Apr-2014
The best of Rio according to Bruno Elias
About a month ago I met Bruno Elias, who is an international tour guide from Rio de Janeiro – Brazil. I worked as a bike tour guide in Barcelona in 2011 and was wondering what Bruno’s point of view was on a couple of things referring to cycling through Rio. He has been working as a tour guide for 5 years and started Bike in Rio Tours because he thinks that on a bicycle you have a better perspective of the city you’re visiting. “I saw bike tours happening in all main touristic cities around the world and guessed, why not in Rio? So, for a year and a half Bike in Rio business is running, well, cycling actually!” Bruno says.
Experiencing a bike tour
Bruno explains me that his clients usually say that biking in Rio is a great experience because afterwards they have a better orientation of the city and that it is possible to visit places that most of the traditional guided tours do not go to. It is also good to have some exercise while traveling and to experience the locals way of life.
The place to be
Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts according to Bruno. “There is a Brazilian song that says: Rio 40º, the wonderful city, purgatory between chaos and beauty. And I totally agree with that!” Rio de Janeiro is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, people are friendly and welcoming and according to Bruno there is no other city in the world with as many attractive activities (especially outdoors) than Rio. But, as any other big urban center in the world, it has its problems like a bad public transport system, huge gap between social classes… But in the end, Rio is a great place and Bruno does not see himself living anywhere else than in Rio.
Rio is attractive to cyclists
In Rio there are about 240 kilometers of cycling lanes. The city has a lot of hills but the best cycle paths are all around the flat areas, where you can see the city in different angles. The weather in the city is great around 300 days per year. You can breathe in the air, feel the ocean breeze and interact a lot better with the city and the people in a fun, healthy and sustainable way.
It’s safe enough
Tourists are targets anywhere in the world, for the good and for the bad as well, and in Rio it is not that different. “I always give recommendations to my clients such as when putting their bags or backpacks on the basket that they must tie them somehow to the bike´s handle bar. Of course there are places that you should avoid, specially late at night. I am aware of the bad reputation that the city has, but since I started Bike in Rio we had no problem at all, biking in a group makes it harder for the ones looking for a possibility to mug or something else” explains Bruno.
Where to go to
When I ask Bruno about his favorite area or part of Rio he says that it’s hard to tell. “I would say my favorite part of Rio is the Downtown area for its historical importance. Not only for Rio, but for the country, as Rio was the capital of Brazil in the most important historical moments of the country. I also love Tijuca´s Forest. There are lots of amazing hikes that can be done there revealing views of Rio that most of the visitors miss. Always remember that Rio must be experienced outdoors!”
Other hotspots
Bruno’s favorite place in Rio that they ride on the tours is Rodrigo de Freita´s Lagoon, which is a place filled with options for sports activities, breathtaking views and also good restaurants around. For drinks and snacks he names Emir Oasis, right in the entrance of Flamengo´s Park. “Emir is a very friendly guy that sells the coldest coconut water you’ll ever drink in Rio in a hippie bus. Not fancy, like it must be in Rio, and with a privileged view to the Sugar Loaf Mountain” says Bruno. On his free time he likes to go to Lapa, the bohemian and most democratic area of Rio. There you have hundreds of options to have a great time, options go from the nicest samba clubs in Rio to just hanging around and have some beers sold by the vendors on the streets, if you´re short on cash.
Bike in Rio
Interested in exploring Rio? By bike? Bruno’s company Bike in Rio has several tours to offer. Here you can find a list of them (prices are in Brazilian Reals).
Copacabana – Flamengo Park Bike Tour: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, R$75,- per person. Meeting Point at Copacabana Palace Hotel. 09:00 am
Ipanema – Lagoon Bike Tour: Tuesdays and Thursdays. R$75,- per person. Meeting point at Copacabana Palace Hotel. 09:00 am
Lapa-Downtown Bike Tour – Saturdays. R$75,- per person . Meeting point at Cinelandia, in front of Odeon BR Movie Theater. 09:00 am
All Around Rio Bike Tour – Sundays. R$150,- per person. Meeting Point at Copacabana Palace Hotel. 09:00 am
You might like to read about my experience with the Copacabana – Flamengo Park Bike tour right here!
Bruno can also guide you to other activities such as hikes, favela visits, half day trips to Niteroi, Half day trips to the wild beaches of West Side Rio, Brazilian cooking classes, Samba classes or perhaps a night out, Tijuca´s Forest and much more. You can send Bruno a Whats App message at +55 21 984747740 or an e-mail at contato@bikeinriotours.com He’ll love hearing from you and is there to help you to have the best time in Rio de Janeiro!
About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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