RIO DE JANEIRO:
The second largest
city in Brazil ,former Brazil's capital , sits at the heart of the Southeastern
Region.
A cosmopolitan metropolis, known worldwide for its scenic beauty and its natural
resources. Rio has 90km of white sand beaches
TOURS:
Sugar
Loaf
This natural symbol of Rio de Janeiro
can be seen at the entrance to Guanabara Bay. There are two stages in the
cable-car trip to the top of the rock. The first is from the station at Praia
Vermelha to Urca Hill, which rises 705 feet above the bay, and the second
links Urca Hill to the top of Sugar Loaf, 1,300 feet high
Corcovado
This is one of the main beauty spots
in the city, standing 2,330 feet above sea level and providing a sweeping
panoramic view of sea and mountain, a world famous vista. The mountain is
crowned with the statue of Christ, 98 feet high with a 26 foot pedestal containing
a chapel that can hold 150 people. The top of the Corcovado can be reached
by electric train or by car.
Vermelha Beach
At Urca - 245 meters long situated below hill.
Copacabana Beach
One of the world’s most famous beach, curving along the elegant Av. Atlântica,
beach known for its landmark buildings, nightclubs, restaurants and boutiques
The widest beach in Rio, Copacabana is the home of beach soccer and volleyball.
Arpoador
800 meters of sand located at the beginning of Ipanema and backed by a pleasant
park. Its name comes from the rock formation found at this location. At the
top of the rock is a skating bowl where you can get a great view of the neighboring
beaches. The best place to watch the sunset.
Botafogo
A traditional neighborhood located between the
historical Flamengo-Downtown strip and the beaches of Copacabana
and Ipanema. This is the center of cultural activities such as museums
and theatres. Great shopping at one of Rio's shopping malls, RioSul.
Ipanema
Beach
Renowned for the hit tune "Girl from Ipanema", spreads over 2km
and is separated from Leblon by the canal at Jardim de Alah (Alah’s Garden)
which links the Lagoa to the sea. An upscale neighbourhood that boasts a legendary
beach, busy nightlife, great restaurants and sophisticated shopping.
Leblon
Around 1,3km Leblon runs from Ipanema to the Leblon belvedere, one of the
most beautiful views of both beaches. This is one of the best areas to stay
or live in Rio.
São Conrado
Its official name is Praia da Gávea, but is better known as Pepino.
It is the landing area for the city’s hang gliders who pack the sky each weekend
with their colorful kites.
Barra da Tijuca
Rio’s longest beach, it stretches over 18km along Av. Sernambetiba. A hot
spot on the beach is the area around the Barraca do Pepê, a famous brazilian
hang glider who died competing outside Brazil.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes
A charming 2km long inlet at the end of Sernambetiba Ave. Sheltered by a the
large rock, Recreio is safe for swimming.
Prainha
A secluded sandy strip, 700 meters long, Prainha is a surfer’s beach.
It is an Environmental Protected Area.
Grumari
This beach may be Rio's best kept secret. Located 30 miles from Ipanema, it
is only accessible by car. Set in an ecological reserve, the untouched landscape
offers the visitor breaking surf, a natural setting, and no crowds. Grumari
is on the open ocean and surfers love the huge waves.
Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botânico)
Paradise of plants and trees from the four corners of the earth. Founded
in 1808, it spreads over an area of about 340 acres and is the home for more
than 7000 species of tropical plants
Flamengo Park
A large green space built. The gardens has more than 3,000 different
species of plants and trees .It hugs Guanabara Bay all the way from
Flamengo to Downtown.. Marina da Glória can anchor up
to 1,500 boats. You will find Rio's Museum of Modern Art, Carmen
Miranda Museum, and the Monument to Casualties in World War II.
Tijuca National
Park and Tijuca Forest
Rio largest
park, covering 3,300 hectares. The only forest in the world located inside
a city. Set in the south side of Rio, it's most visible landmark is the Statue
of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Hill. Enjoy the lush forest, waterfalls,
exotic birds and wildlife (especially monkeys).
Maracana
Stadium
this is one of the world's largest stadiums. It
has a capacity of 90,000 people.
Paquetá Island
It
is a Beautiful Island, where the Brazilian aristocracy would spend their Holidays
on the XIX Century. No cars are allowed, making it very quiet and giving you
a feel of the past. One goes around by bikes, which are rented and come in
many different shapes, and by horse and coach. The access is by old ferry
boats.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
It is a marvellous great lake right in the city (near Leblon and Ipanema).
You can walk for hours alongside the lake enjoy stunning views over the water
of the hills of Rio.
Ferry ride to Niteroi
If you want to get great views of Rio then take a ferry ride across
Guanabara Bay to the city of Niteroi.
Botafogo Shopping Centre
Brilliant view of Rio and surrounding Bay, with Pao de Acucar,
perfect for picture taking.
Pedra Bonita
This is the famous take off point for the hang gliders.
Rio Sul
From the top of the Rio Sul shopping centre you get a fantastic
view of the city - the bay, downtown (centro) Sugar Loaf- Corcovado and Christ
the Redeemer.
Parque da Cidade and Gávea
Known as the City Park,
you will find trees that are over 100 years old, a lake, trails, tree lined
lanes, bridges, a greenhouse and bird shelter.
Quinta
da Boa Vista
Rio's largest historic park
offers lush gardens and lawns, bicycles lanes, lakes, caves and islands. The
park was created in 1600's and given as a gift to the Portuguese royal family.
Quinta da Boa Vista was their official residence until the Republic
was proclaimed.
National Museum of Fine Arts
The permanent collection has
over 10,000 paintings and works of art by Brazilian artists from the late
17th century to present day. Of the international pieces, the African collection
is highly recommended.. The building itself is French Renaissance.
Carmen Miranda Museum
One of Brazil's most famous personalities The museum
is located in Flamengo Park.. It is possible to see her dresses, shoes,
photos, advertisements, records, videos, scripts, and of course, her signature
hats!
Museum of Modern Art
One of the newer museums created
in 1948. Located Downtown at Flamengo Park, it houses over 4,000 contemporary
works from Brazilian artists and over 2,000 pieces by foreign artists. After
the museum was destroyed by fire in 1978, hundreds of people from all over
the world
National History Museum
Dedicated to the preservation
and study of Brazilian history, the collection of objects and pieces of art
are housed in various colonial buildings Downtown.
National Museum
Situated in the mansion of
the former imperial family at Quinta da Boa Vista, it is part of the
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. There are more than one million
pieces on display ranging from archaelogy, antiques, botany, geology, zoology,
to theology
São Bento Monastery
One of the best examples of
Baroque style with 17th century gold-leaf wood carvings and other magnificent
adornments.
Lapa Arches
Also known as the Carioca
Aqueduct, these 42 arches link Santa Tereza and Santo Antonio
Hills. Built in the early 18th century, it was part of a massive aqueduct
project
Paço
Imperial
Nestled among the tall modern buildings of Rio's
financial center, stands this colonial building built in the 18th century.
It was built as the house of governors in 1743 and rose to importance around
1763 when Rio was made a seat of Brazil's government.
Santa Tereza
hilltop colonial neighborhood
filled with bars, art studios, cobblestone streets and turn-of -the century
homes. The hillside is dotted with a mixture of Victorian mansions, chalets
and original creations.
Tiradentes Palace
Built on the site of the Old
Jail in the 1920s. The entrance stairs are flanked by semi-circular ramps
and two sculptures.
Praca Floriano (Square)
A treed area where is possible see the pavement
in Portuguese stones. See the Monument to Floriano Peixoto and statues
of several prominent people. Most interesting is the Cinelândia Architetonic
Group.
Praça Quinze (Square)
A downtown area where it is
possible find a collection of historical landmarks and buildings. There are
several churches.
National
Library
The present location was established in 1910 and
it features Corinthian columnar architecture.. One copy of every book printed
in Brazil must be deposited in the National Library.
Theatre Municipal(teatro municipal)
Designed and built by A. Guilbert and Francisco de Oliveira Passos, the theatre
was inaugurated on July 14, 1909.
Búzios
The most famous beach on the
northern coast, known for its nightlife in the Rua das Pedras and for the
great number of artists and celebrities who visit the town.
Cabo Frio
The most important town on the northern coast, also known as Região dos
Lagos (Lakes' Region). A great suggestion in Cabo Frio is making a boat tour
through the Canal de Itajuru and from the Lake to the Boca da Barra.
Angra dos Reis
Main town on the southern
coast, known for the beauty of the beaches, many millionaire houses and several
paradisiacal island. A great option is making a tour by sail boat through
the islands.
Petrópolis
Main town on the hills, it is the Brazilian town which conserves the major
Imperial heritage.
Ilha do Bernardo
Only
a short coach trip from Rio, you board a schooner which takes you through
Septiba Bay and hundreds of exotic islands until you reach Bernardo.
When on the island you can swim in the sea, enjoy the
fabulous views, feed the tiny monkeys.
Paraty
Is a city about 3 hours south of Rio, it is a well preserved Portuguese
colonial city with plenty of charm.
It is also located between the mountains covered by
a forest typical to this region, on the other side you have the sea, with
plenty of beaches and islands, a lot of the beaches can only be accessed by
boat.