Sunday, February 12, 2017

8 Ways to do Rio on the Cheap

8 Ways to do Rio on the Cheap
 


Known as the "wonderful city", Rio de Janeiro is one of the hottest travel destinations of the world and the most visited city in all of the southern hemisphere.  Nature lovers and the polishers to mold town as can find something to enjoy in the varied terrain that Rio has to offer, its mountains and rainforests to beaches and the concrete of downtown playground.  With the Olympics approaching, the costs to visit  Rio de Janeiro are expected to skyrocket.

But wait a minute! Do not move Rio to the bottom of your list of places to visit immediately.  A real recorded are a real win and we have compiled a few ways to save you money so you can enjoy more of Rio de Janeiro without burning your money belt.  Here are 8 ways to do Rio on the Cheap (or free).

Eating Lanches and fresh fruit

Lanches burger and fresh watermelon juice

We all know that you can only cut so many corners when it comes to food, especially in a city so full of excellent options.  If it is difficult to refuse the churrascaria, most of us cannot eat a barbecue Brazilian buffet every day, and who would, certainly there are so many other local food to enjoy in the most populous city of the Brazil?  If you are looking for something lighter, faster or even on-the-go, lanches may very well make the perfect meal.

Lanches, which means "snacks" in Portuguese, are usually eaten between breakfast and dinner, but it is all too common to see people take their meals of sandwiches and burgers standing at the counter of a bar of Leman.  You can also find a variety of fruit and acai juice in these bars, which seem to be on almost every corner.  LANCHES bars offer a variety of different foods, including the pasteis or "plots" of French fries, tasty pies filled with beef, chicken, shrimp, or cheese. The best part?  Lanches bars are usually inexpensive and depending on where you go, a little money can easily enough for a meal.

Do not forget that the country you are traveling has a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that won't come as cheap or delicious (not to mention huge!) anywhere else in the world.  Lawyers, passion fruit, Cherimoyas, persimmons, caju, mangosteens, mangoes, guavas, pineapples, bananas, plums, papayas, the list is long of local varieties in this country. Fruits can be purchased cheaply in grocery stores and you'll be amazed how much fruit you can get for a few reais. When it comes to shopping in the markets, you can easily save a pretty penny by preparing your own breakfast every day.  A Brazilian breakfast of bread, cold cuts, cheese and fruit will cost you much less if you buy in the market instead of coffee.

Explore the Tijuca Rainforest

The Tijuca tropical forest is the largest urban forest in the world, covering more than 12 miles square just next to the city.  Although he was previously allowed to cultivate coffee and sugar, the trees have been replanted in the 19th century to protect the city's water supply.  Although there are many guided tours in the National Park, you can also independently explore the Tijuca Rainforest walk and meet countless wildlife in their natural habitat, and rare plants such as the capuchin monkeys, sloths, birds and armadillos.  Don't forget to stop in beautiful waterfalls, Vista Chinesa and incredible views of the Rio you wouldn't see otherwise.

Transport using BikeRio

Biking in front of Teatro Municipal
ATV in front of the Theatre Municipal

Rio is a large city and explore it in its entirety on foot would certainly be a lot of time, but without a car, the only other option would be to transport in common, which is great and as inexpensive, but can sometimes limit your point of view of the city. Furthermore, some areas ensure a long stop for photos or a seated meal. This is where public bike-sharing program in Rio is very practical and can change the way you see the city.
BikeRio has stations throughout the city so that everyone can get on a bike and return at another station for a small fee.  All you need is a number of Brazilian cell phone (easily acquired if you buy a SIM card for only a few dollars), a credit card and $5 Reais for spend a day or $10 Reais for a month pass.  BikeRio is convenient with bike racks are distributed on and very well located near the neighborhoods and attractions.  In addition, if you only need a bike to get from here to there less than 30 minutes, it's free!  Just be sure to make your bike within the time limit.

Recommendation for a bike ride: start near Parque Flamengo, along the Avenida Infante Dom. Henrique all the way to Leblon.  This route will take you along the sea front with great views on Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, through neighborhoods driven by Ipanema and Copacabana for the side Leblon amateur, with many BikeRio stops in the meantime, if you want to park and have a snack or a drink.

Hiking to Christ the Redeemer

some of the attractions of Rio do not charge entry fees for the view, but simply for the transport to get to the vista, like Christ the Redeemer.  In this case, you have the option to save your money and take the panoramic road.  A hike from the city to the top of Mount Corcovado Christ Redeemer takes about two hours and gives you a chance to visit Parque Lage, waterfalls and discover safe and climate of forest tropical canopies.   With a bit of extra energy and time, the views from the top that will be much sweeter.

The view from the Christo
The view from Christo

To relax on the beaches

The best things in life are free, and that includes the Sun, sand and sea in Rio de Janeiro. If it was the first in a photo or a movie, we all saw the views famous and beautiful crowd of Copacabana.  Beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, next to the other and are the perfect place to ask and enjoy a coco verde or to swim and play in the water.

Parties and art in Lapa

Walk through the historic district of Lapa is a must for anyone interested in the art and Brazilian culture Bohemia.  Discover the Lapa Arches, colonial buildings on Rua da Lavradio, which have been converted into shops and restaurants, and of course, the emblematic stages of Lapa, also known as the Escadaria Selaron.  A first meeting for intellectuals, artists and creatives, overflows of Lapa with free cultural experiences, the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Teatro Odisseia to street art beautifully detailed painted on the walls.

In the night, Lapa is the hotspot for clubs, nightlife and music, especially of Samba.  He is also famous for its street party in front of the arches on weekends.  All are welcome, and it costs nothing to dance. While many bars keep drinks side early in the morning, some clubs offer free or entry and drinks at will for a much lower price than you might be used to in your home country.

Free Walking Tours

So that you can organize many local excursions with your hostel, hotel, or Walker Tours online, free offer free tours on a basic advice only.  They offer free guided walking tours to Ipanema and Copacabana, downtown and Lapa, visits to the food in the analyses of Santa Teresa and Lapa and Ipanema pub.  For more information, visit their Web site. (Note: food and pub crawl tours cost $60 Reais.)

Jardim Botanico (botanical gardens)

A simple 9 reais to admission will provide what many call the best value in the city.  Located in the South Zone of Rio, the Botanical Garden has over 6 500 species of local and foreign flora and many artistic, historical and archaeological monuments.  In the gardens, visitors can stroll through Lakes, caves, additional gardens and Parque Lage, a public park to see beautifully well-kept landscapes, fountains and ponds.  There are also free daily racing for spectators. Food and drinks are sold in the Jockey Club for reasonable prices, and bets can be placed for as little as 2 Reais.



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