There was a very fine mist but beautiful light at the start of the run.

Ready and off for their morning ride before 5:30am.

There were over 100 people on the water in kayaks and paddle boards for the sunrise on Copacabana.

The controls look pretty straightforward, we should have had a go at driving ourselves.

Crossing the Los Arcos viaduct, which was originally an 18th century aqueduct.

A swathe of building cut into the hillside.

The view from near the end of the tram ride.

If it wasn't painted it was most likely to have been grafitted.

The Sao Sabastiao cathedral from the tram.

Just as well it doesn't rain much in Rio.

This was 9:15am, seems tourists never sleep.

After 5 days of blocco street parties, this street smelt of stale beer and bodily functions.

Lapa is a rather rundown area that the old aqueduct cuts through.

This street was banged out everyday up until Tuesday.

The area under the arches seemed to be a place for homeless people to gather.

Flying Home

6 de marzo, Inglaterra ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

This morning we got up at the same time we were leaving the Sambadrome the last couple of nights. Our last chance to run along the beaches, so we took an Uber at 5am to the far end of Leblon beach. It seems in Rio, that early in the morning, traffic lights are advisory. Our driver stopped at one set of lights until they went green, but only because two other vehicles were blocking his way through.

We arrived just after 5:15, where about a dozen cyclists were just about to set off for a ride. It was just getting light, was only 23 degrees, and the colours across the water were beautiful. So there was plenty to distract from the effort and our tiredness as we jogged in the cycle lane along Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches.

After leaving the Uber with rather sweaty back seats (we did give him a good tip though), a quick shower and breakfast, we headed out to catch the 8am Santa Teresa tram. A scenic 25 minute ride that crosses the 18th century aqueduct and winds it's way uphill through the village to give some nice views back over the city. We also went back to the tiled steps but they were already very busy by 9:15.

Lunchtime we went for a last couple of drinks in the chopp shop next door to the hotel and then off to the airport. Coming from the airport last Thursday, in rush hour with carnival traffic, took an hour. Today, afternoon traffic with the carnival over, just over 20 minutes. We eventually arrived home just before 4pm on Fri 7th.

The trip absolutely flew by and we did so many interesting, sometimes challenging and sometimes a little scary things. Though overall for me, Rainbow Mountain was the most memorable trip. The hour drive through the mountains to there was just stunning, the fact that we weren't properly acclimatised to go to 5,000m and also only had 90 mins sleep the night before all added to the challenge. Then finally, when we got there the weather was perfect and the views and colours lived up to all our expectations.

And so the trip comes to an end arriving home on day 70, after visiting 9 countries and staying in 20 locations. Travelling on 16 flights (with an additional 4 connections), 1 cruise ship, 2 coaches, 1 ferry and 1 taxi and covering 32,185 miles, 9,100 of which was within South America.Leer más

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