The basics
The Rio Music Conference is split into two parts - the first, an actual 'conference' where people discuss things and talk and don't have fun and sit down and nobody goes mental. The second half however, is a pwoper rave up that lasts a good week.
The festival
Obviously, it's good that the top dawgs of the electronic music industry want to meet up and discuss the future of the scene, with an overall aim of improving it. This is great. But sitting down in lecture theatres is something that we don't like doing anymore - we did enough of that at uni.
Only joking, of course we didn't, unless you read 'lecture theatre' as 'toilet'.
Either way, the bit we're interested in is the second part - the carnival. Over seven days, the conference holds a huge number of dance events across the city, boasting the crème de la crème of electronic music top shotters.
It all happens during Rio's main carnival too, so should you want a day off from dance music (frigid), you can head to any number of other parties dotted about the place instead.
Our tip
Stick around, explore Rio - it's not all about the music! We suggest doing this before the festival though, chances are you'll want nothing but a lie-down and some melted cheese (in any form) afterwards.
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Lineup
Getting there
How do I get there?
BY ROAD: There are several major routes running into Rio. Coming from Sao Paulo, a 6-hour drive or Salvador, a 22-hour journey, drivers can take the scenic route BR-101 along the coastline or the faster BR-116 that runs inland. BR-040 takes you from Brasilia to Rio and takes about 20 hours. However, avoid Rio during rush hour as traffic can be horrendous
The primary bus station is Rodoviária Novo Rio. These buses take the same routes from Sao Paulo, Salvador and Brasilia. From there you can go to all major Brazilian cities as well as for some countries in South America. Almost all major roads also have good services as cafeterias, gas stations etc. The toll ones also offer quick assistance in case of emergencies.
BY TRAIN: Travel by rail is not recommended. Services are very limited and rarely on time.
BY AIR Rio de Janeiro has two large airports. The Santos Dumont airport is for domestic flights from other parts of Brazil. It is quite centrally located and only a few kilometers from downtown Rio. The international airport is called Antonio Carlos Jobim, or more commonly the Galeão airport. This airport is approximately 20 km (11 Miles) from Rio. Taxis and a shuttle service can take travelers to and from their hotels. There are smaller airports in Campos and Macae used mostly for private flights and helicopters.
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