After an incredible, soul-filling week in Ubatuba, I knew I couldn’t be that close to Rio de Janeiro and not make a stop. It was just a one-hour flight from São Paulo, and before we knew it, Olivia and I were in Rio.
I chose to stay at the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, mainly because it felt a little more private and less crowded than the busier beaches. It was perfect for the peace I thought I still needed… until I realized Ubatuba had already filled my cup. Next time? I think I’ll stay on Copacabana Beach, for the convenience, the buzz, and let’s be honest… people watching. (Yes, I’m in my 40s and I’ve found people watching to be wildly entertaining and oddly enlightening.)
Marius Degustare: Where Decor Meets Delicious
We arrived in Rio hungry, so we went all in and tried Marius Degustare, a restaurant I’ll never forget. The décor was electric, eclectic, and full of surprises. Picture bright colors, quirky textures, and details you’d never expect. Like the bathroom floor covered in coffee beans. Yes, intentionally. It smelled amazing and honestly felt pretty satisfying to walk on.
Food-wise? It’s a Brazilian steakhouse experience, an endless parade of meats, seafood, and a buffet of sides and salads. The staff made the experience even better. Every table had a flag representing where the guests were from, which made the space feel like a celebration of cultures. The highlight for me wasn’t even the steak (which I normally love). It was a fish called sargo. So flavorful, so tender…absolutely obsessed. 10/10 would go back.
After dinner, Olivia and I took a walk along the beach. There was live music, the sound of waves, and volleyball games everywhere. At one point, I saw a group of 6- to 10-year-olds playing intense beach volleyball at 9 p.m. I was impressed. And let’s be honest, this athletic lifestyle? Probably a big reason Brazilian butt lifts are so popular. Volleyball = squats = makes total sense. 😂
Tour Day: Wonder, History… and a Whole Lot of Humility
Of course, I had a full-day tour planned for us the next morning. On the itinerary: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, City Tour, and Brazilian BBQ Lunch.
Our guide picked us up early and took us first to the Centro de Visitantes Paineiras, where we grabbed some souvenirs and snacks. From there, we started the drive through Parque Nacional da Tijuca, passing lush rainforest and monkeys swinging through the trees. Already magical.
Then we reached the top of Corcovado Mountain to see the legendary Christ the Redeemer statue. The clouds swept through the figure while the sun rested on Christ’s arms, it was emotional. Being that high in the sky, surrounded by such beauty and standing before one of the 7 Wonders of the World was surreal. We took our time, snapped photos, and grabbed a bite from one of the mountaintop cafés.
We chose to walk the stairs to the statue for the full experience. (You can also take a train if you’re not up for the climb.) Just as we were wrapping up, though, came my big moment… and by “big,” I mean face-plant level drama.
In my rush to get back to the tour bus, I stepped on my flowy pants and hit the ground HARD. Like, full-on body slam. Blood, possible knee fracture, the works. As I lay there thinking, “Well, Jesus literally just brought me to my knees,” the guide insisted I go to the hospital. But I refused. I had come too far to spend my last hours in Rio in a hospital bed. (Disclaimer: this was a personal decision based in possible stupidity. I am not a doctor and don’t recommend this route.)
So… onward I went. Limp and all.
Monuments, Missed Costumes & a Sugarloaf Sunset
Next, we stopped by Maracanã Stadium and the Bellini Statue, followed by the Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí, where tourists usually get to try on Carnival costumes. Sadly, it was closed for a private event that day. (Next time!)
We continued to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, a truly stunning architectural space. Olivia, however, spent most of the time mothering a stray puppy, naturally. 💛
After a quick visit to the famous Selarón Steps, we made our way to one of my favorite moments: Sugarloaf Mountain. We took the first cable car up to Morro da Urca, where we enjoyed a perfect Brazilian barbecue lunch. Normally, I love eating solo or with close company but sharing a table with travelers from around the world turned out to be such a joyful experience. Great food, great stories, and good energy.
Then came the final two cable car rides to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The views? Unreal. We watched the city unfold from thousands of feet above. Rio’s beaches, the Christ statue, the sparkling ocean. And just before sunset, the sky did what only Rio skies can do: turned golden and magic.
We explored the little shops, enjoyed music and dancing, and even found a mini rainforest at the top (with monkeys, of course…my favorite animals). I was in my element.
When we got back to the hotel, the staff and security immediately helped clean up my banged-up knee. They brought me ice packs, bandages, and the kind of attentiveness that really stuck with me. I was so impressed.
Our Final Day
We spent our last day fully enjoying the hotel. Cabana beds, the ocean breeze, sunbathing, and dips in the pool. It was the perfect way to close out our incredible time in Brazil.
And the knee? When I got home, I went to the hospital: tissue damage and inflammation, but no broken bones. Just a few lifelong souvenirs etched on my skin… and in my memory.
Pro Tip:
Sometimes booking two one-way flights instead of a roundtrip can save you money and flexibility. That’s exactly what I did with Brazil, and it allowed me to turn a quick visit into a full adventure. Worth every step… even the painful ones. 😅
