I may have a 9 hour layover in Rio between Varig flights from SCL to NYC in November. I'm trying to change the routing to get rid of the layover, but I'm wondering if I should leave it to see if I can look around Rio during the 9 hours. Is it possible to leave the airport on a layover like this? How close is the airport to places of interest in Rio?

Thank you so much if anyone has information.

I was only once in Rio, April 2004. I arrived at Galeao on a Monday at about 2:00 PM. The taxi to Copacabana was about 30 to 40 min (may be even less - not like in Sao Paulo!). I purchased a voucher at the airport.

You have plenty of time to see Rio....

I was only once in Rio, April 2004. I arrived at Galeao on a Monday at about 2:00 PM. The taxi to Copacabana was about 30 to 40 min (may be even less - not like in Sao Paulo!). I purchased a voucher at the airport.

You have plenty of time to see Rio....

Thanks for the info! I know I will need to get a visa, but it should be worth it!

may not be worth it
visas are $75 a pop now

there is a bus service / more like a min van tthat can take you to rio
cost is about 5 reals/ < $2.00
it is the scenic route
as it will take you thru downtown rio
then copacabana
(not sure where it goes after that, i assume eventually it gets back to the airport)

for 9 hours it may be easier to hire a tour guide for a few hours

Actually, tourist visas are $100...

Might not be worth it, but that would be up to you.

You can take a yellow metered cab out front for about R$25-30 (US$10) out to copacabana/ipanema to check out the famous beaches and just wander around a bit.

You can have one of those famous brazilian BBQ's and eat until you just can't eat any more (Highly recommeneded). To keep it on the easy side, I'll recommend "Porcao" - pork-own (in copacabana), or "Marius" em Leme.

Depending on your arrival time, you can take a cab all the way up to the famous Christ statue (Cristo). That'll probably set you back about R$50 (US$17).

Visit Sugar Loaf mountain in a cable car (pão de açucar - that funny C is pronounced like an S)

Plus a million other things I cant think of at the moment. I've lived here 2 years now and can't think of anything else... :confused:

If you dont know portuguese here are some tips to help you get around a bit..

Praia Copacabana/ipanema - pry-uh - The beach

Obrigado -Thank you

Aeroporto Internacional - Might be helpful for the return... Vairg is in termial 2 (Dois)

Feel free to PM me if you want to know anything else.

Flipside