GuideFrancophoneRiodeJaneiro don’t call Rio Cidade Maravilhosa (mar-AH-luh-HOS) the Marvelous City for nothing. While its beaches and the iconic Corcovado mountain and Christ statue quicken your pulse and set your senses alight, there is much more to this extraordinary city than these well-trod tourist routes. On a Rio cultural tour, your local guide unveils layers of history and culture that many visitors miss.
Discover Rio’s Portuguese heritage in a pretty little neighborhood that feels like a small slice of Portugal. Among the highlights: old shuttered houses and quiet cobblestone streets.
Take in a massive street art mural at this former port district. This formerly desolate area has been transformed into a wide promenade of giant works that showcase the talents of many Brazilian artists.
Lost in Translation No More: Your French Guide to Rio de Janeiro
Learn about the complex history of this city and its inhabitants on a non-intrusive, community-based walking tour of one of Rio’s favelas. This unique experience lets you see a different side of this city that is often portrayed as a dangerous, drug-filled slum. This is a great way to understand Brazil beyond the sexy beaches and big-name attractions.
This is not an easy thing to do on your own, but it will provide you with a perspective of this city that you won’t get on any other tour. If you choose to do this, make sure to be very clear about what you are going in for and to be extremely careful. Also, be sure to carry your passport and have a large amount of cash with you in case you need to get out quickly.