I have so much information on Rio de Janeiro and I don’t even know where to begin lol. After visiting Christ the Redeemer, I explored more of Rio on my first day. The next stop was a lagoon and Ipanema.
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is in the Zona Sul area of Rio de Janeiro. The lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing seawater to enter by a canal along the edge of a park locally known as Jardim de Alah. From the lagoon, you can see the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Also, you can get on the duck boat and have a leisurely tour on the Lagoon.
The best part is chilling with your travel buddy.
Or soaking up the sun.
Ipanema
Once we were done, it was time to check out Ipanema, made famous to Americans by Frank Sinatra. I will be honest, I’ve heard the word Ipanema but didn’t realize it was a song (or a city). The streets are shaded and perfect for a stroll or skip.
I stopped for an espresso at Garota de Ipanema, the cafe where the original Brazilian version of the song was composed.
Rather than calling a taxi or Uber, we decided to walk from Ipanema to our hotel in Copacabana which was about 2.5 miles. Even though I complained a little, I enjoyed the walk and it allowed me to see more of Rio. Later that evening, my friend and I decided to have dinner at Adega Perla. It was a “dive” spot that only served tapas.
We had an assortment of seafood.
And my friend enjoyed her sardines.