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Sugarloaf mountain in Rio de Janeiro

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Things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Hang gliding

Hang gliding and paragliding from the Pedra Bonita, right at the top of São Conrado, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is safe and affordable, and a great chance to look at Rio from a different angle while experiencing the sensation of flying like a bird. Remember to wear sneakers and light clothes. The landing is on Pepino Beach. There are several operators offering tandem flights, Rio Hang Gliding is one of them.

Tel: (21) 2422 2411.
Website: www.riohanggliding.com

Surfing

After football, surfing is cariocas’ (Rio’s residents) favourite sport. Stroll down Ipanema Beach on early mornings and late afternoons to see dozens of surfers in action. Prainha and Recreio, south of the city, are top spots for surfing in Rio, although the inner city beaches, such as Arpoardor and Leblon, are good options to get some surfing practice. Rent a surf board from Invicta Surf Shop on Rua Francisco Otaviano.

Invicta Surf Shop
Tel: (21) 2523 0499.

Climbing

Despite the fact that Rio is an ideal destination for climbers, this sport is still little explored. The several granite peaks scattered around the city are a difficult task for even the most experienced climber. Sugar Loaf and Corcovado are the most popular climbing sites, but a short trip to Dedo de Deus, in the nearby Serra dos Orgaos National Park, is a fantastic alternative for dedicated types. Climbinrio offers safety and professional staff.

Climbinrio
Tel: (21) 2245 1108.
Website: www.climbinrio.com

Beach volley

It is not unusual to walk down Ipanema Beach and see professional athletes playing beach volley. Sweden, Norway and England are just some of the countries who send their national teams to train in Rio during the European winter. Beach volley is a great way to socialise, stay fit and get a sexy tan while you’re at it. Just approach any of the volley schools spread around Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.

Cycling

For the hardcore urban cycler, Rio is an easy task. Most of the cycle lanes are by the seafront (Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Barra) and around the Lagoon. It is possible to rent bicycles by the hour from Special Bike, Rua São João Batista 28A, Botafogo.

Special Bike
Tel: (21) 2539 3980.
Website: www.specialbikebotafogo.com.br

Dancing

Nothing comes more naturally to Brazilians than dancing. A night out in Lapa or in any Gafieras (Samba dancehall) around Rio is a fantastic spectacle, and Rio offers thousand of private courses and professional schools to help budding dancers shake those hips. Try a bit of ginga (swing), or drop-by samba classes are available from Carlinho de Jesus, Rua Álvaro Ramos 11, Botafogo.

Carlinho de Jesus
Tel: (21) 2541 6186.
Website: www.carlinhosdejesus.com.br

Cooking

If you’re wondering what to do in a dull rainy day in Rio, why not learn to cook - Brazilian style. The highlight of the class (beside the yummy meal) is the history lesson that goes with it. English-spoken cooking lessons are available from Cook in Rio, Rua Ronald Carvalho 154, Copacabana.

Cook in Rio
Tel: (21) 8761 3653.
Website: www.cookinrio.com

Trekking

Sat on the border of the Tijuca National Park, Rio is ideally placed for long walks, hikes and treks through the last vestiges of the Atlantic forest. The rich vegetation and the animal-spotting opportunities (monkeys, toucans, sloths, etc) charm the visitor, who is not only walking through nature, but is being entertained by it.

Rio Hiking
Tel: (21) 2552 9204.
Website: www.riohiking.com.br

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