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Rio Water Planet - waterpark in the middle of green mountains
Rio Water Planet is promoted as the biggest water park in Latin America, but actually the variety of attractions is not that big. It's also quite crowded. If you just want to relax and take sun at the swimming pool, there is plenty of room to do that. But if you plan to try many pipes, then prepare for standing in lines. However it might still be worth visiting if you want to see something different instead of every-day beach. The location of the water park is extremely beautiful, the territory is very green and you'll have a 360-degree mountain view.
As for a water park it is average in its selection of attractions and long lines. It’s a good place to go for a day with family, the kids will definitely love it. What I like most about Rio Water Planet is its location. It sits between a circle of mountains, whichever way you look, you see their green peaks. All the main attractions start effortlessly from a mountaintop. The place has a serene natural feel to it (not considering the blasting music), which many other water parks lack.
Rio Water Planet is located in Vargem Grande neighborhood in Zona Oeste of Rio de Janeiro, which is considered to be one of the greenest neighborhoods of the city. The water park features several cafeterias and more than 40 water attractions for all kind of audiences, from small children to extreme sport lovers.
Do not leave your flip-flops unattended, even if they are old and cost nothing. They might be stolen anyway. It happened to us and we had no extra shoes with us. It is not possible to buy new ones on the territory of the water park. Imagine it just happened to you. Now what?
If you speak Portuguese, go to the security guys at the entrance door and explain the situation. If you don't, go anyway and try to use body language. If you have small shoe size, they will probably give you some flip-flops that were left there by someone. But if your feet number is 40+, prepare to walk barefoot. In about 600 meters you will reach the main road where you can take a minivan going to Recreio Shopping Center. Go straight to the second floor to Hawaianas shop and pray that they'd have your number.
But there is a bright side to the story as well. Tired after the water park, with wet hair and barefoot, you won't look attractive to next thieves. So there will be no second robbery on the same day. Forget about the first one as well and continue enjoying your holiday.
Address: Estr. dos Bandeirantes, 24000
Hood: Vargem Grande
From Ipanema, General Osorio:
1. Take the bus to Recreio (buses that have Recreio written as destination).
2. Get off the bus at Pedra do Pontal, Recreio (ask the driver to let you know).
3. Get an Uber or taxi.