Info About Rio

About Rio

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, worldwide known for its natural scenarios, carnival, samba, bossa nova and famous beaches. With a population of more than 6 million people, Rio hosts the headquarters of important Brazilian companies of oil, mining and telecommunications, including two of the biggest corporations of the country: Petrobras and Vale. The city is also home for  many universities and institutes that together constitute a preeminent research and development center in Brazil.

Program Location

Hilton Copacabana Hotel
Av. Atlântica, 1020 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ

Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) 
Praia de Botafogo, 190- Rio de Janeiro, RJ 

Julieta de Serpa
Praia do Flamengo, 340- Rio de Janeiro - RJ

What to do

Christ the Redeemer
Elected one of the new seven wonders in the world, Christ the Redeemer is the biggest and most famous statue Art Déco of the world and represents the main postcard of Rio de Janeiro. 
It is located 700 meters above the sea at the Tijuca’s National Park and it is visited by over one million people every year.

Sugarloaf
Inaugurated in 1912, Sugarloaf was the first major tourist spot in Brazil and the third of its kind in the world. Offering one of the  most beautiful views of the city, Sugarloaf cable car connects Sugarloaf Mountain and Urca Hill, providing a unique experience for its visitors. 

Botanical Garden
A serene, verdant oasis in the midst of the bustling city. Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) offers a chance to see and learn about both Amazonian and imported plants. There are over 6,500 species of plant contained in the 133-acre (54-hectare) plot, as well as an important research facility and a botanical library.

Museum of Tomorrow
The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) is an innovative cultural space addressing the future of the planet designed by architect, engineer and artist Santiago Calatrava. Located in the Port Zone of Rio de Janeiro (Porto Maravilha), it explores the future of the world and presents possibilities for transformations.

Maracanã Stadium
Maracanã Stadium has been the scenery of the most important Brazilian soccer classic so far. Inaugurated in July 16th, 1950, it received the World cup games of that year and some matches of the World championship 2014. Also hosted the Confederations cup of 2013, ceremonies of the Pan American games of 2007 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in 2016. Besides the sport competitions, Maracanã has been a stage for important events and shows.

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Lagoa is a lake located in the upscale neighborhood Lagoa, just a few blocks away from the beaches in Ipanema and Leblon. It occupies an enormous space of 2.4 million square-meters.It is also a nice place for nautical sports like canoeing, as well as to make picnic and relax.

For more suggestions and information access Rio’s oficial tourism webpage: visit.rio/en

Airport Arrival and Departure

The average driving time from Galeão airport (GIG) to Hilton Copacabana Hotel is 45 minutes, however, this may change according to traffic. If you are leaving Rio de Janeiro from the SDU Airport, the average driving time is 15 minutes. 

Handy Telephone Numbers

  • Emergency Medical Center (Pronto Socorro) – 192
  • Tourist Police Station (Deatur) - (21) 2332-2924
  • Police Battalion in Tourist Areas (BPTUR) – (21) 2332-7949
  • Police (Polícia) – 190
  • Fire Brigade (Corpo de Bombeiros) – 193
  • Consumer Defense (Procon) – 151
  • Traffic Emergency (Acidente de Trânsito) – 156
  • Women’s Assistance Police Station (Delegacia da Mulher) – 180

International Calls

  • Dial 00 followed by a company access code + country code + state code + number
  • Brazilians companies access codes: 21 (Embratel) and 15 (Telefonica)
  • Telephone information and assistance for local, abroad or collect calls (in English): 0800-7032100 and 0800-70321

General Tips

  • November brings spring weather to Rio de Janeiro. Thus, there are few clouds in the sky and the temperatures are on the rise, ranging from 28°C to 35°C. To feel comfortable in Brazil’s tropical climate, wear clothing made of light materials that will help  keep you cool. Light cottons and similar natural fibers are usually good choices.
  • Always leave traveler’s checks, passports and air tickets in the hotel safe deposit box. However, visitors should carry with them at all times some form of ID, such as a photocopy of their passports.
  • Don’t carry large sums of money and consider wearing a money belt. Most of Rio de Janeiro’s stores and restaurants accept credit cards. Moreover, it is possible to exchange your national currency to Reais in banks, exchange offices or by taking money from an ATM. You will find a lot of options around Copacabana Beach. Bank hours in Brazil are from 10am to 4pm and you will need to present your ID to exchange any amount of money.
  • In Brazil there are two associated plug types: types C and N (the official standard). Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins. Type N consists of two pins and a grounding pin. Brazil operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz. 
  • It is recommended to take the vaccine against yellow fever and COVID - 19 before coming to Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro most pharmacies are opened 24 hours and you are able to get basic treatments and orientations regarding medications with the pharmacist on duty.

Safety

BELONGINGS/TRANSPORTATION

  • Buy locks for your luggage before traveling and when you arrive make sure they are intact and that nothing went missing.
  • If your luggage goes missing, do not leave the airport before filing a claim with the airline.
  • Every airport in Rio de Janeiro counts with a Tourist Police Station.
  • Expensive items such as notebooks and professional cameras should go with you on the plane, in your hand luggage, and it is advised to have their invoice or receipt with you.
  • Do not leave your belongings unattended at any time.
  • Do not take any transportation that is not licensed. Always check whether your taxi has the company details on the outside.

HOTEL

  • When arriving at the hotel, make sure to leave your luggage with the hotel staff wearing uniform and credentials. Do not accept help from strangers.
  • When you go out, ask the hotel staff for information, they will be able to help you with directions and tips of places to visit.
  • Use the safe deposit box. Do not leave expensive items or money hanging in the room when you are not there.

AVOID

  • Avoid the city center at night. Mostly commercial areas get quite empty and dangerous after stores are closed.
  • Avoid the Red Light District between Atlantic Avenue and Nossa Senhora de Copacabana (Lido Square Region). Even though it is a calm place during the day, this place become rough at night.
  • Avoid the subways located in the Aterro do Flamengo region.
  • Avoid going out on the streets wearing jewelry and designer clothes or shoes of famous brands.
  • Avoid handling money, using your cellphone or camera in the streets, or inside the car during traffic jam.
  • Avoid talking or buying from strangers on the streets as they might try to scam you.
  • Avoid using the ATM in empty areas. Be aware of your surroundings - move away from the machine as soon as you see something suspicious. If the withdrawal fails retrieve your card and try another ATM.

TRY

  • Try wearing your bag in front of you when riding buses or the metro to avoid pickpockets.
  • Try going around in groups, especially at night.
  • Try using apps such as UBER and 99 to guarantee an honest trip in the city.
  • Try booking accommodation in the south zone of the city (zona sul).
  • Try doing shopping in groups.
  • Try going inside a shop or restaurant if you need to use your phone to take a call or look at directions.