The Ultimate Brazilian Getaway to Rio de Janeiro

As one of the most famous and exciting cities in South America, Rio de Janeiro is a popular destination for travelers from all around the world.

Unless you have spent a lot of time in Rio yourself, one of the best resources to plan a trip for clients to go there will be a host agency for travel agents. Agencies like Travel Planners International can help agents get the tips and recommendations they need to ensure that clients have memorable getaways to Rio. Here are just some of the highlights that should go on any traveler’s itinerary.

Corcovado Mountains

When many people think of Rio de Janeiro, they picture the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue and the stunning blue water along the coast of the city. You can get these images from a postcard, or you can see them for yourself from the incredible vantage points on the Corcovado Mountains.

Hiking trails are popular among the fittest travelers, but there is also a regular tram service and the option of getting a taxi to the top. You’ll see the lagoon called Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas as well as Guanabara Bay, and the bright lights of the city make the nighttime views just as spectacular as those during the day.

Visit One of Rio’s Soccer Stadiums

Soccer, known as futebol in Brazil, is more than just the nation’s favorite pastime. It is almost a religion, and there are several major teams that play in Rio de Janeiro. Thanks to the 2014 World Cup being held in Rio, the stadiums have been improved and are now among the best anywhere in the world.

If at all possible, catch a game at the Marcana Stadium, which is the largest soccer stadium in all of South America and also houses the Soccer Museum. Another stadium within the city of Rio de Janeiro is the Estádio Olímpico João Havelange, which will be used during the 2016 Olympics.

Copacabana Beach

With a warm climate and thousands of miles of coastline, it is no secret that Brazil is home to some truly spectacular beaches. Perhaps the most famous of all, however, is Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro.

The beach itself boasts almost three miles of picture-perfect white sand and blue waters, and there are countless songs and movies that feature Copacabana. With hotels lining the coastline, this is a popular tourism destination, particularly on New Year’s Eve when visitors and locals alike fill the beach celebrating the arrival of the coming year until the early hours of the morning.

Carnival Museum

One of the things that Rio de Janeiro is most famous for is its annual Carnival (in Portuguese Carnaval). Taking place annually just before Lent, Carnival is a vibrant celebration that transforms the city into an enormous party full of parades, dancing, drinking and fun. An estimated five million people are in the streets at any given time during the event.

Unfortunately, not all travelers can be in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival. If you can’t be there in person, the next best thing is visiting the Carnival Museum. With live music and dancing as well as the history of the celebration, it’s the best way to see what it is all about.

A host agency for travel agents is key when it comes to finding the best deals, flights, accommodation and entertainment for clients heading to Rio.