Rio is famous for many things,
like the pulsating Carnaval, Copacabana beach (plus 45 miles of other soft
white beaches), Samba ... and much, much more!
We have a variety of Projects
available in Rio de Janeiro.
Please select from the buttons
on the left the type of projects you think would interest you.
This page provides information about
the city of Rio de Janeiro and the type of
accommodation that you'll stay in if you choose to do a project here.
"I have never met such happy people
in all my life, Carioca's love to sing and dance and this for me was a
great thing to experience. I would definitely recommend a trip out to
Rio, it really was the best time of my life!"
Stephanie White
From the top of Corcovado Mountain, where the statue of
Christ stands, you will see the most incredible 360 degree views of Rio.
The colourful city of Rio,
jammed between miles of coastline and mountains, is regarded as one of the
world’s greatest and most beautiful cities in the world. It pulses with life
and deserves its reputation as Cidade Maravilhosa (Wonderful City). The
inhabitants of Rio, known locally as Carioca’s, pursue pleasure like no
other people, fully utilizing their impressive
beaches with beautiful people, samba, ice cold beers and the local
firewater, cachaça!
Rio is often considered as
the cultural heart of Brazil and hosts the most impressive Carnaval
celebrations, which seem to get grander each year. The infectious samba beat
has Carioca’s of all ages out on the streets to join in the party.
In Rio, you talk to
people, even if you don’t speak the same language, and you'll dance until late.
A wander through the streets
will always lead you somewhere exciting, and that somewhere is often the beach!
Rio hosts 45 miles of soft white beach including the infamous Copacabana…
Rio
has many other famous landmarks which have added to its worldwide popularity
– Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Statue of Christ are undoubtedly the most
iconic. The outstretched arms of Christ seem to embrace the entire city and
due to the monuments location at the top of Corcovado Mountain, can be seen
from almost any part of Rio. On a clear day you’ll have 360º views, allowing
you to appreciate the varied landscape that characterises Rio; from the
sprawling inner city areas to the forested mountains of the Tijuca forest
which divides the city in two. In front of it is a
tropical blue sea littered with a hundred shades of tanned flesh.
Rio’s diverse population
are estimated at around 7 million (with a further 4 million in the
surrounding areas), but with the expanse of inner city slum dwellings -
known locally as favelas - this figure is rising and very difficult to
gauge accurately. Many migrants from poor rural areas arrive in Rio in
search of work, but due to restrictions on securing rental property and the
demand for space, they are often forced to live in the favelas. These are
the poorest and usually the most dangerous areas of the city, often located
on the steep hillsides or on the outskirts of Rio.
Favelas are easily
distinguishable – they consist of unfinished concrete structures, built on
top of each other and at all angles in huge sprawling settlements. Many
favelas are in very poor condition, with
limited access to utilities such as running water, electricity, and sewage
facilities. The government are
almost powerless to control the rapid expansion of these areas, particularly
as gang related crime and drugs are a real problem.
Despite this, a lot of the residents are people who work hard
for their money and have honest jobs, and most favelas
have an established
community complete with grocery markets, clothing stores and
other types of small businesses.
Theenchantment of Rio is found in
it's people.Carioca’s are very
proud that people from all areas of Rio, including the favelas, are able to
share the same facilities and beaches, and this is something which makes the
atmosphere in Rio so diverse. During the day,
it is the cafés and beach that rule the scene. This stretch of the city
thrives as the sun shines. At night, the clubs, restaurants and dance halls
dominate. This is a world designed for spontaneity and mingling.
"Those leaving after a stay in the city, apart from
memories of the music, the flavours and the colours, take also something
that has no translation - Saudade - (pronounced sau-dá-dji). It is the
feeling of nostalgia, of missing something that you had while in Rio, and
the certainty that the feeling will only go away when you come back. It is
not for nothing that the greatest symbol of the city is waiting for you with
open arms. Always." Rio Convention Bureau
You don't need any qualifications to
participate in a placement in Brazil. To read about the extensiveSupport & Backup we provide in our countries,
please click here.
THINGS TO DO IN RIO:
Visit the beach!
At whatever time of year the beach is the place to go and there are few
cities with as many beaches as Rio. The beach is a way of life for Cariocas.
Choose from the famous Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra de Tijuca (pronounced Ba-ha),
and Leblon, to name but a few! Copacabana is probably the world's
most famous beach, with 3 miles of sunbathers and beach parties in front of
one of the most densely populated cities on the planet.
From the scalloped beach
you can see the granite slabs that surround the entrance to the bay of
Ipanema, Rio's most chic beach for the rich and the beautiful.
Brazilians prefer busy beaches, with crowds of people,
beach volleyball players, food sellers and sun tanners.
Rio’s beaches are the
ideal location for the pursuit of sporting activities.. on any one day you
are likely to find Carioca’s enjoying volleyball, futevolley (volleyball but
where you can’t use your hands!) and beach soccer – you’ll be amazed at the
locals skill at such games!
Futebol (soccer) is the national obsession, and
if you can play the game or talk about it meaningfully you'll become an
instant hit with the locals. Never is the city more alive than during a
football game so its fitting that Rio is the location of Maracana Football
stadium, the largest stadium in the world. Many football legends have played
on the soil in this ground.
During the summer (October
to March), temperatures soar and frequently reach 40º C in the height of
summer. Even in winter, (June to September), you can usually enjoy a day at
the beach as the temperature is on average a more agreeable 20 degrees!
Surfing is also popular along the coast, and many of Rio’s beaches have
perfect rolling waves, ideal for beginners or more advanced surfers. There
are excellent opportunities for rock climbing in and near Rio and in the
national and state parks, and hiking is great along the coast and in some of
the national and state parks. For some adrenaline packed fun, try
hang-gliding, especially around Pedra Bonita, near Pepino beach.
Despite having developed into
one of the largest urban areas in the world, the city has grown around the
very green Tijuca Forest, creating the largest urban forest in the world. Human interference brought even more nature
into the city with the construction of parks, squares and gardens. Gradually
the ecosystems came under the protection of environmental legislation and a
great number of parks, reserves and areas of environmental protection were
created to ensure conservation. There are various trails into the forest and
exploring it could easily take an entire day.
During your stay make sure
that you visit the São Cristóvão
cultural market, a fair dedicated to the cultural traditions and cuisine
of people from the north east of Brazil. This huge market is open throughout
the weekdays, but at weekends opens at lunchtime on Friday and doesn't close
until Monday morning! This is entertainment Brazilian style and the people
don't stop coming! Live music and traditional dancing fill the main arena,
whilst side bars and restaurants pump out their own variations of samba, hip
hop or traditional music. The smell of char-grilled food drifts through
stalls selling fresh produce, souvenirs and traditional arts & crafts.
Arrive early, have dinner, and then sit back with a freshly made cocktail
whilst you absorb the atmosphere of this lively market. You'll soon find yourself picking up the infectious Samba beat!
Futevolley is one of the most popular games on the beaches of
Rio!
Travellers Volunteer Steph and Travellers Organiser Fabio
take a Surfing Lesson on Rio's Barra Beach!
Having cocktails freshly made at the São
Cristóvão cultural
market in Rio
ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL PROJECTS IN RIO
A typical bedroom in the accommodation that you
will stay in during your placement in Rio
Brazillians are incredibly patriotic - you'll see the
national flag everywhere in Rio!
Accommodation is
located in Gloria Village, close to the bustling heart of the city.
With excellent bus and underground links, you certainly won’t miss out
on experiencing life in Rio whilst on your placement! Your hotel is near to Rio’s
exotically named tourist region Aterro do Flamengo. The area is
famed for its wonderfully welcoming, sociable atmosphere to tourists and
backpackers, so be prepared to encounter a uniquely Brazilian melting pot
of colourful cultures from all over the globe! Your accommodation is
also within walking distance of the beach!
The hotel has around 80 very
nice rooms.
Twin rooms are usually standard, with their own TV, fridge,
air-conditioning and bathroom. In the hotel you will most likely share a
room with another Travellers volunteer/s (depending on the type of room
available), although you may also possibly share with more than one
person.
You will live with the other
Travellers volunteers and also local travellers, making your experience a
pretty sociable one. The hotel staff are extremely friendly and welcoming.
The other guests will comprise of tourists and backpackers, many coming
from Europe and the USA.
Rio is huge but with good
transport links, so it is easy to get around. From your accommodation you
can get a bus or metro anywhere you want to go in Rio! There are many bars,
restaurants and pubs near your accommodation. Lots of “Cariocas” (people
living in Rio) come to Glória neighbourhood for the night life, as it is
appreciated for its fun vibe. Whilst there is no internet
room in the hotel, there are several easy to access internet cafés nearby.
Past volunteers have regarded eating out as one of the highlights of living in
South America, and an essential part of Brazilian culture! Because of
this, the price of your placement includes your breakfast but for dinner,
you’ll get the chance to venture out and sample some of the fabulous food
which Rio is famous for.
For breakfast in the hotel you can expect a feast
of natural fruits and juices (try the acai – a delicious berry to
sprinkle on your granola cereal), coffee, milk, bread, cheese, ham,
butter, jams and sweet cakes (popular in Brazil for breakfast) amongst
other things – so you certainly won’t be leaving on an empty stomach! You
will be allowed to use the kitchen facilities whenever it is not being
used by the hotel staff.
The Brazilian passion for food is reflected in the numbers
of people you will see spending long, balmy evenings dining in restaurants
and al fresco in the city’s buzzing streets, feasting on fare from
the traditional Feijoada (black beans and pork stew) or
Mariscada (seafood stew) to modern global cuisine rivalling that of
any other international city! If you’re partial to tipple, you might like
to indulge in a caipiranha, Brazil’s traditional carnival drink
made with lime and cachaça, best enjoyed in the sunshine with a
churrasco, which is a Brazilian barbeque of rice, meats and – of
course – salsa!
The cost of eating out in Rio
can vary from a just a couple of pounds up to a couple of hundred pounds!
This is one city where you certainly won’t have any trouble eating well on
a tight budget - there are some very inexpensive options available and
you'll dine out handsomely on about £4 ($6); although you could be lucky
and get away with spending even less and still be eating well. The trick
is to keep your eyes peeled for the bargain eateries offering specials
such as buffet lunches. Also don’t forget the supermarkets are a good
option and are comparable in standard to those found back home.
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