Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one of our favorite locations to escape the winter cold while sporting our newest bikini apparel. However, February 13th – February 17th marks the very famous festival known as Carnival. From the sun to the samba (and the drinks in between), we’re here to prepare you with a Rio de Janeiro Carnival Guide to help get you through one of the biggest parties in the world.
Source Your Hotel Locations – This tip, while important, is all about personal preference. Prefer to stay close to the action? Try getting a room in Ipanema, Copacabana or Leblon. If you’re looking for more of a beach getaway, try Paraty or Ilha Grande, and if you want a something a little more upscale, try Joá. If you desire a Bohemian feel, try Santa Teresa. Source each location for it’s pros and cons. With Carnival’s unpredictable crowds, it’s important to research your options!
Check out the Carnival Itinerary – Whether you’re interested in the colorful floats and teh fabulous dancers or you want to get down and dirty in the streets of Rio, make sure you check out the schedule. This way, you are able to plan the rest of your trip around the samba floats you really want to see. While most of the activities are free, this will also help you determine which events require tickets.
Make Time for the Beach – After all, we want to show off our bikini bods, right? Take some time from the partying and relax at some of the best beached in the world! the more popular beaches are located in Ipanema and Copacabana. If you’re looking for something a little more isolated, try Prainha Beach or Joa Beach. And not far from Sugarloaf Mountain is Praia Vermelha Beach, perfect for a quick dip before taking a cable car to the top of the mountain.
Go Bikini Shopping – In the place that coined the phrase “going brazilian”, one can never have enough bikinis. Before your trip (or even during), make sure you pack a variety of bikini options as well as some cover ups to head from the beach to the street parties. Check out our Summer Swimwear Trends for some bikini inspiration!
Hydrate – Between the beach, the parade, and the amazing nightlife, a girl can get some serious water withdrawals. Make sure to hydrate this vacation so that you can actually enjoy it and not be stuck in your room half of the time hiding from the light of day. If you’re looking to skip the typical glass of agua, try Brazil’s famous coconut water, loaded with electrolytes and great taste! Not to mention, it helps to make you look young and refreshed during your stay!
Save Room in Your Suitcase – This is one of our favorite travel tips! Rio de Janeiro has amazing shopping. Whether you’re purchasing gaudy carnival apparel or you’re bringing back a beautiful sundress, make sure that you prepare for all that Rio has to offer you.
