Rio De Janeiro: Best Trip EVER I Fear?!

The Journey

Getting to Rio was a trip in itself. I flew from Houston to Orlando, which should have been simple, but my Frontier flight was delayed three hours. I was already stressed thinking I was going to miss my connection and ruin the trip before it even started and honestly, something always goes wrong when I fly Frontier, so it was very on brand.

But that was not even the worst part.

Fun fact: if you are going to Brazil, you need a visa and you have to print it. You cannot show it on your phone at all. And trust me, I took that VERY seriously. I applied early, got approved in two business days, and made sure we had multiple copies printed in color AND black and white. I is Organized. I is Prepared. I is Responsible.

…I just forgot to pack mine.

I did not even realize it until I got to Orlando and the check-in agent asked me for it. My stomach dropped immediately because I really thought I was about to miss my flight. He was not helpful at first, there was a bit of a language barrier, and he made it seem like there was absolutely nowhere to print anything in the airport. So now I’m standing there trying to figure out if I need to leave the airport, Uber to a hotel, print one piece of paper, and somehow still make an international flight. Mind you, this is before I have even stepped foot in Brazil.

Honestly, he only started helping after my travel companion started speaking to him in Spanish, and then suddenly he offered to print it himself. Interesting! But at that point, I did not even care. I was just relieved it worked out because that could have easily turned into a much bigger issue.

From there, it was Orlando to Panama, then Panama to Rio. Panama actually has a really great stopover program where you can stay for a few days instead of just passing through. I did not take advantage of it this time, but I definitely would next time… or honestly, I would just book a nonstop because that travel day was loooooonnng.

When we finally landed in Rio, getting through the airport and customs was smooth, but the second you walk out, the taxi drivers are ON you. You really just have to keep walking and follow the signs on the floor to the Uber pickup. Don’t stop. Don’t engage. Just get the heck up outta there!

Then on the drive to our Airbnb, we passed a traffic stop where the police had huge guns and were pulling people out of a car, and I remember just sitting there like okayyyy… where exactly did we just land? Nothing happened to us, but it definitely caught me off guard a bit.

Our Airbnb made up for all of that though. It was nestled in Copacabana near Posto 6, about a five-minute walk to the beach, felt safe, was actually cute, and really felt like my own space. I had already decided it would be my go-to spot for future trips before we even unpacked. By the time we got in, it was late, we were exhausted, and sleep was the only plan.

Boa noite!

Day 1

It was our first full day in Rio and we had a packed itinerary! Christ the Redeemer, Feira Livre da Glória, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. If you have done any research, you know to get to Christ the Redeemer EARLY (like as soon as they open, early), so we got there around 8:15 and made it up by 9. 

When we first arrived there were a bunch of men in white polos telling everyone the trains were sold out and offering van rides for the same price, and I am not going to lie, they were very convincing. But we kept walking, went to the actual kiosk, and realized they were lying and trying to scam people, so do not fall for that! Tickets were about $25 USD and you just get in line for the train to take you up after.

We went on a Sunday and there was an actual church service going on at the top, which I thought was really beautiful, but it was also very crowded. Still, it did not take away from the experience at all. Seeing my first world wonder in person was surrealllll OMG! All I could do was just soak it in.

After that we went to Glória for the Sunday market, also known as Feira Livre da Glória, and when I say there were more vendors than you could imagine, I mean it. So much food, so much shopping, just a lot going on. I was on a mission to try my first caipirinha and I even ordered it fully in Portuguese. I got a passionfruit one, “maracujá” as they say, and it was so good. One thing I noticed is people really appreciate when you at least try to speak the language and I always make an effort to do so. We stayed there for hours eating, drinking, meeting people, and shopping.

After that we went to the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is not far from the market and definitely worth seeing. Later that evening, we tried to go to the Flamengo VS Fluminense derby, which was going to be my first soccer game, but we got there just after halftime and they do not let anyone in after halftime. So yeah um…we missed it.

Couldn’t be sad for long though because we found street food and ended up out in Lapa with good music, dancing, and great vibes. That was the end to our first official full day. 

Day 2

The next day we went to Escadaria Selarón, the famous steps, and I did not expect to stay as long as we did, but we were there for HOURS. There are vendors everywhere, music playing, and people take their pictures very seriously. If you want cleaner pictures, go early or later in the day, but I went mid morning and it did not bother me. It actually added to the energy, and I even got to witness a proposal, which I had never seen in real life before, so that was actually really sweet.

After that we tried to go to the beach for pictures, but it was so gloomy the sky was literally grey and the background was not giving whatsoever. We stayed for about an hour before going back to the Airbnb to get ready for dinner at Assador, a Brazilian steakhouse.

Dinner was full service, they bring everything to you, and you can eat as much as you want. Dangerous combination. I tried all types of steaks and meats and I even tried chicken hearts, which honestly just tasted like a type of sausage, but I probably would not try it again.

At some point, we started talking to the couple sitting next to us and ended up chatting with them almost the entire night. One thing about me, I will make a friend on vacation! By the end of dinner, we had all decided to go out together afterward.

It was a Monday night, so the only real option was Pedra do Sal, so we all shared an Uber and went. As soon as we got there we ordered caipirinhas (of course!) and got into the vibe. I do want to say this, because nobody really prepares you for it. There is a very BIG kissing culture in Rio and it is not surprising if a stranger tries to kiss you… in the mouth… with a little tongue…

WHAT!?

But, they also understand no means no, so do not let that scare you. Before going to Rio I probably would have said “Hell no!”, but the city has a way of changing you, if you catch my drift ;) All of a sudden, a beijo (kiss) did not sound so bad coming from the right person. 

We partied, we sweat, we drank, and then we sweat even more. I got my first kiss that night from a stranger, on the cheek of course! (You filthy animal!) But not everything was fun and games. A girl got her phone stolen literally out of the phone case that was tied to her wrist, which was my moment of realizing okay… they do not play out here. You really have to stay alert.

And then our night ended in complete chaos when our new friend sliced her foot open on a broken glass bottle. A nearby vendor tried to help clean and wrap it, but at that point the night was over. Her phone had died, her boyfriend’s Uber app was not working, and I was quick to say they could just come with us and we would figure it out. We added their hotel as a stop after ours and made sure they got back safely.

In spite, I enjoyed myself greatly.

Day 3

The next day is when things started to get weird. We left the Airbnb late, which annoyed me because I like to be out the door by 10 AM on vacation. Anything later than that and I start feeling like the day is slipping away, but everything happens for a reason.

We went to Nusa Café, a spot I kept seeing on TikTok, and while we were waiting for a table I felt people staring at me. I ignored it at first because I am 6’1, people stare, it happens. 

But then I hear “I KNOW YOU F$@#ING LYING” and my first thought is …

American?

I turn around and it is someone I went to college with who ALSO lives in Houston! I have never run into someone I know while traveling, so I genuinely felt like I was in the twilight zone.

We ended up sitting with him and his friends, never even getting our own table because we were too deep in conversation and mimosas. Our schedules were open so we all decided to go to the beach together, and we had a tiiiimmmmmmeeeee… WHEW!

Music, food, drinks, hair braiding, massages, just vibing. Then out of nowhere it started pouring, like serious rain, so we ran into the nearest beach vendor’s tent and turned it into our own party. The vendor even let me work for a few minutes making caipirinhas. I always told my mom I was going to move to a foreign country making cocktails on the beach for a living, and this gave me a sneak peek into that life. 

We were not ready for the day to end so we all went back to our Airbnb, had some meaningful conversations and libations, and then went to Pagode da Garagem. And when I say this was my favorite night, I mean it. We partied for hours, listened to the best music, and met some of the most amazing people. 

At some point our friends headed out, but me and my homegirl were not done yet. We ended up meeting another group and just kept the night going with them. One thing about Rio, if you are open to it, the night will keep finding you. We kept partying, and somehow that turned into us going to watch the sunrise on the beach.

Yea, I love it here!

Day 4

We finally went back to the Airbnb and knocked out for a few hours, and when I woke up I decided to take some time for myself. I went on a solo breakfast date, did some shopping, and walked around Copacabana. Later I met back up with everyone and that night we went to try the soccer game again, this time arriving on time.

As soon as we walked in, we saw none other than David Dobrik. I am not even going to lie, I do not really know of him like that, but I did get a picture… for the plot. The game itself though? INSANE. The chants, the flags, the drums, you could feel how much they love their team. Meanwhile, I barely knew what was going on and still found myself getting emotionally invested. By the end of the night, I felt like I had accidentally become a fan. (& FIFA is coming to Houston this summer… so who taking me??)

After the game we went to a gay drag club, but I am not even going to lie, the music was not giving and I accidentally broke a bottle, so it was time to go!

Luckily, we got invited to another spot called Substation. But getting in was a whole situation because apparently you had to be on the list. So there we were outside just confidently throwing out fake names and hoping for the best.

And somehow.. it actually worked!(wtf) I can’t believe my luck sometimes.

Once we got inside, the first thing we saw was someone laid out on a table getting a tattoo??? 

And I just remember thinking… where the hell are we?

Day 5 

We stayed and partied there until the sun came up, which would’ve been fine if we didn't have a 14 hour excursion booked that same morning. We got back to the Airbnb around 6:30 and had to be ready for pickup at 7, so my biggest mistake and famous last words were “I’m just going to lay down for a quick 20 minute nap.”

Next thing I know, I am being woken up in a panic. We were late.

We somehow still caught our ride, but the driver was irritated, which was fair. The van? Terrible. It was so cramped, I was sitting knees to chest in there the entire time catching charley horses.

SOMEBODY SEDATE ME.

The excursion was a boat tour in Angra dos Reis, but it was cloudy, chilly, and I do not swim, so I was just there. Mind you, it was a three hour commute there and back. This was easily my least favorite day. Hungover, cramped, rocking on a boat. Not the vibe at all.

That night though, we bounced back. We went out to Fundição Progresso in Lapa and had a ball. I remember feeling extremely turnt and extremely hungry. So right after, we stopped at  a hot dog stand outside and I enjoyed mine so much, I decided everyone else needed one too. So then I ordered a round of hotdogs??? At least seven to start, then I added more, then more again. Next thing I know, I had ordered twelve hot dogs like I was feeding the city. I think inebriated me truly thought I was doing community service lol.

I have got to stop drinking.

We club hopped until the wee hours of the morning and it was a night well spent. 

Day 6

The next morning I took myself out for steak and cheese and they served me a full feast. I know I looked greedy, but I did not care and I enjoyed every bit of it. Everyone else was having a rest day, but my version of a rest day looked like açaí bowls, walking Copacabana, getting the biggest caipirinhas I could find, and laying on the beach at night listening to music and talking. It was actually one of my favorite, more peaceful moments. 

My flight was originally booked to leave this night, but it just didn’t feel right so I extended my trip by another day and I’m glad I did.

By the later evening, everyone was recovered enough to hit the town again. Partying every night had absolutely become part of the itinerary at this point. We tried Pedra do Sal again, but it was not the same, so we went to Black Rio which was really cool and felt like where all the Black people in Brazil were. We made more friends, were taught dances and partied all night. Before going home, around 6 am, I stopped at a diner for breakfast by myself and it was kind of nasty, but funny enough to remember.

How do you mess up a cheeseburger? 

Day 7

When I woke up a few hours later, the sun was finally out. God bless.

We had been dealing with cloudy weather basically the entire trip, and after extending the trip, we got a full sunny day. It felt like a reward. So we did the only thing that made sense.

We spent the entire day at the beach.

No plans or rushing around. Just laying out, taking pictures, talking, and actually taking it all in for what it was. After everything we had done the days before, it felt like the perfect way to end the trip.

Valeu!

When I say Rio is my favorite travel destination thus far? TUH! I mean it

I had been dreaming about this trip for yeeeaaaarrrssss, and it honestly felt like there was no better time than now. I’m grateful for every experience, every adventure, every random connection, every chaotic moment, and every memory that came with it.

This trip reminded me how much I love traveling, how much I enjoy connecting with people, and how alive I feel when I’m experiencing something completely new.

And if Rio taught me anything, it is this:

Say yes to the adventure. Talk to the strangers. Go dance. Take the extra day. Order the caipirinha.

…Maybe not twelve hot dogs though.

I truly enjoyed myself and I am already plotting on going back as soon as possible.

I love you Rio.

Obrigadaaaaaaaaa.