I’m Dr. Xiaoshan, a lone wanderer in this world [with a sly smile]. By trade, I’m a special forces soldier—but on this occasion, I was just an intrepid traveler.
The first time I set foot in Brazil, it was all solo—with nothing but a single backpack to my name. My journey began in Rio de Janeiro and ended in São Paulo, spanning a mere day and a half.
**Communication:** Before leaving, I ordered a data SIM card from Taobao. It’s perfect for internet use but doesn’t support calls—though WeChat works flawlessly. With my dual-SIM phone, I could slot in my personal SIM as an emergency backup. This setup proved invaluable during my trip.
**Transportation:** Uber is surprisingly affordable here, and navigating the airport was straightforward thanks to clear signage leading directly outside the terminal. Once in the city, I relied heavily on Uber—it was efficient and hassle-free. However, one of my favorite discoveries was the moto (motorcycle taxi).
Not only is it economical and swift, but it also offers a thrilling way to enjoy the scenery. For walking, the main roads are safe and quiet, though areas with clusters of homeless individuals made me uneasy.
To return to the airport, I opted for a two-step approach: first, hopping on a moto to the central station, then catching the airport bus. It was both cost-effective and quick, though finding the bus stop required some detective work.
**Accommodation:** I booked a hostel nestled at the base of Christ the Redeemer for a modest 150 RMB. From there, it was just a five-minute stroll to the little train station that leads up to the iconic statue—a perfect spot for an early morning visit. The dormitory housed six people, mixed gender, yet I felt entirely secure throughout my stay. Breakfast was a delightful surprise—ample portions and delicious.
**Dining:** Ordering food posed the biggest challenge, so McDonald’s became my go-to solution. A meal there averaged around 30-40 BRL. For dinner, I mistakenly ordered a colossal plate featuring fish fillet, fries, and rice—it was far too much for one person!
**Sightseeing:** My plane touched down at 4:00 PM, and without wasting a moment, I headed straight to Sugarloaf Mountain, arriving by 5:20 PM. Unfortunately, the weather was overcast, robbing me of the famed sunset view, and darkness fell swiftly. The cable car ticket set me back 195 BRL, which felt like money wasted given the circumstances.
There were long lines to descend the mountain, and while Sugarloaf Mountain offers stunning views of Christ the Redeemer from afar, it wasn’t as close as I’d hoped, making photography tricky. Next time, I’d recommend visiting earlier—perhaps before 3:00 PM.
The following day, I queued up promptly at 8:00 AM to purchase tickets for the small train ride to Christ the Redeemer. Though there was a line, it moved quickly. The statue itself was underwhelming, but the panoramic views of the bay from atop the mountain were breathtaking!
My second stop was Parque do Paqueta, home to that famous palace café everyone raves about (as seen in photos 14/15). It’s the ideal spot for capturing side-angle shots of Christ the Redeemer—but beware, the queues can be daunting.
Third on my list was Copacabana Beach—an absolute gem! It’s well worth a visit, especially if you come prepared with swimwear for a refreshing dip in the sea.
Next came Santa Teresa Art District, where the charming little tram takes visitors through its artistic streets. I hopped into a taxi bound for a specific house along the route, only to discover they don’t sell tickets there. Along the way, I encountered a yellow bike whose driver and I communicated through gestures—and he graciously let me hop on.
At the end of the tram line lies the Staircase Church, reachable within a ten-minute walk. From there, it’s a short jaunt to the iconic Selarón Steps, passing by Napa Bridge. While these landmarks weren’t particularly impressive, parts of the route did feel a tad unsafe.
Lastly, I attempted to visit the Portuguese Library, only to find it closed. However, the Benedictine Monastery remains open to visitors—a serene alternative.
This whirlwind adventure through Brazil left me with unforgettable memories and countless stories to tell.
I strolled over to the Navy Building, where a submarine caught my eye, and then made my way to the Museum of Tomorrow. As the day wound down, I spent the evening gazing out at the serene beach, though unfortunately, I missed the sunset. At 7:00 PM, it was time to head to the airport.
To sum it up: Rio boasts breathtaking beaches, but capturing stunning photos of Christ the Redeemer is quite the challenge.
Despite that, the overall experience was still remarkably enjoyable.
Onward to the next destination!
