A nice boat tour I took on Ilha Grande, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the half island tour (Meia Volta). It took me to a few of the beaches and coves on the bay side of the island to the north.
Ilha Grande is an island just a few hours away from Rio de Janeiro, but a completely different world. There are no cars, no banks (so bring plenty of cash!), and dirt roads. The island is a lush green tropical paradise full of hiking trails and empty beaches, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. (UPDATE: a Caixa ATM machine has been installed at Vila do Abraão)
Corcovado might not sound familiar, but Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) should. Christ the Redeemer is Rio de Janeiro’s iconic 30 meter tall statue of Christ with arms outstretched. It was erected in 1931. The mountain it sits on is named Corcovado and is part of Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca), which lies within the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Rio.
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), is part of Rio de Janeiro’s UNESCO World Heritage listing and provides my favorite viewpoint of the city.
Copacabana beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. The word Copacabana itself creates images of hundreds of perfect bodies on a crowded beach, men and women flirting with each other, playing football, working out, or laying out for a tan.
The main attractions in Colonia del Sacramento are in the small historic district. If you have time, there are a few interesting things to see just outside of that part of town.
The city of Colonia del Sacramento is an old colony founded by the Portuguese in 1680. It changed hands several times, between Spain, Portugal, and Brazil. It has been a part of Uruguay since 1828. Colonia makes for an easy and popular day trip from Buenos Aires by ferry.
If there is one must-see in UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso, it’s La Sebastiana. La Sebastiana is one of three homes of Chilean Nobel Laureate poet Pablo Neruda. It was built on the top of one of Valpo’s hills in a central location so he could see the entire bay.
Barrio El Almendral is a neighborhood in the UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso. It contains a couple of plazas, historic buildings, and churches. It’s in the seedier part of town and away from the touristy parts.
After finishing Cerro Cordillera, I walked to Cerro Artillería in the UNESCO World Heritage listed port city of Valparaíso. I hid all my valuables and I recommend you do the same. There were fewer and fewer people as I walked away from Plaza Echaurren and the stench of urine on the way became more pungent. Yes, it was a disgusting walk.