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Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

Oh, beautiful Rio de Janeiro - the land of samba, sun-kissed beaches, speedos, and caipirinhas! If you’re disabled and heading to this Brazilian gem for vacation, rest assured there are plenty of accessible Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions. Hosting the Paralympic Games really opened the city up to more accessible travel, especially when it comes to the more famous Rio landmarks.

Rio de Janeiro was my first trip to South America and it did not disappoint. Despite what you may have heard, Brazil is actually one of the safest South American countries to visit. The land was visually stunning and the people were warm and welcoming. In fact, it’s crucial that you learn to say “thank you” in Portuguese because you will be saying it over and over again.

I’m excited to share some of the top tourist attractions and tips that will make your trip to Rio an unforgettable experience.

Is Rio de Janeiro Safe?

I got this question more than any other when it comes to traveling to Brazil. Short answer, yes, Rio de Janeiro is safe so long as you take a few basic precautions.

Leave those flashy valuables at home. It’s best not to showcase those designer labels and expensive jewelry, lest you make yourself a target for thieves.
Stay in well-lit, populated areas. This goes for any city, but it’s especially sound advice for Rio.
Say no to poverty tourism. This has less to do with safety (although that is a concern) and more to do with not exploiting people living in poverty. Many favelas are not pacified and are controlled by gangs and drug dealers. On top of being a terrible idea to gawk at people living below the poverty line and paying money to tour groups who exploit these neighborhoods, you could be putting yourself at real risk. Just say no.
Beware of ATM scams. The one time we tried to withdraw cash from an ATM in Rio the matching ate our card. We later learned this is not an uncommon occurrence. If you need cash, it’s best to exchange from an actual currency exchange, bank teller, or at your hotel.
Carry an antitheft bag. This is especially sound advice if you’re heading into big crowds or visiting during Carnaval. Unfortunately, pickpockets abound, though again, this type of crime is common in many major cities, particularly around touristy areas.

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I recommend staying in either Copacabana or Ipanema to be close to the action and in a safe neighborhood. I also recommend this area because it’s easy to find great restaurants with step-free seating.

Luxury Hotels

Copacabana Palace - Built in the 1920s, the hotel is now a protected national monument. Copacabana Palace has been host to royalty and celebrities as well as featured prominently in the 1933 film “Flying Down to Rio.” The Palace recalls the glamorous days of yesteryear when Rio was the capital of Brazil. And best of all they offer a variety of accessible rooms.

Hotel Fasano - Designed by Philipe Starck the Fasano has all the luxurious trimmings you’re looking for, including Egyptian cotton sheets, goose-down pillows, and high-end fixtures. The poshest rooms have balconies overlooking the beautiful Ipanema Beach. This hotel is a top destination for celebrities. It’s also one of the most accessible hotels in Rio. Cleaning staff are trained in disability awareness and blink lights rather than knock for guests with hearing impairments. They’re also careful not to move items around in rooms with guests with visual impairments. Vibrating clocks and blinking phones are available.

Rooms are spacious and bathrooms are equipped with grab rails for guests with mobility impairments. All common areas are wheelchair accessible. There are also two flat entrances perfect for wheelchair users.

Mid-Range Hotels

Hilton Copacabana - One of the best hotels for wheelchair users, the Windsor Atlantica has two flat entrances and plenty of staff on hand to help with bags. The floors are marble and easy to maneuver on. The elevators offer braille signage for visually impaired guests. The accessible rooms offer plenty of space to maneuver and bathrooms feature grab rails.

Budget Hotels

Ibis Budget RJ Copacabana - Set back a little further from the beach and therefore slightly more affordable, the Ibis offers a flat entrance, 24-hour front desk, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible common areas. Rooms have ample room for wheelchair users and bathrooms feature grab rails and lowered sinks.

Best Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The most popular time to visit Rio de Janeiro is for Carnival. Outside of this spectacular event, the best time to visit Rio is between December and March when the weather is sunny and warm and perfect for hitting those sexy beaches.

The least expensive times to visit Rio are from April to June and again from the end of August to November. Consider visiting then if you’re looking for a bargain on flights and hotels.

How to Get Around Rio de Janeiro

I highly recommend using taxis to get around the city. They’re cheap, safe, and readily available. Call Especial Coop Taxi for wheelchair-accessible taxis. 021-2585-5577. It’s best to book in advance if you need a wheelchair-accessible taxi as there are only about 50 in the city.

The Metro is also a good, accessible way to get around the city. Though I would avoid using it at night for safety reasons. All metro stations are wheelchair accessible. Tactile floors are present for the visually impaired. All signage is bilingual and hearing loops exist in many stations.

If you’re physically able, there’s also a great bike share program that’s quite easy to use.

Another option is touring. Click here for a wheelchair-accessible full-day tour of all the major Rio de Janeiro sites.

Famous Landmarks and Tourist Attractions

Rio de Janeiro is filled with beautiful sites, historic landmarks, and fun things to do. In this section, I’ll go over some of the biggest tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro and give you the lowdown on how accessible they are. Get ready to enjoy some Rio de Janeiro sightseeing as we visit some of the most beautiful beaches, exciting city tours, and Rio attractions. These are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.

Christ the Redeemer Statue (aka Cristo Redentor)

Christ the Redeemer is probably the most recognizable landmark in Brazil and the most popular of the tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic art deco statue stands over 100 feet tall and overlooks the city from its perch above Corcovado Mountain. The statue was planned as a monument to the 100th anniversary of Brazilian independence by four men, Brazilian engineer Heitor de Silva Costa, French engineer Alber Caquot, French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski, and Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida. Construction was finished in 1931.

You can take a tram or hike up to the top (if you really love sweating yourself silly and aggravating your chronic pain conditions.) The tram is fully wheelchair accessible. During our visit there happened to be a strike and the trams had stopped working the day we arrived. Fortunately, we were able to take a taxi to the top.

Christ the Redeemer is partially wheelchair-accessible. The base level of the statue is fully accessible. As is the next level, which is accessible via a panoramic elevator. The second level features a souvenir shop and a small cafe. Now here’s where things get tricky. From here it’s only possible to take escalators to the top, which can prove difficult, if not impossible for some visitors. If you have a manual wheelchair and someone to assist you, you may be able to make it up the escalators. Regardless, it’s still really worth making the trip to see Cristo Redentor. Even from the second level, you will be able to get some great photos.

Pro-tip, It’s best to go early to avoid the crowds. The area is usually packed with tourists trying to snap a selfie with Jesus. Also, be careful swinging your arms out to mimic his stance. I was whacked into on more than one occasion by tourists trying to snag their twinning moment with our lord and savior.

I recommend purchasing your ticket to Christ the Redeemer ahead of time.

Location: the summit of Mount Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro

2. Sugar Loaf Mountain

Ride a cable car from Praça General Tibúrcio up to the top of this iconic mountain peak and check out the breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site is accessible by 2 separate glass-walled cable cars giving you panoramic views for your entire ride up to the top. The first ascends to the shorter Morro da Urca. The second car takes you to Pão de Açúcar. The bubble-shaped cars offer passengers 360° views of the city 394 meters below. The total ascent takes three minutes from start to finish.

I recommend you purchase your tickets to Sugar Loaf Mountain in advance.

Keep track of the weather and try to visit on a clear day to get the best views. Sadly, we saved Sugar Loaf for our last day in Rio and it rained terribly. We still made the trip to the top, but I didn’t get the best photos.

Sugarloaf Mountain is totally wheelchair-accessible. The park allows individuals with mobility disabilities to use wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices in areas open to pedestrian use.

Location: Av. Pasteur, 520 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro

3. Tijuca National Park

Tijuca Forest is one of the largest urban forests in the world and offers plenty of fun outdoor things to do in Rio de Janeiro. This expansive park covers more than 32 square kilometers. Tijuca Forest was planted in the late 1850s on land that was previously destroyed by coffee plantations to preserve the springs that supplied Rio de Janeiro’s waters. Most of the trees within the forest are native species that provide a habitat for local animals such as Capuchin monkeys, toucans, hawks, raccoons, and blue butterflies.

The rainforest is filled with several easier hiking trails as well as some truly challenging climbs. Visitors can also choose to hang glide from Pedra Bonita inside the park. This somewhat terrifying experience is open to most people with disabilities.

The forest surrounds the Christ the Redeemer Statue, so if you’re going up to see Cristo Redentor, it’s worth a stop to see some incredible Brazilian wildlife. To explore the park, leave the tram to Corcovado at the midpoint and follow the road through the forest. The paved areas are wheelchair accessible.

Location: Estr. da Cascatinha, 850 - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro

4. Copacabana Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Copacabana Beach is a 2.5-mile-long stretch of sand buzzing with activity. From beach volleyball games to impromptu dance parties, Copacabana is where the action is at. The beach also features multiple restaurants, bars, and souvenir spots. Feel free to pack your skimpiest bikini, all bodies are beach bodies here in Copacabana. Remember Sick Girl Travels golden rule of vacation fashion, enjoy the freedom of not running into anyone you know and take those fashion risks!

The iconic stone promenade that runs between the beach and Avenida Atlantico is bumpy, but there is also a bike path paved with asphalt that runs parallel to the promenade. The bike path is much smoother. There are six lifeguard watchtowers spaced across Copacabana Beach, each having a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Wheelchair users are permitted to use the toilets for free, but the usual charge is .25 USD.

The Praia Para Todos (Beaches for all) event held each weekend makes Copacabana Beach wheelchair-accessible. On weekends you’ll find sand-free pathways, beach wheelchairs, and accessible portable toilets. If you’re not visiting on the weekend, check out this Accessible Sea tour option.

At the far end of the beach, you’ll find Copacabana Fort, which was the scene of the 1922 revolt of officers. This short-lived revolt lasted only one day when the government brought in battleships to take over the fort. To learn more about the history of the fort and this area, visit the Museum of the History of the Army which sits on the grounds of the fort.

Location: Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, Rio de Janiero

5. Ipanema Beach

More beautiful than the hit song ‘Girl from Ipanema’, Ipanema Beach is a must-see. It’s easily one of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Slightly quieter and less crowded than neighboring Copacabana it still has plenty of fruits, drinks, and other snacks to keep you hydrated and fed. To see the young, hot, and fabulous frolic, head to Posto 9. But wherever you set up on the beach, roaming vendors and scantily clad beach-goers will come to you.

Like Copacabana, Ipanema becomes infinitely more accessible on weekends to wheelchair users. Beach wheelchairs can also be borrowed from AdaptSurf 55 21 2239-1737, Praia Para Todos, or Adapt Sea Experience.

Word of warning, petty theft is unfortunately common on the beaches, so avoid flashy items and bring only what cash you need for the day. Leave all valuables, your passport, and a credit card locked back in your hotel safe. Another word of caution about Ipanema specifically, the word Ipanema is the indigenous for ‘bad, dangerous waters.’ There can be some particularly rough undertows and large waves depending on where you are on the beach. It’s best to swim only where the crowds are and avoid going exploring on your own.

If you head down a bit further along the Ipenama promenade you’ll hit Praça de Quental in Leblon, home of an awesome antique market that takes place every Sunday. Nearby Praça General Osorio also comes alive on Sundays when it hosts Feira de Artesanato de Ipanema featuring music, art, crafts, and local foods. Basically, make sure your trip to the beaches happens on the weekend. The party is not to be missed.

6. Escadaria Selaron (Selaron Steps) and the Santa Teresa Neighborhood

Now it’s time for one of the more unique places to visit in Rio de Janeiro. Santa Teresa is a vibrant, artistic neighborhood known for its tiled stairs, called Escadaria Selaron or Selaron Steps. These colorful steps were created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron who used over 2000 tiles from all over the world to create these amazingly detailed steps. It’s definitely worth taking an Instagram-worthy photo here while standing in front of this man-made rainbow representing more than 60 countries over 250 steps.

I’m a sucker for street art, so this gorgeous mosaic was one of the highlights of my trip. While access to the actual stairs is not possible in a wheelchair, it was easy to get to the base of the steps with the help of our guide. The car let us off at the bottom of the steps so there was no climbing necessary. If you’re looking to get photos, it’s best to go early as the steps fill up with tourists and street vendors later in the day.

After you’re done checking out the stairs and spotting a tile from your hometown, check out nearby Museu Chácara do Céu. This museum features works by Picasso, Miro, and Matisse, as well as a collection of Chinese sculptures from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Location: Rua Manuel Carneiro (off Rua Joaquim Silva) Rio de Janeiro

7. Cathedral de São Sebastião

Designed by architect Edgar Fonseca, this unique building resembles a Mayan pyramid. The Cathedral de São Sebastião or Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is named for the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro. The building is a Roman Catholic cathedral and the seat of Archbishop Orani João Tempesta. The Cathedral is another great tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro.

Four incredibly impressive 210-foot-long stained glass windows rise from the floor to the top of the cone, connecting with a cross at the apex. The cross allows light to come streaming into the cathedral. For more information on The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, visit the cathedral's website.

Location: Av. Chile 245, Rio de Janeiro

8. Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden)

Probably the most stunning botanical garden I have ever visited, Jardim Botanico is filled with exotic plants from all over Brazil and beyond. You’ll also find monkeys swinging through the trees, perched toucans, and a bevy of butterflies, making it another must-see Rio tourist attraction. Containing more than 8,000 plant species, in a 350-acre space it’s easy to see why Jardim Botanico is one of the top attractions in Rio de Janeiro. The garden combines an ecological sanctuary, gardens, and a scientific laboratory. The garden is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Parque Lage offers large paved paths from which you can see the incredible array of plants and wildlife. The paths are wheelchair accessible. Visitors can walk through these paths or choose to take an electric cart tour through the gardens.

A sensory garden of aromatic plants and herbs offers braille signage.

Location: R. Jardim Botānico, Rio de Janeiro

9. Carnaval (Carnival)

Even if you don’t know any facts about Rio de Janeiro, you know about Carnaval. As pre-Lenten celebrations go, it’s the world’s most famous. The celebrations in Brazil start shortly after New Year, but they reach their peak in the four days before Ash Wednesday. The celebration attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to street parades, shows, and samba parties. While other parts of Brazil like Bahia and Recife celebrate Carnival, Rio’s celebration is by far the largest.

The most popular events are the parades of samba schools held in a venue designed by renowned Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer. The parade route or Sambōdromo is lined with stadium-like boxes that can fit up to 90,000 spectators. The entire parade route is 700 meters long and 13 meters wide.

It’s my biggest Brazil-related regret that I didn’t get to visit during Carnaval, but alas, I was working and somebody has to pay for all this travel.

Location: Rua Marquês de Sapucai, Rio de Janeiro

10. Teatro Municipal Rio de Janeiro (Municipal Theater)

Located in the city’s central district on Cinelândia Square, the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro is an opera house that first opened in 1909. The architectural design of the theater is inspired by the famous Opera Garnier in Paris, France. The interior is luxurious and ornate with sculptures by Henrique Bernardelli and paintings by Rodolfo Amoedo and Eliseu Visconti.

The theater offers guided tours in English or you can choose to get tickets to attend a classical concert or ballet performance in this amazing theater.

To get to the ticket office head to the left side of the building. The ticket office is accessible via a ramp. Entry to the performance auditorium can be found on the right side of the building. An elevator takes you to the main hall, and the orchestra section is accessible, with one wheelchair space on either side in the last row. Unfortunately, the balcony levels are not wheelchair-accessible. Accessible restrooms are available.

Location: Praça Floriano, Rio de Janeiro

Visit Rio de Janeiro!

In conclusion, Rio de Janeiro is a city that offers an incredible range of tourist attractions for visitors from all over the world. From the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue to the vibrant street parties during Carnaval, there is something for everyone in this bustling Brazilian metropolis. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on one of its beautiful beaches or explore its rich cultural heritage, Rio de Janeiro is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. So, why wait? Come check out these gorgeous Rio de Janeiro tourist attractions for yourself!

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