Nicknamed the Marvelous City, Rio de Janeiro is a glittering, vibrant, and sexy city that's six million inhabitants strong. Its combination of dramatic landmarks, iconic urban beaches, and friendly people have made it one of the world’s most popular cities and a frequent port of call for cruises along the South American coast.
There’s a lot to see in Rio, so a guided shore excursion can help make the most of your time. First-time visitors shouldn’t miss a trip to the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio’s two iconic landmarks—save time by booking a skip-the-line tour. If time permits, head to the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to get your toes in the sand or sip a caipirinha at one of the beachside lunch counters.
Cruise ships dock at Pier Maua, which is within walking distance of Rio’s downtown business district. Taxis are readily available, or your cruise ship might arrange transportation for you to Copacabana, Ipanema, or the city center. If you’re coming to or from your ship after dark, it's best to take a taxi.
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but Spanish is also spoken, and English is usually understood in hotels and shops. The local currency is the Brazilian real, but the US dollar is widely accepted (change will be given in real). You should be able to find ATMs and currency exchange offices throughout the city.
