Rio for Adrenaline Junkies

Our Local Expert Says:

A popular place with surfers taking advantage of the great waves at Arproador. The beach is lit and relatively safe at night, allowing 'surfistas' to carry on well past sunset.

Description:

With a great location right on the beach at popular surf spot Arpoador, this small hotel offers fantastic value for money. Arpoador lies between the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, so beach bunnies will be spoilt for choice. The road in front of the hotel is completely closed to traffic, and guests eating at the hotel restaurant can enjoy their meals and drinks right on the sands.

Description:

Rio is blessed with more than its fair share of beaches, and the crashing waves make the city a favourite spot with surfers from across the world. While there is some good surf to be found at Praia do Arpoador, between Ipanema and Copacabana, it's necessary to head away from the best-known beaches to find the most impressive breaks and swells. Take a bus west of the city and explore the beaches of Sao Conrado, Barra da Tijuca, and Recreio, all of which can be easily reached by bus. There are a handful of companies offering lessons, equipment hire, and transport to farther-flung beaches such as Prainha and Grumari - favourite spots for local surfistas. Across the bay at Niteroi, there are yet more surf opportunities to be found, and you won't be battling it out for beach space with the tourist hordes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Families with kids should be sure to take the short stroll (around 20 minutes each way) around the base of the mountain, and keep a particular eye out for the tiny monkeys in the trees overhead. Pieces of fruit will tempt them from the trees!

Description:

At just over 210 meters, Morro da Urca is the first stop for sightseers making the dramatic ascent to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain. While most people arrive here by the cable car that soars high above Praia Vermelha beach, taking in staggering views of the city, others choose the DIY approach. Seasoned climbers can frequently be seen scaling the sheer granite front of the mini-mountain, while others take the gentler option by taking the marked paths that lead from the ground up. If you choose to take this route, wear good walking shoes or sandals (flip flops are not recommended), and be prepared to sweat somewhat if you're making the ascent during the heat of the early afternoon.

Description:

With a natural landscape as beautiful as Rio's, soaring above the city and enjoying a bird's eye view has to be the perfect way to take in the view. Unless you're scared of heights of course. For those with the stomach for it, tandem hangliding over Rio is one of the most exciting things you can do here, and an experience that will stick with you forever. No experience or skills are necessary, but just remember that once you start running to the edge of the cliff, you can't change your mind! You'll also have the chance to buy photos/DVD of your flight, so you will be able to astound your friends with the proof of your daredevil adventure. Prices are high but worth it.

Description:

Don't be put off by the name, which means "big pig" in Portuguese, this legendary churrascaria caters to a well-heeled crowd. The decor is sophisticated, the ambience is relaxed, and the food is of the very highest quality. Waiters brandishing spits bring cuts of meat to your table until you can eat no more, while a buffet invites you to try excellent salads, sushi, pasta dishes, cheeses, breads, olives and countless other treats.

Description:

In a huge building spread over three floors, Club Six opens very late at the weekends to offer hip hop, beats and Brazilian pop music to hordes of sweaty revellers.