10:00 AM

Arrive Galeao International Airport

Flight arrives at GIG Terminal 2. Take Uber or taxi to Copacabana/Ipanema ~R$80-120 (40 min depending on traffic). Or airport bus BRT Ligeirinho to Zona Sul.

11:30 AM

Check In — Ipanema Hotel

Hotel near Ipanema Beach. Drop bags and freshen up after flight. Walking distance to the beach, restaurants, and metro station.

12:30 PM

Lunch at Garota de Ipanema

The bar where the famous bossa nova song 'Girl from Ipanema' was composed. Classic Brazilian dishes and cold chopp beer. Try the feijoada or picanha. Mains R$50–90 ($10–18).

2:30 PM

Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car

Two-stage cable car to Pao de Acucar (396m). Stunning 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana, and Christ the Redeemer. Tickets R$120 ($24). Allow 2-3 hours. Late afternoon light is best for photos.