A Trip We’ll Never Forget

Brazil | Feb 27 - Mar 5, 2025

The Arena Copacabana Hotel had its pros and cons, making it an overall "just okay" stay for our group. The biggest selling point was definitely the location—right in the heart of the action and directly across from the beach, making it super convenient for exploring and soaking in Rio's vibrant atmosphere. Pros: ✅ Prime Location – Perfect for those who want to be in the center of it all, with the beach just steps away. ✅ Great Breakfast – A solid variety of food, fresh fruit, and Brazilian staples, which was a nice way to start the day. ✅ Good Drinks & Nice Views – The bar served well-made cocktails, and the rooftop and beach-facing areas had stunning views, adding to the experience. Cons: ❌ Safety Concern – Unfortunately, two of our travelers had their wallets stolen from their room while housekeeping was cleaning, which was a major disappointment and something that shouldn't happen in a hotel of this level. ❌ Not the Best Value – While the location is excellent, the hotel itself didn’t feel like the best bang for the buck. The rooms and service didn’t quite match the price point. ❌ Mediocre Roof Bar Service – While the views were great, the service at the rooftop bar was slow and inconsistent, making it less enjoyable than expected. Final Verdict: While the Copacabana Hotel worked well for its location and convenience, the safety issue, service inconsistencies, and overall value left something to be desired. If you’re looking for easy beach access and a lively setting, it’s a solid option—but travelers should be extra mindful of their belongings. Would we stay here again? Maybe, but we’d explore other options first.

Our Welcome Dinner in Rio de Janeiro was the perfect way to kick off our trip! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality, stunning views, and an atmosphere that set the tone for an incredible week ahead. The Setting & Ambiance The restaurant was a beautiful blend of elegance and vibrancy, capturing the spirit of Rio. Whether it was the open-air seating with a view of the city or the lively energy of the space, it immediately made us feel immersed in Brazilian culture. The ambiance struck the perfect balance—upscale yet comfortable, lively but not overwhelming. The Food & Drinks The menu was a fantastic introduction to Brazilian cuisine. We started with delicious pão de queijo (cheese bread) and pastéis (crispy pastries filled with cheese and meat), which were absolutely mouthwatering. The main courses showcased the richness of local flavors—whether it was the perfectly grilled picanha steak, fresh seafood, or the classic moqueca (Brazilian fish stew), every dish was flavorful and well-prepared. Of course, no welcome dinner would be complete without caipirinhas, and they did not disappoint! Fresh, strong, and perfectly balanced, they quickly became a group favorite. The Experience One of the highlights of the evening was the attentive and knowledgeable staff. They were friendly, accommodating, and took the time to explain the dishes, making it an educational and enjoyable culinary experience. The pacing of the meal was just right—giving us time to savor each course while catching up with each other and soaking in the excitement of being in Rio. Final Thoughts This Welcome Dinner exceeded our expectations and was the perfect way to bring our group together. The combination of authentic Brazilian flavors, great service, and a vibrant setting made it a memorable and enjoyable start to our adventure. Would we recommend this experience to others? Absolutely! A must-do for anyone visiting Rio.

Our Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain Tour was an incredible experience, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Rio de Janeiro. The itinerary was well-paced, allowing us to fully appreciate these iconic landmarks without feeling rushed. Christ the Redeemer Visiting one of the New Seven Wonders of the World was nothing short of spectacular. The journey up Corcovado Mountain was smooth, and once we reached the top, we were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Rio. The statue itself was even more awe-inspiring in person, and we had ample time to take photos and soak in the experience. Sugarloaf Mountain The cable car ride up to Sugarloaf was an adventure in itself, offering unforgettable aerial views of the coastline and city skyline. Once at the top, we had a moment to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy a refreshing drink. The visibility was excellent, making for some of the best photo opportunities of the trip. Our Guide, Luis Luis was extremely knowledgeable and professional, providing a wealth of historical and cultural insights throughout the tour. However, he had a tendency to be a bit too chatty and directed most of his commentary toward the trip leader rather than engaging the entire group. While his passion for Rio was clear, his English was sometimes difficult to understand, which made it challenging for some group members to follow along. Final Verdict This tour is a must-do in Rio and delivered on its promise of unforgettable views and rich cultural context. Despite some communication challenges with our guide, the overall experience was well-organized, enjoyable, and absolutely worth it. Would we recommend it? Yes! Just be prepared for a lot of talking and some moments where the guide’s English may be a bit tough to follow.

Our Rio de Janeiro Carnival experience was nothing short of spectacular! This was the highlight of our trip—full of energy, music, dazzling costumes, and an electric atmosphere that truly brought the city to life. The Experience From the moment we arrived at the Sambadrome, we were immersed in the heart of Brazilian culture. The energy was infectious—the samba dancers, extravagant floats, and pulsating rhythms made it impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. Watching the samba schools perform up close was mesmerizing, and you could feel the passion and dedication behind every performance. A Few Challenges While the experience itself was phenomenal, having a guide or clearer instructions would have been helpful. Navigating the event, understanding the schedule, and knowing the best way to experience Carnival as first-time visitors required some guesswork on our part. A bit more direction beforehand would have made the logistics smoother. Our Driver, Maximo We absolutely loved our driver, Maximo—he was punctual, kind, and got us where we needed to be safely. However, the language barrier made communication a bit tricky, which added a little challenge to coordinating our pickup and drop-off plans. That said, he had a great spirit, and we appreciated his hospitality. Final Verdict Despite the minor logistical hurdles, Carnival in Rio was an absolutely magical experience that exceeded all expectations. The energy, music, and sheer spectacle made it one of the most memorable moments of our trip. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat! Next time, we’d just bring a guide or ensure we had clearer instructions ahead of time.

Our Full-Day Rio Queer Tour with Damiana and Rio Queer was an absolute highlight of our trip! This experience gave us a deep dive into Afro-Brazilian and LGBTQ+ history, blending cultural education with fun, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Damiana – An Outstanding Guide Damiana was knowledgeable, engaging, and truly passionate about sharing Rio’s queer and Afro-Brazilian history. She took us through important landmarks, sharing stories that are often left out of mainstream narratives. Her ability to connect past and present made the experience meaningful and thought-provoking. The Lesbian-Operated Restaurant One of the standout moments was our visit to a lesbian-owned restaurant, where we enjoyed an amazing meal in a space that felt warm, inclusive, and community-driven. The food was delicious, and the fact that it was run by members of the LGBTQ+ community made it all the more special. A Minor Challenge – The Traffic The only downside (which was out of anyone’s control) was the heavy traffic, which limited how much we could see in one day. While we still got to experience a lot, we would have loved more time to explore additional sites. Final Verdict This tour is a must for LGBTQ+ travelers who want to experience Rio through a queer and historical lens. Despite the traffic, the experience was incredibly enriching, and we left with a deeper appreciation for the city’s culture and activism. Would we recommend it? Absolutely! And next time, we’d carve out even more time to explore.

Our Farewell Dinner & Game Night was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable trip to Rio! It was a night filled with great food, laughter, and meaningful moments, making it a truly special send-off. The Picture Signing Activity – A Thoughtful Touch One of the most memorable parts of the evening was the picture signing activity. It was such a creative and heartfelt way to reflect on our journey together. Everyone had the chance to share personal notes, inside jokes, and words of appreciation, creating a keepsake that we’ll all treasure. The Food – A Delicious Farewell Feast The dinner itself was fantastic! We enjoyed a delicious meal with flavorful Brazilian dishes that left everyone satisfied. The relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect setting to share stories, relive highlights from the trip, and simply enjoy each other’s company one last time before heading home. Damiana – The Guide Who Felt Like Family Once again, Damiana from Rio Queer was an amazing presence. She wasn’t just a guide—by the end of the trip, she felt like family. She kept the energy light and fun while making sure everything flowed smoothly. Final Verdict This Farewell Dinner & Game Night was the perfect combination of sentimental, fun, and delicious. It gave us a chance to celebrate the friendships formed, the memories made, and the incredible experiences we shared in Brazil. Would we do it again? Without a doubt! A must-do for ending any group trip on a high note.