Suggestions for a long layover in Rio?

[ngallag]

Hi everyone,

In a few weeks I'm off to take advantage of a LL package that I've been stalking for YEARS--the Hotel das Cataratas in Brazil(Iguazu Falls). Unfortunately, although I'm going to have a lovely upgraded business-first flight down to Brazil, I have a double digit hour layover in Rio. Anyone have any easy and relatively quick suggestions for being out and about in Rio? Anything that shouldn't be missed? I haven't done much research on Rio, so any suggestions would be much appreciated!

ngallag

[kyshel]

I think the cable car to Sugar Loaf (Pao do Acucar) is pretty awesome--I'm still not sure how I managed since it's really HIGH!! You can also tour Corcovado and the view from Christ the Redeemer is MAGNIFICENT!! I think a beach day is out--not sure if you can get to Petropolis in your time frame--it's pretty spectacular.
I loved Das Cataratas! The zoo at the hotel was sucha treat! I had an ostrich steal my hamburger from over my shoulder--cheeky bugger!! The falls are so so AMAZING!! Hoping to take my husband to the Argentinian side--getting Brasil visas are a pain for short life. I've never seen the ARG side but that might require a visa fee, too--not sure these days.
I highly recommend getting a tour of Itaipu Dam--that place is PHENOMENAL!!

[omegaet]

I haven't been in Rio for three years, but if you're looking for a different kind of experience, you might contact Konrad and see about a flight you will remember for some time. I still have a still shot of our flight posted next to my desk!

Hang Gliding Rio de Janeiro - Brazil - Hang Gliding Tandem Flights in Rio

[ngallag]

Thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately, my flight from Houston to Rio was delayed quite a bit so my long layover turned out not to be so long.

I have to rave about the Hotel Das Cataratas! Absolutely stunningly beautiful pink hotel and the park is magnificent. So much to do and so little time! I wanted to go to Itaipu Dam, but ran out of time. I did do the early morning nature walk at the hotel as well as the safari boat (where they basically dump you under the falls--it was crazy and way more reckless (in a good way!) than the Maid of the Mist ride at Niagara.)

The Argentina side is not to be missed, kyshel, no visa needed for Argentina, but the park entrance fee was expensive (about 100 Argentinian pesos.) You get a lot closer to the falls on the Argentina side (can stand about 7 feet above the "Devil's Throat" and are even closer to some of the smaller waterfalls. Of course it was much more crowded on that side and the "EcoTrain" made me feel like I was stuck in some hideous unending Disneyland nightmare where I was trapped on the ride.

I have to say, I will be frequenting Orient Express hotels more if this experience was an accurate representation of their brand. Although an expensive stay, I have to say it was more than worth it. All of the staff were incredibly professional and went out of their way to help. Specifically, I noticed one example of truly excellent service--I had a question for the front desk staff and after I asked, one person at the desk had to ask another for help. He actually asked her in English and they carried on a brief conversation resolving the issue in English rather than make me feel uncomfortable listening into a conversation I didn't understand in Portuguese. In my opinion, it's difficult to train hotel staff in hospitality, either they innately understand it or don't. Whatever Orient Express is doing--they should bottle and sell it!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi N....nice feedback on Orient Express properties. I will be staying at one (Inn at Perry Cabin) in November and hope for a great experience!