Customer Reviews

Rio de Janeiro (Insight Guide Rio de Janeiro)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book has pretty pictures, nothing else. I just spent a month in Rio, and it was just dead weight carrying it around. It has no detail, and no specifics. Get the Lonely Plane Guide for Brazil, and it will give you everything you need to really have fun in Rio--I used it every day to plan what I did.

This is a very interesting book, with good pictures and excellent stories and background. Recommended places are more oriented to the well-to-do tourist, so accomodations, etc. not useful for the budget traveller. But worth it for the playful and educational stories.

As an avid reader of the Insight Guide series, I was inclined to purchase the "Insight Guide to Rio de Janeiro" as I plan my upcoming trip to Brazil. Although it does not contain a lot of travel information that would be relevant to travelers, the book does contain a lot of history and photographs on Rio de Janeiro and it's surrounding area. Starting from it's Amerindian beginnings, and then moving on to the Portuguese colonial era, and finally into the history of modern Brazil, this guide explains Rio's many landmarks, place names, and everyday life.

Full of colorful photographs, which gives the reader an idea of how "cariocas" (residents of Rio are known by this term) look like. If you are in search of info that will really assist you in planning your trip, such as hotels, restaurants, clubs, embassy/consulate info, and emergency numbers, then I highly recommend Lonely Planet's Guides to Rio de Janeiro and/or Brazil. Both books have a lot of important information, which is a Lonely Planet trademark, and they are handier to have around when in Rio and Brazil. The "Insight Guide to Brazil" will probably be an interesting book to read during your flight to Brazil.

Overall, this guide is an excellent book for those who enjoy reading more about history and culture.

I had about 20 different guide books to Rio to choose from. I picked this one because because it covers just about everything that a visitor needs to know. The pictures are also beautiful and really gives you an idea of what to expect. I can't think of anything that was missing. I recommend that you read it twice. Once when you first get it and then again about a week before going to Rio. Take it with you too ....