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Until recently it seemed as if Rio had everything going for it. Through the early 2010’s Brazil had one of the World’s fastest growing economies. In 2014 Rio successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup championship. In 2009 Rio was selected to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, which will open on August 5^th. Although now the country is in recession, tickets aren’t selling for the Olympics and significant numbers of the country’s politicians are implicated in a major political scandal. On top of all of this, the Zika virus is in headlines everywhere. If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, then Zika is enough of a concern that you should not travel to Brazil for now. But, other than that, visitors to Rio will be unaffected by the areas current hiccups. In fact the US dollar is very strong against the Brazilian Real at the moment (1 Real = .31 Dollars), making this vibrant city a better deal than it was a couple of years ago.

The people of Rio known as Cariocas, are among the most jubilant, beautiful and fun loving that you will ever meet. Any day of the year impromptu gatherings and parties form on the beaches and streets. It only takes a couple of minutes of conversation or volleyball to feel like you have a new best friend. And don’t forget Carnival, a festival so amazing that almost nothing matches it. If you are into dark, sultry, skimpy swimsuit wearing men and women; then Rio is your paradise. If you are into blondes, Rio will make you question why you like blondes. (Actually Brazil’s immigrant past is diverse enough that they do have blondes. You will just have to look a little harder).

In addition to the beauty of the people, Rio has one of the most extraordinary landscapes of any city in the world. Lushly forested granite mountains plunge into the ocean and heart of the city. Narrow valleys, filled with skyscrapers, wind between them. And a golden stretch of sand is never far away. Ipanema and Copacabana are among the most famous and active beaches in the world. But, a short taxi ride away you can find beauty and solitude in lesser known beaches such as Prainha. For amazing views of the city and ocean take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Or visit Corcovado, which in addition to amazing views contains the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer with his outstretched arms. Despite being one of South America’s largest cities, Rio maintains a sense of the wild. The city’s Tijuca Park is the World’s largest urban forest. Its wild howler monkeys can be heard and the occasional capuchin monkey may try to steal your lunch if you’re picnicking there.

Whether you want to samba all night, tan your hide while watching some of the World’s sexiest people saunter by, or just enjoy a caipirinha on a quiet patio; Rio has it all. It may be too late to get to the Olympics. But, all of the natural beauty and excitement that Rio is famous for will still be there after the closing ceremonies. Carnival, which is a not to be missed spectacle, starts on February 24 of next year. It’s a perfect time to shake your bon bon while escaping winter’s weather. Contact Purple Light for help in planning your getaway to this marvelous city.