Rio de Janeiro essentials
- Country
- Brazil
- Airports
- Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International (GIG), plus Santos Dumont (SDU) for domestic flights
- Cheapest time to fly
- April to June and August to November are usually better value; New Year's Eve and Carnival are the most expensive times to fly and stay.
- From the airport
- Use a registered airport taxi or a ride-hailing app from Galeão; the drive to Copacabana takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
- Time difference
- 1 hour ahead of Toronto (can shift by an hour when clocks change)
- Entry for Canadians
- Canadians need a Brazil eVisa (required since April 2025), applied for online before travel.
Entry rules change, so confirm on the Government of Canada travel advice page before you book.
Visiting Rio de Janeiro: what to know
Best time to visit
Rio is hot and humid from December to March, often over 30°C with heavy rain. June to August is the mild, drier season, with highs in the mid-20s, and is a comfortable time to sightsee. Carnival and New Year are the busiest and most expensive times.
Getting around
The metro links Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo and the centre. Use Uber or official taxis, especially at night. The train up Corcovado to Christ the Redeemer and the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain both sell timed tickets online, which saves queueing.
Money and costs
Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL). Canadian bank cards usually work in ATMs and cards are widely accepted in the cities, but carry some cash for small purchases. Exchanging Canadian dollars in Brazil is difficult, so use a card or bring US dollars.
Where to stay
Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are the most popular areas for visitors, close to the beaches and the metro. Botafogo is a bit cheaper, central and well connected.
Good to know
The Government of Canada advises a high degree of caution in Brazil because of crime. Keep your phone and valuables out of sight, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps and check the plate before getting in, and make sure your map app doesn't route you through a favela. Don't walk on the beaches alone after dark, and never leave food or drinks unattended.
Checked October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia: Rio de Janeiro (climate) · Government of Canada: Travel advice for Brazil
Cheapest flights to Rio de Janeiro from Canada
Nonstop flights
- From Toronto: Air Canada (seasonal, in winter)
Our guides for Rio de Janeiro
Hotels, tours and more for Rio de Janeiro
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Rio de Janeiro: common questions
When is the cheapest time to fly to Rio de Janeiro from Canada?
April to June and August to November are usually better value; New Year's Eve and Carnival are the most expensive times to fly and stay.
Which airport do you fly into for Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International (GIG), plus Santos Dumont (SDU) for domestic flights. Use a registered airport taxi or a ride-hailing app from Galeão; the drive to Copacabana takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Do Canadians need a visa for Brazil?
Canadians need a Brazil eVisa (required since April 2025), applied for online before travel.
Which Canadian cities fly to Rio de Janeiro?
Viorvo tracks fares to Rio de Janeiro from Toronto. Each route page shows the lowest recent fares and the cheapest month.
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
Rio is hot and humid from December to March, often over 30°C with heavy rain. June to August is the mild, drier season, with highs in the mid-20s, and is a comfortable time to sightsee. Carnival and New Year are the busiest and most expensive times.
How do you get around Rio de Janeiro?
The metro links Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo and the centre. Use Uber or official taxis, especially at night. The train up Corcovado to Christ the Redeemer and the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain both sell timed tickets online, which saves queueing.
Where should I stay in Rio de Janeiro?
Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are the most popular areas for visitors, close to the beaches and the metro. Botafogo is a bit cheaper, central and well connected.