Why go to Rio De Janeiro? The 10 good reasons to go Rio De Janeiro

As in France, museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 or 9am to 5 or 6pm. However, this is only a very general indication, as opening times vary greatly depending on the season, the city... or the museum. The Sugarloaf Park in Rio is open from Thursday to Monday, from 10am to 7pm. During the high season (school vacations in December, for example), tourist areas, museums and monuments are very busy. City centers in general, and Rio in particular, should be avoided in the evening and from Saturday afternoon onwards. They are dangerous and not very busy.

Some venues and events have very strict visitor limits. Reservations are strongly recommended. Throughout the guide, these particular events will be described in greater detail. For the most emblematic event, Carnival (whatever the city), plane tickets and hotels of course, but also tickets for the sambodrome in Rio or participation in Carnival must be booked well in advance (at least six months, sometimes a year!). Reservations for soccer derbies (Flamengo-Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, for example) are also highly recommended. Easter celebrations in Ouro Preto are also very popular with Brazilians. Hotels are fully booked, so book in advance or avoid Ouro Preto for these few days.

In monuments, public transport and museums, admission is free for people over 65 (60 in some states) and children under 5. One of the biggest expenses is often the price of a plane ticket or tickets to see as much of the country as possible. For those who want to cross this vast country in a short space of time, while neglecting their carbon footprint, the "Brazil Air Pass" is a good alternative. Of course, we recommend taking the bus, but inter-city distances are sometimes so great that air travel is a last resort. Azul and Gol offer passes at US$ 399 and US$ 505 respectively for 4 coupons. These must be taken from France or the countries of departure as soon as you have your ticket for Brazil.

Brazil can be visited all year round. Major events take place throughout the year.

Between December 31st and January^1st, during the New Year's celebration, thousands of people dressed in white throw offerings in honor of the goddess Iemanjà.

In February, and sometimes March, the carnival craze takes over an entire country. The best-known carnivals are those of Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia and Olinda, the latter being perhaps the most authentic.

At Easter, in April, the streets of Ouro Preto are festooned with flowerbeds trodden by brotherhoods of penitents.

In June, the "juninas" parties rock Brazilian and North-Eastern nights, especially in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, hometown of former president Juscelino Kubitschek.

In July, FLIP, the Paraty International Book Festival, honors books in all their forms and a different Brazilian author each year.

In December, the Three Wise Men Festival is one of the highlights of Brazilian folklore, taking place in many towns in Rio and Minas, including Pouso Alegre.

Going through a tourist office or guide bureau is always a good idea when you want the services of a guide, whether you're on your own or in a group. It's the guarantee of being taken care of by an accredited, trained and competent guide. This generally avoids tourist-grabbing scams and presupposes tourism that is respectful of people and nature. Today, many tour operators offer tailor-made tours that are far removed from mass tourism and allow you to meet the Brazilian people and their natural environment. In Rio, several English-speaking guides offer a variety of tours of the city. For "nature" tours in the magnificent national parks of Rio and Minas, going through an agency is often the guarantee of a safe and successful experience.

As in France, Brazilian legislation prohibits smoking in public places and on public transport. The sale of cigarettes to minors is prohibited.

To be sure of the quality of the guides, you must systematically go through the "real" local guides' offices. They guarantee the guides' accreditation, which is itself linked to high-quality training. Serious pousadas generally offer guides they know and trust. Avoid touts in public places, such as bus stations or airports in tourist towns.

We respect local dress codes... which make it easier to blend in with the crowd and avoid being solicited by touts.