The shortest flight from Manila, Philippines to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is via Dubai on Emirates. It’s about 26 hrs. Otherwise it would be more than 30 hours traveling from point A to point B.
But we took Singapore Airlines from Manila to Sao Paolô, Brazil and a local from from the latter to arrive in Rio after an almost 34hrs flight.
Rio is a seaside city in Brazil famous for the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches as well as the Christ the Redeemer statue above Mt Corcovado.
There are many lodgings in Rio. Nevertheless if you feel like having an urge to splurge and get a feel of opulence, one must truly stay at the Copacabana Palace Hotel (where all of the royalty, movie stars and heads of states stay). The Copacabana Beach is right in front of the hotel!
While Rio is famous for its laid back beaches and the annual carnival, there are other tourist must see areas including Sugar Loaf Mountain (Paõ de Açucar), the Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico) and Bairro De Santa Teresa, among a few.
In spite of the joie de vivre that Rio exudes, like most South American countries, it is not without its share of “annoyance” of crimes. Being smart and careful is mandatory particularly in touristy areas (like the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema), as well when going around during the evenings. Your best bet in transportation will always be a taxi. Being extra careful and traveling with companions is highly recommended when traveling to Rio.
Food is abundant, highly affordable, and excellent in getting a bang for your buck!
There’s really much to love and have fun in Rio. Festivities abound and it’s unmatchable that there’s a city where the sea presents a stunning sunset for you to appreciate how beautiful God has made our world.