Tours/Operators in Rio -Jan, 2009

[NY Cruisin Mama]

We will be in Rio for an overnite when our Mariner of the Seas stops there on its' repositioning cruise next Jan. Can't seem to get any info about
shore excursions yet on the RCCL site - any suggestions?? I understand
it is not safe or a good idea to go off on your own or hire people at the
pier. Thanks

[wrldtrav]

We will be arriving in Rio a couple of days ahead of a cruise departure (Star Princess 22 Dec 2008) and we plan to use a local guide, Jose Olimpio, for one day. We hired him for two days on an earlier trip to Rio and he was great. He speaks fluent English and knows the entire Rio area. He will pick you up at the ship, accompany you wherever you want to go and then take you back to the ship when through. He is not inexpensive but you will feel perfectly safe with him and he will be sure you see as much as possible in your time there. Check out www.rioturist.com or email rioturist@hotmail.com.

[NY Cruisin Mama]

8) Thanks, I will definately check him out - and pass along the info to
the rest of our "group" - I am sure he will be much better than what
I would spend through the cruise line.

[NY Cruisin Mama]

Hi Again: when I go to the www.riotourist.com site - lots of different
general areas come up - how do I find HIM directly?? Send an email??

[wrldtrav]

Check out each of the pages listed at the bottom (I agree they aren't that clear!). His profile is his picture and the bus describes some tours with video, I believe. Just email him at rioturist@hotmail.com. Please note that I spelled his email address incorrectly in the original post! I have done it before and you would think I would remember that he uses the latin spelling.

[wrldtrav]

OK, I had both the website and the email address incorrect. I have now corrected them on the original post but they are www.rioturist.com and rioturist@hotmail.com for the email. Sorry!