Stuck on a São Paulo layover at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in Brazil? The airport is located roughly 15 miles from downtown São Paulo which makes the city an accessible destination for those on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your São Paulo layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck inside the airport during your São Paulo layover, there’s a lot to do to keep you entertained while you wait for your connecting flight. In addition to restaurants, coffee shops, bars and dozens of shops, the airport also has a Panoramic Terrace in Terminals 1 & 2 where you can view the runways, a Dental Clinic in Terminal 2 Wing C, a number of banks, a post office in Terminal 1 Wing B, and a Drug Store in Terminal 1 Wing A.

If you’re looking for a little rest and relaxation, there is a Massage and Acupuncture Clinic RPG in Terminal 1 Wing B (Phone: 2445-4637), and a Beautiful Hair Beauty Institute hairdresser in Terminal 1, Wing A, Mezzanine Floor. Also a Traveller Beauty Spa is located in Terminal 2 in Wing C. For the full list of shops, restaurants, airport lounges and services, click here.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, the Quick Hotel Stay (Phone: 2445-2356) is located on the floor level of passenger Terminal 2 in the International Connector. If you’d prefer to stay at a hotel nearby in São Paulo, click here for a comprehensive list of hotels.

If you’re planning on leaving the airport during your São Paulo layover, there are taxis available in the Passenger Terminals in arrivals, operated by Guarucoop 24 hours a day (Phone (0xx11) 2445-3104. In addition, there are Metro and Subway service – more information including routes and times, can be found here under “transportation” near the bottom of the page.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Layover In São Paulo, Brazil:

Edificio Italia

Looking for a nice view of São Paulo? Check out the Edficio Italia, a 46-story high skyscraper in São Paulo. On the 44^th floor is the Terraco Italia restaurant and an observation deck with a view over the city.

Mercado Municipal

The Mercado Municipal is the city’s biggest food market with roughly 320 stands that sell everything including seafood, spices and cheese. Wander through the market and check out all the great Brazilian cuisine and stop by a restaurant to grab a bite.

Parque do Ibirapuera

Want to stretch your legs during your São Paulo layover? Check out the Parque do Ibirapuera urban park where you can attend events, stroll around and check out the famous architecture by Oscar Niemeyer.

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

An art museum focusing on Brazilian, African and Western art, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo has more than 8,000 works of art.

Jardins District

For some shopping, fine dining and great people watching, check out the Jardins District is considered to be the center of São Paulo’s social scene with late-serving resturantings, bars and nightlife.

None of these interest you? Check out tons more suggestions of things to do on your São Paulo layover.

Have a suggestion for a São Paulo layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a Brazil layover at Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB)? The airport is one of Brazil’s most modern, and is located roughly  miles from the city center of Brasilia, which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Brazil layover, click here for useful tips.

For the Layover Guide to Rio de Janeiro’s Galeao International Airport in Brazil, CLICK HERE!

The airport has lots to do for those stuck inside during your Brazil layover. With dozens hundred shops (duty free and regular shopping), a restaurant, snack shops, and bars, there’s plenty to do. The airport also has banking and currency exchange facilities, a post office, traveler information center in the Departure Hall, and left luggage facilities. There’s also a VIP lounge inside the airport.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest during your Brasilia layover, there is no hotel at the airport but there are a number of hotels nearby. For a comprehensive list of hotels of varying price points, click here.

Departure tax can range from $12USD to $36USD. Depending on where you are traveling (your airport category and type of flight), you may need to pay a departure tariff. For more information on the different types of fees, click here.

If you’re planning on leaving the airport during your Brasilia layover, taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall, and are generally considered to be the most efficient form of transportation into town, taking roughly 15 minutes (depending on traffic). In addition, buses and microbuses leave regularly from the airport into Brasilia (taking roughly 30 minutes). Car rental is also available.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions For Things To Do On A Brasilia Layover:

TV Tower

To get a great panorama view of the area, take a trip to the Brasilia TV Tower where you can take a look from the observation deck at 246 feet high! On weekends, you can often find street markets around the bottom of the tower.

Catedral Metropolitana

Brasiaila’s main Roman Catholic cathedral, the Catedral Metropolitana is a completely unique landmark to the city. Check out the spectacular nave stained glass window, the bronze sculptures of the Evangelists, and make sure to wander around the exterior to take in the architecture.

Parque Nacional Brasilia

Need to stretch your legs during your Brasilia layover? The Parque Nacional Brasilia has two pools of mineral water, a couple of walking trails, and many trees to spend the afternoon picnicking under.

Santuario Dom Bosco

Honoring an Italian saint who once dreamt of a utopian city, the Parque Nacional Brasilia honors this inspiration which Brasilia was founded on. Built on the 15^th parallel of Brazil, the church is filled with a beautiful blue light due to the stained glass windows which cover the walls.

Have a suggestion for a Brasilia layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on an Ecuador layover in Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)? The airport was ranked the highest in Latin American airports in a 2008 BusinessWeek poll and is a main hub of Lan Ecuador. The airport is located roughly 3 kilometers from Guayaquil’s city center, which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Ecuador layover, click here for useful tips.

The airport has a departure tax of US$28.27 for international flights. There is not national tax except for the Galapagos, in which there’s a $10 tourist card fee and $100 visitor fee (cash only) upon arrival in Baltra or San Cristobol. The fee is non-refundable and valid for 7 days.

If you’re stuck in the airport during your Ecuador layover, there’s plenty to do. The airport has many shops and restaurants, as well as a pharmacy, a hair salon and a florist. In addition, there is Wi-Fi, ATM and banking services, phone rental, and a post office.

The airport hosts many lounges including the International Departure Lounge (Seropuertos VIP Club), International Arrival Lounge (Priority Pass), NationalDeparture Lounge (Sueropuertos VIP Club), and a Business and Training Center.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest, there are many hotels of varying price points near the airport. For a comprehensive list of hotels, click here.

Taxis and buses are located outside of the airport’s Arrival Hall, and car rentals are available 24 hours a day in the Arrival Hall on the Ground Floor.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Guayaquil, Ecuador Layover:

Ecuador Tours

Ecuador has countless tours – everything from mangrove and yacht tours, to beach and shopping tours. Click here for more options!

Malecon 2000

The Malecon 2000 is the boardwalk that spans the Guayas River in Guayaquil. Here you can take a stroll along the river, and stop at the many points of interest including restaurants, bars, theaters, fountains, and gardens.

Parque Historico Guayaquil

Enter through a mangrove forest to The Parque Historico Guayaquil. Located along the river, the park represents old Guayaquil and has buildings from the early part of the century that were declared cultural heritage

Cerro Santa Ana

The Cerro Santa Ana is a watchtower that is located in a historic neighborhood of Guayaquil. Climb the stairs up to the top of the Fort of the Hill that was once used to protect the city from pirates.

Have a suggestion for a Guayaquil, Ecuador layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a Santiago layover at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)? The airport is the hub of Lan Chile and is the country’s largest airport. Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez is located in Pudahuel, roughly 11 miles from downtown Santiago, which makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on long layovers. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Chile layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the Chile airport during your layover, there’s plenty to do. The airport offers shopping – both regular and duty free, as well as bars and restaurants, and a number of services including a nail salon, Massage Express, a dentist, baggage storage, and currency exchange.

If you arrive at night or are looking for a place to rest during your Santiago layover, there are two hotels in Pudahuel right by the airport – the Diego De Amalgro Aeropuerto Hotel and The Holiday Inn Santiago Airport. If you’re looking for hotels in Santiago, click here for a comprehensive list with varying price points.

The airport also hosts the following VIP lounges:

Salón Admirals Club – American Airlines
Admirals Club Lounge American Airlines International Shipping Opposite gate 19, Third Level, Phone (56 2)601 1145

Salón Crown Room Club – Delta Airlines
Salón Crown Room Club Delta Airlines Embarque Internacional Frente Gate 18, Phone (56 2) 690 1561

Salón Gabriela Mistral – Lan Chile
Salón VIP Gabriela Mistral Lan Chile Embarque Internacional Gates 18 and 17
Salón Pablo Neruda Lan Chile Embarque Internacional Gates 19 y 20, Phone (56 2) 565 8780

Salón Pacific Club
Pacific Club Hall National Terminal, Second Level, Phone (56 2) 690 1599
Pacific Club Hall International Terminal opposite Gate 20, Third Level, Phone (56 2) 690 1518

If you’re planning on leaving the airport during your Santiago layover, there are a number of transportation options. You can take a taxi (click here for the list of taxi services available), as well as Minibuses and buses. Car rental is also available at the airport.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions For Things To Do On A Santiago Layover:

Santiago Tour

If you’re limited on time, a tour might be the best way to fit in a bunch of Santiago’s sites. There’s many tours to choose from including bike tours, private tours, and more!

Cerro Santa Lucia

Located in downtown Santiago is Cerro Santa Lucia, a small hill with fountains and stairways where you’ll find a great view of the city. It is only advised to be visited during the day, for safety reasons.

La Chascona

Built in 1953, La Chascona was built by Neruda in honor of his third wife. The house also serves as a museum, showing the poet’s life.

Los Dominicos Handicraft Village

Roughly a ten-minute drive from Santiago, you’ll find Los Dominicos Handicraft Village, where there’s a large collection of Chilean handicrafts. A great place to wander or pick up gifts, here you’ll find everything from pottery to paintings and jewelry.

Museo de Arte Precolombino

The Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is a museum dedicated to the artistic legacy of the pre-Columbian people of all the Americas, focusing on the cultural areas of Mesoamerica, Intermediate, Caribbean, Amazonian and the Andes.

None of these interest you for your Santiago layover? Click here for more suggestions!

Have a suggestion for a Santiago layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a Buenos Aires layover at The Ministro Pistarini International Airport – also known as Ezeiza – (EZA) in Argentina? The airport is located about 14 miles from central downtown Buenos Aires, and connected to the city by a fast motorway – the General Ricchiere Expressway. If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Buenos Aires layover, click here for useful tips.

While layovers can be tedious, Ezeiza (or EZE) airport provides ample facilities to make those minutes tick by at double pace. For restless travellers, the three major Terminals A, B and C offer all the eating, shopping and entertainment facilities you would expect from such a busy international airport. This includes a wide range of quality restaurants, cafes and bars for those seeking an escape from pre-prepared airline meals. It’s also a great place to pick up some gifts for the family, with several bookstores, giftshops, a sunglasses shop, jeweller and a music store available. Check out the full range of facilities the airport offers for a Buenos Aires layover.

For passengers wanting an extra dose of luxury, VIP Lounges are available on the first floor of Terminal B Departures and on the ground floor of Terminal A arrivals. These rooms offer a range of facilities including showers, Internet access, TV, telephones, check-in services, a bar and relaxation room. Lounges are pre-bookable and available to business-class passengers and club members only (sorry backpackers!).

Missing home already? Telephone and Internet access is available at phone booths throughout all terminals. Mobile phone hire and service are also available in Terminal A Arrivals and Departures.

If you arrive at night and are looking to catch a few hours of shut eye at a hostel Buenos Aires offers a range of budget accommodations both in Ezeiza and further towards the town centre. It may be an idea to take the free shuttle bus to either Hostel Suites Florida, which offers rooms from just €17 a night, or Hostel Suites Obelisco, with rooms from €10 a night, so that you can get up and immediately start on some morning layover exploration!

Then again, if shuttle busses aren’t your thing, Ezeiza airport also provides a range of public bus services, car rentals, taxi cabs and chauffeured cars… you’re spoiled for transport choice!

Layover Guide’s Suggestions for Things to do on a Buenos Aires Layover:

Recoleta Cemetery

Get lost in years of history at one of the greatest cemeteries of the world. Recoleta Cemetary, located in one of BA’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, is the final resting place of Evita – the goddess of Argentinian life (not just someone who Madonna played in a movie!) The Cemetery is open daily from 8am to 6pm, and English language tours are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 11am.

Tierra Santa

How does one describe Tierra Santa? This has to be the only place in the world where you can see a resurrection of Jesus Christ every half hour. That’s right, at the world’s first religious theme park, you will be greeted by a 20-metre plastic Jesus rising from the earth to the sounds of a recorded Latin choir. In one word: surreal.

Café Tortoni

Head to Café Tortoni for a freshly roasted coffee and crispy medialuna (Argentinean croissant) at one of the oldest and most beautiful cafés in the city. Despite becoming increasingly touristy, this bohemian joint hasn’t lost its traditional charm.

Teatro Colón

The second largest performing arts theatre in the southern hemisphere, Teatro Colón is a must see for culture seekers and creative types. If you have time, check out one of the opera performances, or else take a tour around the beautiful auditorium and backstage area.

San Telmo

The oldest neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo is characterised by its colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, street performers, old churches, museums and numerous tango parlors. Make sure you stop here on a Sunday morning for the massive antique fair at Plaza Dorrego, the main public square.

Have a suggestion for a Buenos Aires layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a layover at Simón Bolívar International Airport of Maiquetia (CSS) in Caracas, Venezuela? As the main hub for Santa Barbara airlines and one of South America’s largest airports, you’ll find that there’s plenty to do during your wait. The airport is located in Maiquetía, about 13 miles from downtown Caracas, which provides plenty to do for those on long layover who have enough time to leave the airport. If you’re trying to figure out if you can leave the airport during your layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re staying in the airport during your layover, there’s a number of services that the airport offers to help you bide your time. Both terminals have a number of restaurants, travel agencies, shops (including duty-free shops in the International Terminal), bookstores, and banks. There are also pharmacies and medical services in both the national and International terminals. Internet services can be found at Cantv at the International Terminal, floor 3. For those looking to stow their bags, Left Luggage facilities are located in both terminals.

The airport has a number of executive lounges including the Simon Bolivar Lounge in the National Terminal on the second floor. The Venezuela Lounge, United-Iberia Lounge, and The American Airlines Admiral Club are all located in the International Terminal on the second floor.

There are also a number of nearby hotels where you can catch some sleep, visit a gym or spa, or just unwind after your flight. The Hotel Eurobuilding Express www.hoteleuroexpress.com is located across from the airport and also has many facilities including a conference room. Click here for a list of nearby hotels.

If you’re planning on exploring Caracas, there are a couple different ways you can travel. The easiest is by taxi, located on Level 2, Zone of Embarkation in both the domestic and International terminals. The taxis are operated 24/7, and you can pre-pay for taxis at the taxi desk in arrivals or online on the taxi company’s website. Click here for taxi rates. You can also travel by bus from the airport to Caracas. The bus rate is BS 130000 and maximum wait time from arrival of the first passenger is 30 minutes, and journey time is roughly 40 minutes. For more information call 0212-3524818 or visit this site. The airport also offers rental cars.

International departure tax is US$32 and Domestic departure tax is US$1. Enquire with your airline if this is included in the ticket price.

LayoverGuide.com’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Caracas Layover:

Waraira Repano cable car
A great place to get a panoramic view of the city, the Waraira Repano cable car ascends 3,608 feet to the top of Avila mountain. At the top, visitors can grab food and drinks at the Hotel Humboldt, do some ice skating or enjoy an outdoor concerts.

Universidad Central de Venezuela
An UNESCO World Heritage Site, The campus of the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) has an impressive collection of art, and is also home to the Aula Magna—the auditorium where disks designed by Alexander Calder hang from the ceiling.

Jardin Botanico
With thousands of varieties of plants and trees, the Jardin Botanico gives a glimpse of the Amazon while still in the city. Located outside the north entrance of the UCV, you can spend the afternoon picnicking under Amazonian palm trees.

Lounge Bar Ávila
Want to take in the sights while grabbing a drink or two? The Lounge Bar Avila is 18 floors high rooftop bar at the Pestana Hotel on the Urbanización Santa Eduvigis. The vintage-style décor, comfy sofas and dim lighting makes it a great place to unwind after a long flight, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset.

Centro San Ignacio
If your layover is at night, you might want to check out Centro San Ignacio in east Caracas for some nightclubs. The lower level is packed with clubs and bars, and the place is usually hopping.

None of these interest you? Try Panteon Nacional, Concejo Municipal, Museo Sacro de Caracas or any of these options.

Have a suggestion or advice for Caracas layovers? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a layover at the Jorge Chavez Lima-Callao International Airport (LIM) in Peru? As Peru’s main international and domestic airport, there are many services and activities to help keep you occupied on your wait. If you have a long layover and are able to leave the airport, the historic center of Lima is 7 miles away from the airport. If you’re trying to figure out if you can leave the airport during your layover in Lima, Peru, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the airport during your Lima layover, you can find a number of coffee shops and restaurants. Peru Plaza is a retail area of the airport located in the foyer of the new terminal. It has domestic and international shopping including silver and gold jewelry, alpaca clothing, leather, and T-shirts. There is also duty free shopping in the International Terminal and International Arrivals Area. In addition, the airport has banking services with Interbank in the Peru Plaza and International Arrivals Area, the Serpost post office in the Mezzanine Level, a VIP Lounge in the International Terminal, Travelers Assistance in the Main Hall, baggage wrapping and protection in the Main Hall, Cell Phone rentals in the Peru Plaza and International Terminal, Internet kiosks in the Peru Plaza, and Condor Travel Agency. There’s also a medical centre, which can provide a vaccinations on the Mezzanine Level

If you’re interested in ditching your luggage to see some sites, the airport has a Left Luggage facility at the Domestic Arrivals Area. For more information including rates, you can email guardianiaequipaje@yahoo.com or call (511) 517-3217.

The Costa Del Sol Ramada hotel is located within the airport and is a great place for those looking to rest or catch some sleep. The hotel has free internet, a gym and fitness center, meeting facilities, pool and restaurant. Each room features a 26 inch LCD TV with Cable, complimentary wireless internet access, marble bathroom with tub and shower, individual climate control, Mini-Bar, in-room safe and hairdryer. In addition our spacious suites offer a jacuzzi, 32 inch LCD TV, separate living room with sofabed. For a list of hotels near the airport click here.

If you decide to leave the airport on your layover, you can find taxis at domestic and international arrivals. Taxi companies include CMV, MitsuTaxi and Green Taxis (to reserve, email the following respectively cmv@exalmar.com.pe, reservas@mitsoo.net, contacto@taxigreen.com.pe) Car rentals are available through Budget Car Rental and Hertz in the International arrivals area. Super Shuttle Airport minibuses run to/from central Lima, stopping at Lima’s main avenues.

LayoverGuide.com’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Lima Layover:

Lima Tours
If you’re stuck on a long layover but are somewhat strapped for time, a tour of the city can be a great way to see a bunch of sights in a relatively limited period of time. Lima offers a variety of tours including Peru Chasquitur Tours boat tours, Bike Tours of Lima, and Lima Tours for a few examples.

Plaza Mayor
The heart of old town Lima is the Plaza Mayor (known as the “armed plaza”). Watch the changing of the guard outside the palace (Mon-Sat at 11.45am) and there are free guided tours in Jirón de la Unión (daily 10am), which last a couple of hours.

Museo e Iglesia de San Francisco
The Convent of San Francisco, and the Capilla de la Soledad y del Milagro (Chapel of Solitude and of the Miracle) date back to 1542. They are famous for their tile work and feature impressive catacombs underneath.

Lunahuaná
If you have a long layover, the city of Lunahuana is located 150 kilometers south of Lima and is a great place for outdoor activities including canoeing, paragliding, trekking, fishing, biking and more.

None of these float your boat? How about the Museo Larco, checking out the fun fountains at night at the Parque Reserva, or any of these Lima activities.

Have a suggestion or advice for Lima, Peru layovers? Leave a comment below!

If you’re on a layover at the El Nuevo Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Columbia (BOG) you’ll find yourself in the largest airport in Latin America with many options to help you spend your time.

If you’re stuck in the airport during you’re layover, you’ll find a bunch of services to keep you occupied. The main terminal of the airport has duty-free shopping, snack bars and restaurants, handicraft shops, and a bank where you can exchange money for a slightly lower rate. Telecom offers telephone service, as well as fax and Internet service ($11 USD for 24 hours of WiFi access). Free Columbian coffee is available inside the customs area.

If you’re on a long layover and looking to leave the airport, El Dorado is located about 9 miles west of the city center. Please keep in mind that the airport has an Exit Fee when you leave, which costs $33 USD.

The airport connects with one of Bogota’s fastest runways – Avenida El Dorado (Calle 26) – which travels onto the city center and permanent public transportation (buses and taxis). A taxi from the airport to downtown will cost roughly $8 USD and it is recommended that you get a registered taxi from the AP booth. It is recommended that you keep a good eye on your luggage as there has been reported theft.

LayoverGuide.com’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Bogota Layover:

Bogota Tours
There’s a bunch of different ways to see the sites of Bogota including by bike, (which comes highly recommended) as well as historic and cultural city tours. Make sure you leave plenty of time on both ends of the tour, and keep in mind customs and security for catching your next flight.

Cerro de Monserrate
The Cerro de Monserrate is a great place to get a great, panoramic view of the city of Bogota. The Monserrate lights up for Christmas December 1 and has fireworks and performances by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogota. There’s also a couple of restaurants. The address is Carrera 2 E No. 21-48 Bogota.

Old Bogota (La Candelaria)
La Candelaria neighborhood is a fun historic walking area with shops and churches and features numerous attractions including The Plaza de Bolivar, The Bogota Cathedral, The Gold Museum, and The Library Luis Angel Arango.

Cathedral of Salt of Zipaquira (Catedral de Sal Zipaquira)
www.nuevalenguatours.com/english/Salt_Cathedral.htm
If you’re on a long layover, we recommend the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (one hour from Bogota). This huge underground cathedral is considered by many to be a magical and spiritual place where one can follow the path that Jesus followed on the way to his crucifixion.

Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar
Dating back to 1670, this is the home of Simon Bolivar. The museum and historic site is closed on Mondays and guided tours are offered Tuesday to Sunday 11:00am and 2:00pm.

Have a suggestion for a Bogota layover? Leave a comment below!

Stuck on a layover in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) also known as Galeão International Airport is Rio de Janeiro’s biggest airport. The airport is a major hub, last year attracting more that ten million passengers. Located roughly 13 miles from the city center, makes the sights of Rio de Janeiro accessible to passengers stuck on a long layover (layoverguide suggests a minimum of four hours as adequate time to leave the airport. Always remember to plan out your activities according to the length of your layover and budget extra time for delays, security lines, customs, and immigration). If you’re trying to determine whether you can leave the airport during your Rio de Janeiro layover, click here for useful tips.

Depending on where you are traveling (your airport category and type of flight), you may need to pay a departure tariff. For more information on the different types of fees, click here.

Inside the airport, there’s duty-free and regular shopping in both Terminals, as well as restaurants, bars and coffee shops. There’s also a pharmacy, a luggage baggage wrapping, and a small 24-hour hospital. In addition, there’s the hotel airport, Luxor Hotel, in Terminal 1 where you can access conference and business facilities.

There are shuttle buses between Galeao and Santos-Dumont as well as taxi service anywhere in the city. The shuttle buses take longer than the taxis as they tend to stop at the larger hotels.

Layover Guide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Rio De Janeiro Layover:

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar)
At 1,299 feet above the city, Sugarloaf Mountain, overlooking a peninsula that sticks out from the bay, offers magnificent views of the city. You can take a cable car to the top in about 5 minutes.

Ipanema Beach
Ipanema Beach is a world-famous beach is trend-setting, and gives a taste of the spirit of Rio. Here’s a map of the neighborhood, street by street, and a suggestion of attractions. You can find boutiques for shopping, restaurants and many fun spots to check out.

Tijuca National Park
The Tijuca National Park is an 8,000 acre park and is considered the largest urban forest in the world, with 30 waterfalls, and hundreds of species of plants and animals. The park is best explored by jeep tour. You can catch views of the entire city and beaches. You can also climb to the peak of Pedra Bonita and hang glide down to the bottom!

Copacabana Beach
Copacabana is a famous Rio beach that begins at Pricesa Isabel Avenue and ends at Posto Seis. For a lively beach activities such as sunning, relaxing and people watching, hang out on the promenade where you can visit the shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.

Quinta de Boa Vista
This public park was part of the beautiful grounds of the gardens of one of Brazil’s Emperors in the 19th century. The complex contains the Museu Nacional and the Jardim Zoologico (Zoological Garden).

Have a suggestion for a Rio de Janeiro layover? Leave a comment below!