Study in Brazil | Portuguese Language Schools in Brazil

Portuguese Language School in Rio:
Activities and Attractions

Our central location allows students to leave for a walk after class to the historical center of the city, or to any of the nearby theaters, museums and cultural centers.

Weekends | Excursions


     

Weekends

The city is surrounded by a wealth of historic attractions and natural beauty, and its unique geography, squeezed between the mountains and the sea, makes it possible to drive from the golden sands of one of its world famous beaches to a quaint inn somewhere in the hills in less than two hours. So whether you prefer the excitement of the city, beautiful beaches, or discovering what nature has in store for you around the next bend, your options are plentiful. Enjoy!

Ipanema

Even more irresistible than the muse who inspired the "Girl from Ipanema" the song which immortalized both her and her neighborhood there is no doubt that Ipanema is a famous meeting point in Rio de Janeiro. This sophisticated district offers a lively nightlife scene with an enticing blend of beach, bars, and boutiques. A major attraction throughout the day, its beach also welcome countless after-dark visitors including joggers and other athletes who cluster at its kiosks, pedal along the bicycle path and make good use of special lighting to exercise and relax. Thanks to its multi-faceted lifestyle, Ipanema truly reflects the Carioca spirit of the people of Rio, welcoming visitors eager to join in the fun.

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Copacabana

Known around the world as the "Princess of the Sea", Copacabana is much more than a postcard. It ‘s Rio de Janeiro at its best, with countless attractions for locals and visitors. Walk around to see the beach, the buildings, the nightclubs, the shops, the people... and you’ll fall in love for life.

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Maracaña Soccer Stadium

Inaugurated in June 1950, the world's largest sports stadium still retains all the glamour that makes it a landmark and an irresistible attraction for visitors to Rio. The stage of memorable moments such as Pelé's 1,000th goal, Maracanã also hosted mega-concerts by Frank Sinatra and Paul McCartney, drawing huge audiences of over 180,000 which made The Guinness Book of Records. More recently, and no less important, was the Meeting with Families during Pope John Paul II's last visit to Brazil. With this impressive track record, Maracanã leaves a lasting impression, thanks to its sheer size, style and beauty. This monument to sport is open for visits almost every day.

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Flamengo Park

Popularly known as the Aterro or "landfill", its 1.2 million sq. m of lawns, flowering shrubs and trees are one of the loveliest and most important landscaping projects designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Running along the shoreline from the Santos Dumont Airport to Botafogo Bay, this park offers a wide array of attractions. An interesting itinerary starts at the Modern Art Museum, continuing past the Monument to World War II, the Marina da Gloria, and the Carmen Miranda Museum, ending at the Monument to Estácio de Sá, founder of the City of Rio de Janeiro.

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Petrópolis, Itaipava and Teresópolis

High in the hills behind Rio, there is a tiny town where the Brazilian Imperial Family once spent its summers. Petrópolis, with its refreshing mountain climate and magnificent views, is located 809 meters above sea level and an easy 53 kilometers from Rio. Its attractions include the Imperial Museum, once the Summer Palace of Brazil's Emperors, whose collections feature the Crown and Scepter of Brazil's last Emperor, Pedro II, as well as documents, jewels, and works of art that once belonged to the Imperial Family.

A visit to Petrópolis is perfect for a day trip, but for visitors eager to enjoy this mountain climate and perhaps explore some of the nearby towns, there are many picturesque inns in the area to spend an overnight. The gastronomy center of Itaipava and the nearby town of Teresópolis are both worth visits.

Teresópolis is also pleasantly cool at 902 meters above sea level. Local attractions include the Serra dos Órgãos National Park with the sheer rock faces known as the Finger of God (1,692 meters) and the Friar's Nose (1,980 meters). Many Rio residents have summer homes here so this quiet town comes alive on weekends with parties, dinners and nightclubs.

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Tijuca Forest

The Tijuca Forest is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many of which are threatened by extinction, and are found only in the Atlantic Rainforest. This is the world's largest urban forest, covering some 3,200 hectares. Its historical attractions and enchanting nooks are well worth a leisurely visit. It is located just a short drive from Rio’s downtown, the North Zone, and the smart beach districts. Its attractions include the Cascatinha Waterfallll, the Mayrink Chapel, the Excelsior Lookout Point, the Paul and Virginia Grotto, and Fairy Lake, which are all favorite destinations for weekend family outings

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Itacuruçá, Angra and Paraty

A scenic drive to the Green Coast south of Rio leads to the picturesque fishing village of Itacuruçá. This is the main boarding point for tropical island schooner cruises. Further down the Costa Verde is Angra dos Reis, a coastal resort town that faces some 365 tiny islands reflected in a crystal-clear sea. This is an ideal spot for snorkeling and other water sports, and is a favorite weekend hideaway for boating fans.

Picturesque Paraty, located on the southernmost point of the Costa Verde, is a slightly longer outing (249 kilometers). Forgotten by the modern world, its lovely townhouses and cobbled streets still retain much of their colonial charm. This is another great location for snorkeling and other water sports.

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For those students who want to discover this wonderful city, while practicing their Portuguese, the School offers a series of excursions to some of the most beautiful places in Rio.

Excursions are offered once or twice a week (depending on the season), and are usually scheduled for the afternoon. The students are always accompanied by one of their Portuguese instructors, and although most excursions are provided as a courtesy, students are expected to pay for their own public transportation costs and entrance fees.

Click here to review some of the excursions we offer in this marvelous city..

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