and Football were still available, but the catalogue is constantly changing as returns come in. Sign up to their email alerts for the latest news.

Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of the world's great tourist attractions / Image Source

VISA INFORMATION

To enter Brazil, most travellers are required to have a visa – for US citizens this typically costs US$160, for Canadians it is US$65, and Australians must pay US$35. However, in a bid to attract record numbers to the Olympics, Brazilian authorities have introduced a generous visa waiver system between June 1st and September 18th.

FINDING ACCOMMODATION

One of the sizable problems facing the Rio Games is, and remains, the worrying shortage of hotel rooms. To help ease the bed shortage, the Olympic organising committee has signed an agreement with airbnb to provide an additional 20,000 sleeping options. Despite this increase in choice of accommodation, rates vary considerably and so you are urged to book as soon as possible.

The 2016 Rio Olympics promises to be the world's biggest beach party / Image Source

THINGS TO DO IN RIO

This wonderful city tour will take you to some of the most breathtaking sites Rio de Janeiro has to offer. Gaze at the architectural ingenuity of the Metropolitan Cathedral, discover the wealth of historic buildings surrounding Cinelandia Plaza, soak in the stunning views atop Sugar Loaf Mountain, sample some exquisite local seafood, and make your way through Tijuca Forest to the spectacular Christ the Redeemer statue. A travel experience to remember for the rest of your life.

This gentle-paced cycling excursion takes you on a serene journey across the city past many of the landmark attractions. Beginning on the sun-kissed sands of Copacabana, you will ride towards the Botafogo neighbourhood and then onwards through the charming wonders of Urca and into the verdant delights of Flamengo Park, before gliding through the cultural and historical centre where baroque churches, colonial palaces, and elegant plazas await. An exhilarating and enriching adventure.

Ilha Grande is a touch of paradise on earth / Image Source

If you fancy escaping the city for a day, head east to the old-world town of Angra Dos Reis and then ferry over to the subtropical island of Ilha Grande. Dip your feet in the azure blue coastal waters, enjoy some easy hiking on leisurely, well-marked trails, and then finish your day with some hammock swaying on the golden beaches. Paradise on earth.

. . .

Rio de Janeiro is one of the great tourist destinations – if you are there primarily to see the Olympic Games, take advantage of the situation and explore the city’s enviable cultural and natural attractions.

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By: Simon Hall – Holder of a Masters in Fine Arts and a Diploma in International Studies. English Content Manager at Daytours4u.