Departures was another efficient process here in GIG. From check-in at the United counter, it took…read more21 minutes to clear the initial boarding pass scan to gain entry to security, immigration and plop down in the *A lounge. The security staff was nice and I eventually figured out everything she wanted me to do. Custom's and immigration staff actually smiled and without any questions my passport was stamped and away I went. There was another winding path through the departure's duty free store before entering the main terminal. More individual shops and restaurants were located all along the terminal walkway towards the *A lounge. Signage was in both Portuguese and English and easy to follow to my destinations. From the *A lounge on the 3rd floor, it took less than 10 minutes to walk all the way to the end of the terminal, Gate 68, for United's flight to IAH. Moving walkways facilitated the walk. One interesting note was that anyone 60+ years of age was allowed to join the first priority boarding group.

The terminal and gate that we were at were aged looking, but the seats did have a/c plugs and USBs…read morecharging ports. The restrooms were clean and food is priced much more reasonable than IAH Houston.

I've been on numerous helicopter tours throughout the USA. The staff are very friendly and most…read morespeak English well which is a great help. Whether you are booking at the Sugarloaf location or at their main helipad near Lagoa, they make you wait until they have a full aircraft. Most providers around the globe will take you with just one or another so I found that to be slightly annoying. If you are one person, you'll wind up waiting hours if at all. Once in the air, the views are spectacular if you are sitting in a window seat. They aircraft they use (I'd guess a Bell 206) has one passenger in front and three in back. The middle seat in the back has a fully blocked front view and partial side views. Somewhat pointless unless you know the other passengers as you'd have to lean over to get any photo. The trip goes quickly for roughly $95 per person but still worth checking it out for the stunning views of this beautiful city.

Uber Rio de Janeiro has been the less-than-stellar location in the ride share's chain for us…read more We've never been canceled-on or stuck looking at an idle car on the GPS more than here. And, they had the nerve to charge me a cancelation fee (which I easily disputed on the app) after waiting almost 20 minutes for the driver to arrive. RDJ traffic can be horrendous but they never came close to our location. Their GPS coordinates were off too, regardless of calling from a location with a business name and actual address, with the driver ending up on the opposite side of a very busy street. Fret not as there were positives, like dirt cheap prices compared to back in the good 'ol USA, sans for NYC, with safe and courteous drivers. Vehicle cleanliness and comfort levels were okay.

I USED UBER A FEW TIMES IN NYC AND FOUND IT INCONVENIENT & EXPENSIVE. In Rio, do what the…read moreBrazilians do. The price of a ride on Uber in rio is about 30-50% less than a cab, and there's a few additional benefits of taking an Uber in Rio. Cabs are often targets of criminals at red lights. Uber cars are unmarked and don't scream Tourists with money. This is a great addition to Rios war against crime when you think about it.

We had an incredibly positive experience with Berkana Travel. The guides were knowledgeable,…read moreprofessional, dependable, with wonderful personalities. The accommodations that were arranged for us were first class in every way. We had wonderful experiences in both Rio and and Iguassu Falls. The ease of it all from airport transfers to tours was flawless. Obrigada for an amazing experience.

Guilherme was so helpful and we did not even take his tour this time. Long story, I had been…read moresearching for private tour guides and this company caught my eye! Gui reached out via WhatsApp and was very generous with his recommendations and sharing insights for visiting Rio during a rainy few days. Perfect English, flexible with ideas/plans, and patient with my tourist questions. We will definitely reach out when we are in town and the sun is shining again. Thanks Giu!

My best friend and I were fortunate enough to encounter Gui & Rafa. If you're coming to Rio, you…read moremust have Gui as your tour guide!! They made our trip the best trip we've ever had. With a personally curated tour to fit our wants and needs, Gui was exceptional. 10/10 stars!

Ack! My first Brasilian review! I suppose there's no better place to start than at the beginning…read more Unless you live in the country, odds are you're going to be flying into Rio. And, if you're flying into Rio, you're going to need someone to pick you up and show you around. And, if you need that person, that person is Eraldo. After one of the more harrowing flights of my life and frustrating arrivals, I was dizzy and disoriented. I just wanted to get to my apartment and get acclimated to where I was. Prior to coming to Rio, I'd arranged a car service thanks to my apartment hosts. I sent over my arrival time, airline, etc. and as soon as I walked out of the baggage area, Eraldo was there with a sign and we were off. Not only does he have a comfortable van in which to relax and spread out, he speaks fantastic English, has suggestions about where to visit, is extremely knowledgeable about the city and things to do that are touristy and more locally-inspired, and, best of all, is just really nice. The drive in to Ipanema from the airport is rather long and during it all, Eraldo pointed out things for me to photograph and was able to speak on a wide variety of subjects. More than just a shuttle to and from the airport, he offers tour services and thanks to the sneak peek I received to/from the airport, I have no doubt he excels in that area. While email (edomello@hotmail.com) is bit better than phone to set things up, Eraldo was always available, prompt and helpful. Without a doubt, I'll be using his services upon my next trip to Rio and I suggest that you do the same. Cash is king.

Condor Travel is the company hired by our travel agent, Captivating Journeys based out of Wailuku,…read moreHI for a 15-day, private tour of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Lima. RIO DE JANEIRO: One of Condor's reps met us at the airport and got us situated for transport to the Miramar Windsor hotel on Copacabana Beach about 30 minutes away. The next day Renata was our guide. She was friendly, patient, spoke English well and taught us a new panoramic trick with our phones! We took in Christ The Redeemer where there was no waiting in line for the train thanks to pre-purchased tickets, then stopped off at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Escadaria Selarón (steps), Sambodrome and Mário Filho stadium. Lunch was at Churrascaria Carretão (see separate review). Sugarloaf was last on the agenda where she left us because we wanted to watch sunset from there. She was nice enough to drop off our belongings we left in the car back to our hotel. On departure day, no Condor rep escorted us, just an unknown woman who dressed like a business executive but helped us with our bags like an airport porter in heels! TIPS: Definitely use Uber in Rio. Cars were plentiful and fares were cheap! Try not to use your credit cards as mine got compromised early on.

Bromelia Rio Travel and Tour are the best way to introduce yourself to Rio and fall in love with…read moreit. I was amazed by how each experience I had with Lauren and Val led me to want to do another tour with them. Each one I did was unique and amazing. First I decided to stay at Casa Bromelia. This B&B is ran by Lauren and Val. I found this option on their tour site. I stayed 3 nights and am positive I will return for more. Casa Bromelia is a block from Ipanema beach. You cannot beat this location. It has so much historical charm on the outside and the interior decor Lauren selected is beautiful! It has 3 bedrooms that could potential be booked. The beds are super comfortable and the sound proof windows make you forget the outdoor world is even there. Trust me this is bliss after long adventures all day in Rio. You share a bathroom with the other guests, but I often felt like it was my own. Never had issues waiting for it. Besides the amazing comfort of the rooms having Lauren and Val there to give advice on your stay made the trip. They could point you in the right direction for whatever you are in the mood for that day. You could join in on one of their tours, they will give you advice on restaurant to try, and the best beach stand to visit. Lauren and Val are so genuine and you can tell love Rio. They want you to love it too. I highly recommend staying at Casa Bromelia for your accommodation for your stay. Second, I did the Rainforest Hiking Tour to Dois Irmãos. The view for this is the best I have seen. Better then Christ or Sugar Loaf in my opinion. You can see a 360 view of Rio. I joined in last minute for this tour. I heard about it from a guest who was staying in a different room the afternoon before. Staying at Casa Bromelia made it easy for this last minute addition. A couple staying at a different location joined our group too. We met at Casa Bromelia and headed to the mountain. Val guided this tour and you can tell he has a love for the environment. He was picking up any little piece of trash as we hiked. I appreciate this gesture. In this tour we started at the bottom of the Vidigal Favela. We each took a separate motor bike taxi to get to the start of the hike at the top of the Favela. This was very safe and a great way to see the favela briefly. The hike was great for beginners. I am 35 years old and in average shape. There are some steep parts, but nothing you can't do. Val guided us at our pace and made sure we all were doing okay. The group talked the entire way up. Trust me the view is worth it!!! We walked down through the favela on the way back. It felt safe and interesting to see close up. Third, I did the Back Street Samba Party Excursion. I scheduled this in advance when I booked the place. Lauren guided this tour and you can tell she truly enjoys Samba and the spirit it brings to the Rio culture. I did it with one other guest (31 years old) staying at Casa Bromelia and an older couple (70 years old) staying at a different location. The ages didn't matter. We all had such a fantastic time together. There is no way you can't in this particular tour. First, we all met at Casa Bromelia at 6pm and learned how to make a Caprinhina! We also had one too! Then we headed to the central part of Rio to a back street Samba gathering. The location was amazing to see. Something I would never have found on my own in Rio. We listened to music, drank a few more Caprinhinas, ate espichinos (meat on a stick) and danced the night away!! Lauren's enthusiasm for this amazing tour really made us all fall in love with Rio and Samba. If I had more time I would have loved to do the cooking class tour, which Lauren doesn't run, but sets up for you or the City Walking Tour that Lauren does. Oh .... or the Photography Tour. The photos taken look amazing and how often do you have a beautiful background like Rio to do a personal photo shoot in. Lauren sets this up for you as well. I have officially fallen in love with Rio AND Bromelia Rio Travel and Tour! I will be back!!

Best Local Experience! I would not have found any of the information I received nor experienced any…read moreof the authentic moments I had without the help of Bromelia Rio Travel. And best of all, you made me feel prepared for my trip even before I arrived! Always available to answer my questions, offer suggestions and get me excited for my Rio holiday. Highly Recommended.