5 things to do in Rio during the Olympics

“A New World” is the official motto of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro – a reference to a society that cares about inclusion, sustainability, and healthy living. Using these three concepts as its foundation, this article presents five things to do in Rio while the Olympics are in town, providing visitors with some exciting, and uniquely authentic, travel ideas.

The favelas are synonymous with stunning panoramic views / Image Source: Local55

THE FAVELAS

One of Brazil’s greatest achievements during the last decade has been the increasing incorporation of poorer citizens in the country’s day to day living. Indeed, some underprivileged communities are moving out of poverty and earning an income through the creation of such extraordinary initiatives as favela tourism. Not only are they a reliable source of employment for vulnerable populations, but they offer a new way of connecting these vibrant neighbourhoods with the movement of people constantly visiting the city.

Travel Tip: Our favela tours provide an opportunity to become immersed in an alternate Brazilian reality away from the golden white beaches and iconic landmarks – they are insightful, fascinating, and enriching experiences. In the hands of rdj4u, you can visit by jeep, bike, or on a walking tour.

The Museu do Amanhã is a model of sustainability / Image Source

BUILDING TOMORROW

The inauguration of the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) back in 2015 is a symbol of Rio’s ambitious urban development. The neo-futurist museum was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, with construction planned and implemented by members of leading universities in Brazil and other international organisations. The central concept of this new space is that tomorrow has yet to be defined – it must be built with the participation of individuals as citizens. It is was not conceived to house exhibits; rather it is a place where ideas can be shared that help us to reflect on how we build, over the next 50 years, a form of sustainable and harmonious coexistence with both the planet and each other.

Ball games on the beaches are popular activities with locals / Image Source

JOGA BONITO

Joga Bonito (Portuguese for play beautiful) was a term first used to refer to the Brazilian football team and their style of play; an approach defined by skill, pride, respect, and strength. Brazil is a major player in the world of sport and it is the ideal choice of host for the first Olympic Games in South America. Rio de Janeiro has already seen many great sporting events, most notably the World Cup finals of 1950 and 2014 played out in the mythical Maracana stadium. Sports and outdoor activities are infused into the very culture of this great city – the local people here live for their open-air pastimes. If you fancy getting involved in some local sport and adventure in your free time between events, there are plenty of options available – hiking, kayaking, football, beach volleyball, footvolley, and surfing. The possibilities are endless.

Travel Tip: Our sports and adventure tours can help you discover Rio an alternative way – hiking up Sugar Loaf Mountain, rappelling in Tijuca Forest, surfing in Prainha, or a tandem skydive over the city. We know have the scoop on what to do.

Museu do Açude is set amidst spectacular surroundings / Image Source

A CULTURAL BRUNCH

Those journeying to Rio de Janeiro this August are fortunate to be able to attend, on special Sundays until 11th September, a free musical spectacle at the Museu do Açude. Set amidst beautiful gardens in the heart of Tijuca forest, this fabulous space will entertain some of the most representative contemporary Brazilian musicians including Mart´nalia, Leila Pinheiro, Zé Renato, among others, who will together perform songs by the likes of classic composers Ivan Lins, Gonzaguinha, Tom Jobim, Chico Buarque, Guinga, and Walter Franco. An authentic cultural afternoon such as this would be the perfect complement to your weeks filled with non-stop world-class sporting action. For more information about the events, check out the museum’s website: museuscastromaya.com.br/

The fruit stands in Rio de Janeiro are quite stunning / Image Source

SUCOS BARS

The Sucos Bars (Juice Bars) of Rio de Janeiro are something really quite distinctive. Their fruits are an explosion of colour, exquisite flavours, and fine textures on the palate – to drink them is not simply to have a sweet pleasure, they are also the perfect way to quench your thirst on a hot and humid afternoon. The mixes are undoubtedly a moment of pure creativity; a representation of the cultural diversity on display here and the wealth of extravagance in Brazil. So, after you have done one of our adventure activities, regain your energies with one of these sumptuous refreshing drinks.

Travel Tip: With our catalogue of gastronomic tours, you can enjoy the real delights of Brazilian cuisine – indulge your senses with a chocolate tasting tour, sample a traditional feijoada with some classic local drinks, or stop off at the famous Churrascaria Palace steakhouse.

. . .

Solidarity, respect, inclusion, fairness, happiness, sustainability and harmony are the cornerstones of the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. They are expressed through many different events and activities on show throughout the two weeks in August. So, if in addition to catching some sport you want to take a tour of the city and uncover the local lifestyle and carioca culture, look no further than rdj4u.com – we have something for every traveller.

By David Luna Durán / Translated and Adapted by Simon Hall.