Brazil Talk!
Filed under: Ask Us - March 27th, 2006
Your Question:
When in Rio i will be staying at Plaza Copacabana Hotel. Does the hotel normally arrange excursions to the statue of Christ, Sugar Loaf, the Maracana stadium to see football matches and the Jockey Club? Is it better to see a travel agent or make our own way by taxi/bus/subway? Do hotels exchange travellers cheques? Is there much night life (live music) in the vicinity of the Plaza Copacabana Hotel? How can we see samba dancing?
Our Reply:
Does Plaza Copacabana Hotel normally arrange excursions to the statue of Christ, Sugar Loaf, the Maracana stadium to see football matches and the Jockey Club?
Yes, the Concierge at the Plaza Copacabana Hotel can help you with that. You just need to tell them where you would like to go and they will arrange that for you.
Is it better to see a travel agent or make our own way by taxi/bus/subway?
If you are going to Rio by yourself or just one or 2 friends, and you don´t speak Portuguese, it is better for you to go see a travel agent. They normally get good discounts for bigger groups. Another advantage of going in big groups is that you don’t have to worry about transportation or safety. It is not safe to ride buses during the night in Rio, so if you do decide to do these things on your own be aware of that.
Do hotels exchange travellers cheques?
From what I am aware of, cash and traveler checks, can be exchanged at most major hotels throughout Brazil. If you have already booked your room at Plaza Copacabana Hotel, you should email them and ask if their offer this service. If you have a bank card with 4 pin numbers, it will work in Brazil, and it is way easier to deal with them than exchanging your travellers cheques. Also, major international credit cards, such as Visa and American Express, are also accepted in hotels, banks and restaurants.
Is there much night life (live music) in the vicinity of the Plaza Copacabana Hotel?
The Plaza Copacabana Hotel is surrounded by Copacabana’s exciting nightlife. You will be able to walk to many different bars and restaurants that offer live music. Once you get to Rio, ask the concierge that they will tell you the best places to go according to your tastes. People in Brazil are very friendly, and normally people who work at hotels are used to this kind of situation, so they will advise you well. Rio is a tourist city, so there is always something you like to do within a walking distance, especially in Copacabana.
How can we see samba dancing?
The best way to see samba dancing is to go visit a Samba School. Rio has many Samba Schools and there are normally rehearsal days due to the annual Carnival Celebration. A travel agent can also help you with this one. They normally know when and where these rehearsals will occur. It is worth seeing samba dancing performed by professional dancers. You will enjoy it!
