Brazil
Rio De Janeiro
Set between dramatic mountains, lush rainforests and the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean, Rio de Janeiro is a city that feels almost unreal. Known as the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City), Rio is a place where golden beaches meet vibrant neighbourhoods, where samba rhythms fill the streets, and where everyday life unfolds against some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
From the iconic silhouette of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the city to the sweeping views from Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio’s beauty is impossible to ignore. One of the most unforgettable ways to take in the city is from above on a Helicopter tour, soaring over Rio’s legendary coastline, the curves of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the lush Tijuca Forest, and the towering peaks that make this city so unique. Seeing Rio from the sky offers a perspective that truly captures the magic of its landscape — a rare meeting point of nature and urban life.
A journey up Sugarloaf Mountain is an experience in itself, with a scenic cable car ride carrying you above the coastline and rocky peaks to one of Rio’s most spectacular viewpoints during sunset. But Rio is more than its postcard views. The city’s heart beats through its culture, history and passion. A visit to the legendary Maracanã Stadium offers a glimpse into Brazil’s deep love for football, where generations of fans have celebrated some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments. Standing inside this iconic stadium is an experience that goes beyond the game — it is a connection to the energy and spirit of Brazilian culture.
Rio is a celebration of contrasts: wild nature and urban energy, old traditions and modern creativity, adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re hiking through the Atlantic rainforest, watching the sunset over the coastline, tasting Brazilian flavours, or simply soaking in the rhythm of the city, Rio invites you to slow down and experience life with a little more passion.
More than just a destination, Rio de Janeiro is a feeling — a place where every view tells a story and every moment feels alive.
Field Notes
Uber is your best bet for getting around the city. Rio does have its own subway system, which I utilised to return to my hotel after the Favela tour.
Helicopter Tour: Rio Helicopter Tours, pick up and drop off at the hotel ( 154 USD pp)
Sugarloaf Mountain cable car: USD 25-35, VIP option available at 55USD and above
Hotel(s): Mercure Rio Boutique ( right on Copacabana Beach)
Favela Experience
Rio is very much known for her Favelas as much as for her pristine beaches and the iconic Christ the Redeemer. Featured in iconic movies such as City of God and Fast & Furious 5, the favelas are actually functioning mini cities within Rio itself. Despite the dangers associated with entering favelas, there are actually some safe favelas for you to visit if curiosity gets the better of you . Personally, as i work with the disadvantaged of society, i was curious to see how the favelas, which were originally illegal occupations, were developed to better serve the community living within its walls.
I signed up for a favela walking tour with Brazil Expedition for 95BRL per person/ S$30 ( cheaper with more pax). It takes about 4 hours of walking uphill and down, so come prepared with good shoes and water plus rain protection, cause when it pours, it pours! A mini bus will take you to the bottom section of the favela where your hike begins. Be sure to respect the privacy of the occupants as it is still their home to begin with. Keep close to the group as favelas are known for their maze-like structures.
Be prepared to be amazed at how the favela functions as a city on its own, with everything from shops to libraries and schools. The residents I encountered were ever welcoming and friendly and more than willing to share a thing or two about their lives. It is heartening to see how, despite not having much, these residents were able to make do with what they had and always put on a smile.
Though the favela was generally safe, there were some parts where i saw drug users and the open selling of drugs. Not to be faced, my guide and group walked pass them not making eye contact and not taking any pictures.
Look out for the amazing murals covering the walls of the favelas, each telling a different story about the favela experience. The tour definitely offered a different perspective of Rio. Went back to my hotel, still amazed at the grit of the favela residents and how their informal community had withstood the test of time for the past 40 years.
Field Notes
Book a Favela walking tour with Brazil Expeditions ( 33-35 USD)
Iguazu Falls
Hidden within the heart of South America, where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet, lies one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders — Iguazu Falls. A place where the power of nature takes centre stage, Iguazu is not just a waterfall; it is an unforgettable experience of roaring waters, mist-filled rainforests and breathtaking landscapes.
Spanning nearly 3 kilometres across the Iguazu River, the falls are made up of hundreds of cascades surrounded by the lush Atlantic rainforest. The sheer scale and beauty of Iguazu is overwhelming — from the thunderous sound of the water crashing below to the rainbows that appear through the mist, every moment feels like stepping into another world.
Walking through the national park trails brings you closer to the magic of the falls, with each viewpoint revealing a different perspective. From peaceful rainforest paths filled with wildlife to the dramatic viewpoints overlooking the famous Devil’s Throat, Iguazu offers a powerful reminder of nature’s incredible force.
Exploring the park itself is made easy with the scenic double-decker bus system, taking visitors through the rainforest while connecting the different viewpoints and trails. The journey adds to the experience, offering glimpses of the surrounding nature before arriving at the spectacular waterfalls
Beyond the waterfalls, the surrounding rainforest offers even more opportunities to discover the incredible biodiversity of the region. A short 5-minute walk from Iguazu National Park brings you to Parque das Aves, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and protection of Brazil’s diverse bird species. Walking through its lush aviaries allows for an up-close encounter with colourful toucans, macaws, butterflies and other tropical wildlife — a beautiful complement to the dramatic scenery of Iguazu Falls.
Field Notes
Bring a Poncho
Iguazu National Park: 18-20 USD
Parque das Aves: 14-16 USD
Getting to Iguazu from Rio: Short domestic flight from Rio de Janeiro (GIG – Galeão International Airport) to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU – Foz do Iguaçu International Airport). The flight takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes and is commonly operated by LATAM Airlines and GOL Linhas Aéreas. From the airport, the falls are only around 30 minutes away by taxi or private transfer. It is possible to take the earliest flight out and the latest flight back to Rio. However, there are hotels in Iguazu if you would like to stay for a few nights.
