Five things to do in Rio in the spring

Jardim Botanico

Rio’s ‘winter’ may be warmer than many countries’ summertime, but the arrival of spring is still greeted with great enthusiasm here in the cidade maravilhosa.

With plenty of clear, sunny days, and hot – but not stifling – temperatures, spring is one of the nicest times of year to visit Rio de Janeiro, and by visiting between September and early December you’ll escape the  tourist hordes that flock here during the peak summer season.

Rio is awash with things to see and do at any time of year, but spring is perhaps the best time of year to get out and about and take in the natural beauty of the place, without being scorched by the blistering sushine of summer or caught out by the sudden nightfall temperature drops of winter.

Here are my top 5 ‘must dos’ for springtime in Rio

1. Visit Vargem Grande.  The name translates as ‘big garden’, and its not had to see how this area to the west of Rio got its name. Just 40 or so minutes’ bus ride from Rio’s touristy Zona Sul, Vargem Grande is a vast natural playground of forest nature trails, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The area is increasingly making a name for itself as a hot spot for gourmands too, with many excellent restaurants set in lovely tropical gardens.

2. Get a bird’s eye view of Rio. If you have a head for heights, there’s no better way to take in Rio’s spectacular landscape than from the air. The clear skies of spring make this the ideal time of year to take a tandem hang-gliding flight above Rio, and there are several well-established companies that offer this. Among the best is JustFly (www.justfly.com.br). Expect to pay up to R$300, and to be up in the air fo anything between three and 15 minutes, depending on wind conditions.

3. Beach-hop. Rio’s beaches are famous the world over, and rightly so. From the tourist meccas of Copacabana and Ipanema to the little-visited sands of Grumari, there are all manner of beach options here. In spring the beaches are generally fairly quiet midweek, so take advantage of the opportunity to top up your tan with a little elbow room. Should you tire of the big city beaches, check out pretty Praia Vermelha, beneath Sugar Loaf mountain, or head west past Barra da Tijuca to Recreio and Grumari.

4. Visit Jardim Botanico. Rio’s vast botanic gardens in the leafy Jardim Botanico neighborhood are a pleasure to visit at any time of year, but in spring are particularly vibrant. An explosion of colorful plantlife, the gardens are a wonderful place to seek shade on a hot day. Keep an eye out for monkeys, parrots and toucans overhead.

5. Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado and the Christ statue. Yes, they’re very much on the tourist trail, but with very good reason. The dizzying cable car ride up to Sugar Loaf mountain is a must-do for anyon visiing Rio, as is paying a visit to Christ the Redeemer at his lofty perch atop Corcovado. The clear spring skies make for wonderful views, and photos – don’t forget your camera! To beat the tourist crush, and any afternoon clouds, make your ascent in the early morning.