About Me
Did you know Rio de Janeiro is nicknamed Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City)? It was coined by the writer Coelho Neto from the north-eastern Brazilian state of MaranhĂŁo as a tribute to the city’s natural beauty.

Hey! I’m Yvonne. And Welcome to Your Ultimate Guide to Everything Rio-Related.
Originally launched in 2016, Now in Rio has grown to become the #1 travel website dedicated to Rio de Janeiro, offering insider tips, comprehensive guides, and the latest updates to ensure visitors have an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city.
More than just a travel blog, this is a place where you’ll:
So Who Am I, Exactly?
Hi, my name is Yvonne 👋🏻
I am a travel writer, copywriter, and content strategist who first fell in love with Rio de Janeiro in 2013. 7 days was all it took. I swore one day I would come back.
Fast forward to 2016, while studying for my PhD, I chose Brazil as the country to center my research. Based in SĂŁo Paulo, I took a weekend trip to Rio, where I stayed in a hostel in Vidigal. That was all it took. I never returned to SĂŁo Paulo and instead traded my volunteer services for housing in the favela.
The next years were a whirlwind. I volunteered for the Olympics. Moved to Copacabana, and then Ipanema. Met my Brazilian husband. Moved to Recreio. I adopted a small dog, and oh yeah, I launched Now in Rio.
With (and without my husband), I traveled across Brazil, from the Amazon to the Iguassu Falls. I also explored many day trips around Rio, including Ilha Grande, Paraty, and (my favorite) Buzios. At this point, you might say I’m a Rio expert.
Through my travel, I dispel Brazil (and RIo) travel misinformation to paint a real picture of this city (and this country).
So….
✔️ If you want accurate Rio travel info from someone who actually lives in Rio and travels in Brazil often, you’re definitly in the right place.
✔️ If you’ve been dreaming of Rio travel and solo travel in Rio, you’re in the right place…
✔️ If you want destination recommendations, and Rio de Janeiro travel tips and tricks, you’re also in the right place…
✔️ If you need Rio advice, that’s what I’m here for… to help travelers just like you plan the Mexico trip of your dreams!
