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Rio Travel Planner

 

Image by Ziraldo.  All rights reserved.  Todos os direitos reservados.

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Image of Ipanema Beach across from the Country Club. Photo by Silviano. All rights reserved | Todos os direitos reservadosFeeling Rio good

It's your first day in town. Plane flights are not the most relaxing experience, there's the jet lag to deal with... yet you just can't wait to step out the door and see what Rio is all about!  Need a hint? It's tall and tan, and young, and lovely!

If you arrived on an early flight enjoy the buffet breakfast at your hotel. Otherwise a strategic stop at a juice bar will do. We are headed for the legendary Ipanema, the home of Bossa Nova, Rio's quintessential trend setter. This is a sunny day, and we are going for a dip (or click here for a perfect rainy day). Ipanema Beach is not crowded on off-season weekdays. You may start working on your tan without attracting curious glances. Beach kiosks and beach vendors literally carry everything, from cold beer and soda to fresh coconuts, hats, bead bracelets, colorful beach throws, you name it.

If your hotel is near the beach, go back to your room for a quick shower. If not, go to one of the lifeguard stations (postos), and pay a buck for the use of the restroom and open-air shower. Slip on your Bermudas and a T-shirt in the tiny restroom, or wrap a towel around your waist to change, surfer-style. If you like to keep in shape, head for a nearby gym and buy a day pass. After a light workout and a cool shower, we're just in time for lunch!

It's easy to find good restaurants and eateries in Ipanema. You may have a hard time deciding what you want to eat, though, as choices are endless. A good walk after lunch will help your digestion, and provide the perfect excuse to go window-shopping. Walk along Visconde de Piraj�, the main street, and explore the boutiques, jewelers, bookshops, neighborhood malls, and specialty stores. Starts at Bar 20, and don't skip the luxury shops on cross-street Garcia D'�vila and surroundings. Here are  more suggestions of things to do and see in Ipanema.

Dinner in Rio is served from about 7 p.m. onwards. If you are too tired or jet-lagged to explore nightlife possibilities, we will give you a break, and let you stay home and watch some TV instead. But you don't know what you are missing... If you're in the mood, we could stay in Ipanema and start with a draft at Baixo Quit�ria or Baixo Farme, have dinner at one of restaurants around Pra�a da Paz, enjoy some live music or stretch the night at one of the nightclubs. But well, tomorrow is another day...

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Cartoon by Ziraldo. All rights reserved. Todos os direitos reservados.


https://ipanema.com/travel/monday.htm -- Revised: September 99
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