Why You Should Give Rio A Chance

We first met in November 2019.

I, a rock climber and world traveler eager for a new adventure. Her, a sprawling city built atop tropical mountains that descend into cool ocean waters. I knew I had stumbled upon something special, and to this day Rio captivates me.

Perhaps my fascination with Rio began after watching the film City of God. It only intensified when I saw pictures of Cristo Redentor, overlooking the city. However, Rio's notoriety and favelas have often led those I spoke with to question its safety. I have visited Rio eight times over the last four years. For good reasons, it’s one of my favorite places in the world. The fact that its reputation keeps many Americans away adds to the unique experience I find here. And it is with some hesitation that I write this.

But here we go. Let me share a few reasons why you should give Rio a chance:

World class Landscape and Geography

There are few places in the world where you can summit a mountain, descend, cross the street, and find yourself ready to surf. But Rio is one of them. And maybe those sports aren’t your thing, but I promise the geography that supports those activities is worth a peek.

Few places combine the attractions and amenities of a major city with an exotic landscape. Rio has it all. Throughout the city, you can stumble upon parks that, within minutes of hiking, reveal waterfalls and swimming holes immersed in beautiful forestry.

*After summiting Corcovado with my guide, Adilio.*

One of the most spectacular moments of my life was climbing Corcavado, the mountain on which Cristo Redentor stands. This is in the middle of the city. After a several-hour, multi-pitch climb, you throw yourself over a ledge to look up and see hundreds of tourists who arrived at the top by bus screaming with excitement over your accomplishment. They take pictures of you and ask about your adventure. You feel like a rock star while enjoying the breathtaking view from one of the seven new wonders of the world.

The Dining and Nightlife

*A viral content creator lives it up in Rio*

In some respects, I am an amateur when it comes to Rio. I have never been to Carnival. I have never spent Christmas at the beach parties as the locals do. But I have enjoyed exploring the city's many restaurants and bars.

The restaurant scene in Rio is fantastic and affordable. It offers international cuisine alongside mouthwatering Brazilian dishes. Think savory meat with rice and beans, though there are many options. Feijoada, the national cuisine, is a hearty black bean stew infused with pork and beef. And Brazilians love their steak. Options abound for delicious steak dinners for 20-30 dollars with a couple of glasses of wine. Delicioso!

While I don’t love cachaça, the national drink, I love Rio’s bars and nightlife. One of my favorite quirks of Rio is that whenever I order a vodka or bourbon and soda at a restaurant, there's a presentation ceremony.

The waiter brings out a glass with ice and the entire bottle of liquor, and pours a measured shot into the glass. Without fail, every time, the waiter then makes eye contact with me, winks or smiles, and pours a little more into the glass. Somehow the Cariocas can make this routine a charming cultural experience. This brings me to the people.

The People

Cariocas are a friendly and chatty lot. While English may not be widely spoken, it doesn't stop them from conversing with you as if you understand their language. They will talk to you in the supermarket aisles, the Uber rides, and on the street or at the beach. Don’t mistake their friendliness for passiveness though. With military precision, their “Bom dias” switch to “Boa Tardes” at the stroke of noon each day.

At this point in my list of reasons to visit Rio, someone usually interrupts me to say “...and the women?” It is true. Brazilian women are spectacular. I can spot those going to Rio at the airport lounge before I go to the gate. Brazilian women take pride in their appearance and embrace their femininity. They don't shy away from showing attention and interest—a refreshing break from cultures around the world that seem to frown upon such behavior. In Rio, I am exotic, and few things boost one’s self-confidence more than having the most beautiful women in the world give you the double take or primp their hair as they see you walk into the bar.

However, I have been told by trustworthy female friends that there is another side to the coin—Brazilian men are equally attractive. One of my friends confessed to positioning herself in front of the many outdoor workout facilities lining the boardwalk, just to catch a glimpse of the men doing pull-ups and dips.

And to me, being around so many attractive people makes a place more enjoyable. It’s as though you’re slipping out of the real world and stumbling on the set of a movie. Suddenly you realize the “leagues” we’ve been playing in at home are not the big show after all.

The Danger

I like it. The gritty feel of Rio is a perk to me and not a bug. As someone who has lived in Washington, DC, I can say the danger of Rio is also overblown.

*Rio’s favelas have the best views in the city*

Don’t get me wrong: There are areas of town that you do not go into. Taxi drivers won’t even take me there. But I stay in Ipanema, home of Bossa Nova and the Gringo Cafe. There is just enough grit to remind me that I am living a bit on the edge, while still providing me with most of the comforts I need to travel as an affluent American. I often feel safer in Ipanema than in many parts of DC, and it's hard not to roll my eyes at the inflated sense of security many Americans possess about our home country.

Most of the crime I hear about in Rio involves pickpocketing. I’ve heard many stories of people falling victim to phone snatchers. However, the risk of losing a phone hardly outweighs the reward of experiencing this remarkable city. Knock on wood, but so far, I haven't encountered any such incidents. The stories serve as a reminder to keep my phone out of sight and to remain aware of my surroundings. This heightens the experience anyway, as I want to absorb myself while traveling and not have my eyes glued to a screen.

Moreover, the introduction of Uber has been a game-changer for safety during travel. On the few occasions when I find myself in unfamiliar or uncomfortable areas, I can snag an Uber within minutes and return to a more familiar location.

The Culture

There are many aspects of the culture that I just love. For starters, Brazil was one of the few places that stayed open for travel during Covid. I respect that. Rio will always have a special place in my heart as a lifeline for me to get away during the pandemic.

Rio is a short-shorts and flip-flops town. Even at some of the finest restaurants and bars, you'll encounter individuals strolling in directly from the beach. This relaxed and friendly atmosphere cuts deep into the entire city.

You have not been to a real sporting event until you’ve been to a Brazilian football match. It is insane and puts American college handball energy to shame. People shoot off fireworks and smoke bombs over the recorded message blaring through the speakers asking them not to. The opposing team is seated behind a wall of military police to prevent violence and they are not allowed to exit the stadium until the home team’s fans depart.

If you can’t make it to the game, you’ll be following it anyway. The pubs are filled with fans and you hear the cheering from the windows as you walk the streets.

You Should Give Rio a Chance

There is another aspect to Rio that is personal and difficult to describe.

Café Cardin, located just two blocks from Copacabana Beach, is my sanctuary—a place where I can spend hours observing locals and South American tourists as they pass by. It is here, at this café, that I introduced myself to the works of Alan Watts and first read Sam Harris' book, Waking Up. These philosophers have left a lasting impact on me, inspiring a more spiritual and mindful approach to life. Absorbing their teachings within the cultural and linguistic bubble of Rio feels like being fully awake in a dream. I find myself experiencing a heightened sense of enlightenment while I'm here. I have the space I need to reflect.

I don't agree that coming to Rio as a tourist is more dangerous than many of the things we do every day in America. But even if it is:

If the price I pay for security at home is to live in fear of coming somewhere this rich, I don’t want it. Neither should you.

This city has helped me grow. As a citizen of the world, as an adventurer, as a thinker, and as a human. Each time I return to Rio, I am reminded I will find a way back.

I love this city, and I think you should give it a chance.