RIO DE JANEIRO
( or just "Rio"):- The Marvelous City
Rio was the capital of Brazil for about 200 years (1763-1960) and is extremely
famous for its yearly 4 day CARNIVAL celebration in February. Also not to miss
are the magnificent natural scenery, tourist beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema,
nightlife, giant statue of Jesus, known as Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado
mountain, shopping complexes, cinemas, theaters, museums, rooms of concert, show
houses, art galleries and libraries.
A nice mixture of the Indian, White and
Black cultures. Portuguese explorers that arrived at Guabanara bay were amazed
because of Rio's extraordinary beauty and the city became wealthy exporting
diamonds, gold and sugar. Present capital of Brazil is Brasilia. Rio is truly a
remarkable travel and tourism destination.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF RIO:
Rio Carnival:
The country's most famous tourism event is Carnival which lasts for 4 days and
nights prior to Ash Wednesday with endless exotic parades, balls and parties.
The one held in Rio is more glamorous than other parts of the country. They
celebrate it with drums, dancing and singing in the streets in an explosion of
color and costumes. Schools and businesses close as the whole country shuts down
for wild celebrations and months of preparation is on the display. Accommodation
at Carnival is a tough job; hotels charge up to 3 times the normal rate for a 4
or 5 night mandatory package. The SAMBA comes from the West African heritage of
Brazil, with energetic rhythms and drums even those who are watching start
dancing. Carnival has evolved into two distinct creatures:- the street carnival
and the "Parade of Schools" in the Sambadrome. 16 top samba schools each have
their hour of glory. Carnival ends on "Mardi Gras" Tuesday. There are festivals
taking place all year round in Brazil but nothing compares to the Carnival.
Ipanema and Copacabana Beach:
Located in southern section of Rio De JANEIRO, this beautiful beach at also
gained its popularity from the song "Girl from Ipanema". Its considered one of
the safest districts in Rio. Water quality is good and you will find surf up to
10-15 feet. Lots of tourists do sun bathing on a good day and you will see
circles of people playing football, volleyball, and foot volley.
Another famous beach is Copacabana its named after a chapel holding a replica of
the Virgin of Copacabana
Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico):
One of the great tropical botanical gardens and arboretums of the world.
Botanical Garden is also a research institute that houses collections that
include bromeliads, orchids, carnivorous plants, and cacti.
Corcovado:
Corcovado, a mountain in the southern zone of the city Rio de Janeiro and has a
height of 710 meter in Tijuca Forest national park. The statue of Cristo
Redentor is on the top of Corcovado. You can drive to the top, ride a train or
trolley, or ride a bus. The cog-train leaves Cosme Velho station every hour, on
the hour and half past the hour. Its often covered by clouds, so do check the
weather before going. You can see the classic Rio skyline and beaches from here.
The peak and statue can be accessed via a narrow road or by the 3.8 kilometer.
Sugarloaf Mountain:
Sugarloaf Mountain is a 390-foot granite mountain next to Guanabara Bay, which
offers superb views of the city. Its name is comes from its resembelence to the
traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. This mountain is also a
paradise for rock climbers.
Tijuca National Park:
The Tijuca National Park is located right in the middle of the city. It covers
and area of 33 square kilometers and it is the second smallest Brazilian
National Park. Take a jeep tour of the trails, take food and lots of water with
you and be careful of thief's. You’ll find historical spots, spectacular views,
a beautiful waterfall and unusual trees in this dense, tropical national park.
Amsterdam Sauer Museum:
A very high percentage of the world's gem production takes place in Brazil.
Amsterdam Sauer, a major jewelry retailer with more than 40 shops in Brazil, New
York and St. Thomas. Brazil has an unusual variety of colored gems and
inexpensive labor. In 1989, Mr. Sauer opened the Amsterdam Sauer Museum in
Ipanema. More than 3000 rough minerals from his private collection are on
display.
Apart from this you will find lot of other museums of jewellery and fine arts.
Other Rio attractions include:
Museum of the Republic, Museum of the Indian , Museo Carmen Miranda, Museo de
Arte Moderna and Maracana Stadium.
RIO NIGHTLIFE:
Rio has a lot of bars and dance clubs particularly in the Copacabana and Ipanema
areas.
RIO SHOPPING:
Rio has over 30 shopping centers located throughout the city, most of which
contain supermarkets, department stores, fashion boutiques and music outlets.
You can find good quality arts, jewellery and crafts. You can also buy some good
beachwear and swimming costumes. Shopping is a great attraction in this popular
travel and tourism location.
RIO's CLIMATE:
Rio de Janeiro has a humid tropical climate. The night temperatures are usually
between 15-21°C (60-70°F) and Daytime of 25-32°C (75-89°F) all year. In few
Summer days it can go un to 40°C (104°F). Brazil being in Southern Hemisphere
(like Australia, New Zealand) has reverse summer and winter pattern than in the
Northern Hemisphere (like US and European nations). In October you can feel that
summer has started to arrive. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are recommended.
Although it rains every now and then but March is the main rainy season. Winter
season is around July and temperature dropping to around 15° C (around 70 F).
Spring is a good season in Rio.
SPORTS:
Football (soccer) is the most important sport, and almost a religion for many.
The four famous football clubs: Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco are
based in Rio. Other popular sports are beach football, beach volleyball,
surfing, kite surfing, hang gliding, motor racing and rowing.
TRANSPORTATION:
In Brazil, most interstate transportation is done by road. In Rio de Janeiro,
buses are the main means of mass transportation. Rio de Janeiro has two subway
lines (Metro Rio) and several commuter rail lines.
For additional tourism information on electricity, religion, language, time zone, visa and safety
tips please see our Brazil tourism front page.
