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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from a Flightie's Perspective

Brazil has very quickly become a popular tourist destination and it’s not hard to see why... Colourful, vibrant buildings and people, famous beaches so beautiful you would think you are on a tropical island somewhere in the world, the most delicious food and of course, you can't forget about their all-time famous Caipirinhas. The best part for South Africans? You don't need a visa!

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2min read

Published 25 June 2025

Flight Centre Author
By

Bianca Grealey

Digital Campaign & Partnerships Lead


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Brazil has very quickly become a popular tourist destination and it’s not hard to see why... Colourful, vibrant buildings and people, famous beaches so beautiful you would think you are on a tropical island somewhere in the world, the most delicious food and of course, you can't forget about their all-time famous Caipirinhas. The best part for South Africans? You don't need a visa!


In this blog


Here is a deeper look into what my holiday in this vibrant city was like, along with tips and suggestions.

Getting to Rio de Janeiro:

Many airlines fly to Rio de Janeiro but the best and fastest way to get there is to fly with either South African Airways or Brazil's International airline, Latam. Both offer the most direct option with around a 9-hour flight to Sao Paulo and then less than an hour to the heart of Rio. If you are on a tighter budget, then you could look at options via the UAE, but prepare for longer flights and layovers. Weigh up how much time you have to spend in Rio with your budget and use that as a guideline to find the best-suited flight. We flew direct on SAA to maximise on the time we had in Rio – it was super convenient.

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Expert tip

Catching an Uber or a Taxi is very easy and affordable when it comes to getting around Rio's hotspots. Taking a walk is also a great option as you get to explore at the same time.

Bianca

Digital Campaign & Partnerships Lead

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Where to stay

No one wants to go to Rio without a stay in Copacabana. This was the perfect balance of beaches, indulging in traditional dishes, cultural insights and lively nightlife for us. Here are some highlights that we experienced while we were there:

  • Copacabana Beach: World-renowned for its golden sands, clear warm waters, and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re into relaxing on the beach, swimming, or just enjoying the view, it’s one of the best beaches to be on in Rio.
  • Vibrant Nightlife: Copacabana is known for its bustling nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Rio’s famous party scene, from beachside bars to high-end venues.
  • Beautiful Views: The beach offers incredible views of the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. The promenade itself, with its unique wave-patterned tiles, is perfect for a walk, offering scenic views and a lively atmosphere.
  • Iconic Landmarks: Copacabana is home to some significant landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer, a symbol of Brazil and seen from many parts of the city so if you don't get a chance to go to the top, you still go to see this impressive landmark. No visit is complete without a trip to Sugar Loaf Mountain which is best to get to by a 2-stage cable car. both landmarks have panoramic views of the city and ocean.
  • Festivals & Events: Copacabana is a prime spot during Rio Carnival, one of the world’s most famous festivals. The area comes alive with samba music, street parades, and beach parties. Outside of Carnival, there are often other events like beach volleyball tournaments and concerts. They also host one of the biggest New Years parties in the world with an impressive 12-minute fire work display over the ocean as mid-night hits.
  • Water Sports and Activities: Beyond relaxing on the beach, you can try water sports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. The beach is perfect if you are active - Beach volleyball and Frescobol are popular amongst the locals so whether you are a spectator or joining in on the fun, you are bound to have a good time.
  • Location: Copacabana is centrally located in Rio, making it an ideal base to explore the city. It’s close to other famous neighbourhoods like Ipanema, Lapa, and the city’s downtown area.
  • Food: The area has an incredible food scene, with options ranging from casual beachside cafes offering fresh coconut water and acai bowls to high-end restaurants serving seafood and Brazilian cuisine. Some must try traditional dishes are: Feijoada, Pão de queijo, Pastels and Farofa - to name just a few. I’m sure I had a Pastel every single day – trust me, they are divine!

Another great way to experience different parts of Rio is to split your stay which is exactly what we chose to do. We spent a few nights in Copacabana taking in the city lights, lively streets where the party never stopped and of course, we shopped. Then we hired a car and set off to Buzios, just a few hours' drive away from the city. It’s a popular beach town known as an upscale holiday destination with plenty of beaches and great nightlife.

Búzios offered us the perfect mix of natural beauty, relaxed vibes on stunning beaches full of marine life and water sports, adventure, and cultural charm. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Brazil’s coastal destinations.

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Things to know

Currency: The Brazilian real (+/- 3 ZAR to 1 BRL)

Language: Portuguese but with a Brazilian influence (Brazilian Portuguese)

Getting around: Uber or Taxi - they are everywhere and very affordable

Shopping: The shopping does not disappoint. You can visit the malls or street markets where you can buy souvenirs, hand-crafted goods and clothing.

Best time to visit: December to March is peak season and when all the festivities are happening

Food: Some must-try dishes include feijoada (a black bean stew), coxinha (chicken croquettes), pão de queijo (cheese bread), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and acai bowls


Top Things to Do in Brazil in 2025

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How much do things cost

Caipirinha: R22-R50 depending on where you buy. If you are buying from street markets (which are totally safe) then you are looking at the lesser price

Pastel: A delicious fried party filled with savoury ingredients. R19-R38 depending on whether you buy from a food market or restaurant

Uber: Depending how far you travel but on average a 15-minute Uber ride will cost around R76 and everywhere in Rio is quite close

Budget meal for: R20-R60 for a budget lunch

3-course meal for 2 at a Mid-range Restaurant: R150-R450

Soft drink: Between R10-R15

Beer: A local beer is around R10-R20 for a draught and Imported Beer is R10-R30 for a small bottle

Cappuccino: R6-R16

Brazil was by far one of my most favourite trips of all time. I got to experience a little bit of everything – I love the people, food, nightlife, shopping and beautiful scenery. It’s not a case of would I ever go back; it’s more a case of; I AM going back!

I booked my trip with Flight Centre – they curated the perfect holiday package so we could experience everything it has to offer and more. You can easily explore packages or contact a Travel Expert to help you plan your Brazilian holiday.

Check out our Travel Guide for Rio de Jeneiro

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rio-de-jeneiro
Flight Centre Author

Digital Campaign & Partnerships Lead


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