Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 1/8/2006

Question
I will be touring Rio de Janiero in June.  I will go on one day trip to Corcovado and that area. The following day I would like to see more of the city. What are some areas and highlights that I should not miss?
Thanks ,
Wendi

Answer
Hi Wendi.
That depends on what you want to see? Live music? Some bossa nova history? Natural parks? Tropical islands? Gardens? Architecture?

Off top of head, must sees in Rio are the Jardim Botanico (Botanical Gardens) and Pedra de Gavea (Gavea Point, or Gavea Rock) -- great views of Rio. You go there at sunset.

Now, I can recommend two private tour guides and you can tell them exactly what you want to see and they can help you. Here is the link to one of them: http://www.culturalrio.com.br/

His name is Carlos Roquette.  Speaks English fluently.

Feel free to email me directly at rapoza@igc.org.

Are you going alone? HOw old are you, if you dont mind me asking? All of this info is helpful for me to give you some ideas on what to do there.

This is an old story that I wrote,but it is worth reading about safety in Rio:

http://www.boston.com/travel/articles/2003/09/28/savvy_is_key_to_safety_in_rio/

Boa viagem. (Have a nice trip!)

ken