Rio de Janeiro Named Destination of the Year 2026
National Geographic and Travel + Leisure both named Rio de Janeiro the Destination of the Year 2026, and it makes perfect sense. This city has everything, sun, sound, and soul.
From São Paulo to Rio: How Our Love Grew
We’ve been coming to Brazil since 2023 and have now experienced three Carnivals. At first, we were drawn to São Paulo for its structure and fast pace. But after spending more time in Rio, we slowly fell in love.
Yes, it’s crowded during Carnival, New Year’s Eve, and the big music festivals. But once you settle in, you start to see what locals see, a city that balances chaos and calm perfectly.
Rio makes you feel alive.
Safe, Lively, and Full of Heart
People often ask if Rio is safe. The answer is that it’s like any other major city, you learn how to move and stay aware. Once you do, Rio feels no more dangerous than anywhere else.
We live in the South Zone, where neighborhoods like Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana are vibrant and welcoming. The government has put real effort into cleaning up tourist areas, and it shows.
What stands out most, though, are the Cariocas, the people of Rio. They love the outdoors, the beach, and the sun. Whether they’re running along the coastline, playing beach volleyball, or gathering with friends to watch the sunset, they live life fully.
The Music Never Stops
Rio breathes music. It’s the birthplace of Anitta and Ludmilla, who turned the sounds of funk carioca into global hits. You can feel that same rhythm pulsing through the streets.
Walk through Lapa on a Friday night and you’ll hear live bands under the arches, drums echoing from every corner, and people dancing until sunrise. During Carnival, that energy explodes, the whole city becomes a parade of sound, color, and joy.
If music runs through your veins, Rio will feel like home.
Living Like Locals
For us, Rio is more than a destination, it’s part of our story. One of us in our throuple is from here, which makes every visit personal. We’ve watched the city evolve, becoming more creative and open with each passing year.
Living here feels natural now. We know the local fruit vendors, the café owners, and the best beaches to escape the crowds. The more time we spend here, the more Rio feels like family.
The Digital Nomad Scene in Rio
Rio’s digital nomad community is still small compared to cities like Lisbon or Medellín, but it’s growing fast. We’ve found a close group of nomads who now call Rio home, and the balance between work and life here is unmatched.
Morning bike rides along Copacabana, work sessions in beachfront cafés, and sunset jogs along Ipanema, it’s hard not to fall in love with this rhythm.
Most nomads here have learned Brazilian Portuguese, not just to get by, but because it’s a beautiful language that reflects the warmth of its people. We’ve been improving our Spanish for years, and now we’re diving into Portuguese too. The Brazilian version feels soft, musical, and full of emotion.
Coworking meetups are starting to pop up, and most cafés have reliable Wi-Fi. The digital nomad life here is calm, community-driven, and inspiring.
Brazil Isn’t Cheap - But It’s Worth Every Real
Brazil remains one of the pricier destinations in Latin America, but Rio gives you value beyond the numbers. The beaches are stunning, the people are beautiful, and the culture is magnetic.
You can sip caipirinhas by the sea, dance under the stars, or simply watch the waves crash at sunset and feel at peace. Every moment here reminds you that life is meant to be lived.
“Live your life with the same rhythm as Rio - sun on your skin, music in your heart, and no reason to rush.”
Reflection: Why Rio Keeps Calling Us Back
Rio de Janeiro is not perfect, but it’s real. It’s wild and warm and full of contradictions, and that’s what makes it irresistible. You feel its heartbeat everywhere, from the hills of Santa Teresa to the sands of Barra da Tijuca.
We came chasing Carnival, beaches, and sunshine. We stayed because Rio feels like home.
As the world turns its attention to Brazil in 2026, one thing is clear, Rio isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling.