Image by PedroKirilos
How well do you know Rio de Janeiro? Maybe its somewhere you have only dreamt of visiting or maybe you have actually already visited the city? But either way, do you really know what’s behind the image of this cosmopolitan destination?
This week’s guest post has been written by Marco Bransford, a multitalented Carioca born and raised in Rio. Marco is founder of MBransford, a VIP private concierge service in Rio (more info about him at the end of this article). Overs the years, Marco has established a unique network both in Rio and abroad. Supported by this network and intense “city scanning” he is always able to provide exciting and up-to-date programs with the very best Rio has to offer. By The way, if you are interested, he speaks English, French, Portugues, Italian and Spanish…
Hi Marc, it mustn’t always be easy to work as a guide in The Wonderful City …
Rio is a challenge for any tour guide. To match the expectations built up around The Wonderful City is not an easy task.
What do you think it is that attracts most tourists to Rio?
Needless to say its nature but Rio is much more than a beautiful site. During its 400 years Rio has played a special role in our history (For the full history of the city, click here). It was capital of the Portuguese Empire during the Napoleonic invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, capital of the Brazilian empire (we had 2 emperors Peter I and Peter II) and capital of the republic until 1960 when Brasilia was inaugurated. During all these years being Brazil’s political and cultural center, it contributed to building a vigorous metropolis that still dictates a lot of what is in and out in Brazilian culture. Birth to Brazilian architectural styles, colonial to modern and contemporary, Rio is an exciting melting pot for those eager to discover its hidden secrets.
How easy is it for visitors not speaking Portuguese to discover its secrets?
Like many other big cities around the world, you need time or a specialized guide to help you make the most of what the real Rio has to offer.
Can you give us some tips on what to see and do in Rio?
Museum of Fine Arts
If you like arts, Rio offers a number of good collections both in public and private museums such as Museum of Fine Arts (great collection of 19th century Brazilian works), MAM Museum of Modern Arts – house of the Chatobrian’ s collection of Modern and contemporary art pieces. The Burle Marx house, the famous landscape designer, The Mosteiro de Sao Bento, a master piece of Brazilian Arte Sacra, baroque and rococo art…
Rio is also famous for its lifestyle…
A non tangible asset of the Rio experience is the mood of the city and its inhabitants. The Carioca cultivates a joy for life only fully perceived when in direct contact with its people. Take the time to stroll the streets and mingle with the locals in bars, on the beaches and in our numerous parks. Cariocas are open and curious and will gladly share their views with you.
Any suggestions you would give to those wanting to explore some spots outside of Rio?
Petropolis - Courtesy of Gobrazil.com
Often I take visitors to Petropolis, a city in the mountains 50 kms from Rio where the emperor Peter II had his summer palace built. In the middle of the Serra dos Orgaos Park, Petropolis is still nowadays an important weekend destination for Cariocas and foreigners alike. There are many small inns where you can stay overnight or just have lunch or dinner in their wonderful gardened facilities.
Apart from the mountains…?
On the shore I’d recommend Paraty, a 17th century port, used to export the gold extracted from the Minas Gerais state, the general mines. This beautiful colonial village located on the shore of the Angra dos Reis Bay, is the starting point for unforgettable boat trips to several green islands located off the coast. History and nature reside there in a harmonious combination.
Paraty
What would you like to say to the people following us: you’re totally free to say whatever you want!
The generosity of the Brazilian spirit is highly perceived in Rio. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit us on your next trip to South America. Not by chance, the symbol of the city stands on top of Corcovado Mountain with open arms to the world.
Thank you Marco for your time and passion, and I hope you have enjoyed this interview as much as we have.
Marco Bransford
About our guest: Marco Bransford lived in Hamburg, Paris, London, and Manaus and since 1986 has been in his home city. Graduated in Tourism, Marco worked as head concierge at a 5 star hotel when he became the second President of the Golden Keys Brazil (International Association of Concierges). He speaks five languages and has worked in the Brazilian Embassy in London, in the travel and hotel industries, and in leading global companies.Marco has found MBransford based not only on his previous work experiences but also on his interest in cultural life and high standard traveling. As a “Carioca da Gema” (born and raised in Rio) he has covered the streets and quarters of the city and its surroundings. He enjoys discovering unique and interesting places worth remembering. In this way he can plan and put together a most exciting tour of the Wonderful City.
Marco Bransford – Tel: 55-21-3439-6522 / 2259-7423 – Cel: 55-21-9986-5915 – Email: marco@mbransford.com.br – Website: www.mbransford.com.br
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