Rio de Janeiro Destination Guide

Rio de Janeiro is definitely the Wonderful City, the Real Tropical Paradise. Experience the carioca's carnival, the most famous popular party on earth, spend a New Year's Eve in Copacabana Beach, and visit the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain with its incredible cable car and get to know Tijuca National Park, the largest urban natural preservation area. Watch one of the most famous sunsets in Arpoador beach, which have inspired musicians from all over the planet and learn how to dance samba with the ‘Girl from Ipanema'. Rio is all that and much more. Check our Rio de Janeiro videos for a little taste!

Rio is a place that has a little bit of everything. Its unique characteristics ensure international fame, attracting thousands of tourists from every part of the world, all year long!

This Rio de Janeiro destination guide gives you ideas about what there is to see and do during your travel to Rio while our Rio de Janeiro tour page provides some great tour options. More general information about what there is to do in the rest of Brazil can be found in our Brazil country guide.

We recommend you check out the Rio de Janeiro travel information from fellow travellers on the RealTravel web site.

Things to see & do in Rio de Janeiro

The diversity of the culture and the scenery are the city's strong points. It's a unique mixture of happiness, beauty, colors, hospitality and great pleasure. This perfect combination between city and nature has no comparison anywhere else in the whole planet. Beaches, forest, lagoons, mountains, coastline, waterfalls and parks are mixed with the urban area, making it easy to visit with less time spent and also a great place for Ecotourism and Outdoor activities.

Being the former capital of Brazil and home of the Portuguese Imperial Family, Rio de Janeiro is full of history to tell its visitors. Rio is the capital of culture: around the city that has been the setting for many national and international films, you will find lots of museums, theaters, concert halls and night clubs with local live music as Samba and Bossa Nova, both born in Rio.

The lifestyle of the Cariocas (as the citizens of Rio are known) revolves around the beach. Throughout the day, and into the night, the stunning beaches affect a seemingly gravitational pull on people, and are a place for leisure, socialising and even business. Bronzed, beautiful bodies and minimal clothing make the beaches a great place for just watching the passing parade of people. The most popular beaches are the world famous Copacabana and Ipanema.

Get to know how life in a ‘favela' is. The mix of races makes the cariocas a happy and fun-loving people with a spirit unequalled anywhere else in the world. And don't forget to visit Maracanã, "the Temple of Soccer Gods".

All of these qualities bound together make Rio de Janeiro the ideal destination for those who wish to be well-received and treated as if at home.

• Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado Train
• Sugar Loaf Mountain and its Cable Car
• Maracanã Stadium
• Ipanema and Arpoador
• Copacabana
• Tijuca National Park
• Santa Teresa and Lapa
• Botanical Garden
• Extreme Sports in Rio de Janeiro
• Downtown (City Centre)
• Golfing in Rio de Janeiro
• Diving in Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado Train

A unique view enchants tourists and even Cariocas upon arriving in Rio de Janeiro. Still on the plane, or even from the ground, it is possible to admire the marvelous statue on top of the Corcovado Hill, in the middle of Tijuca National Park. More than a postal card, the Christ the Redeemer statue was deservedly elected one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and is the main symbol of the City of Rio de Janeiro. The statue is 38 meters tall and weighs 1,145 tons rises from the 710 meter peak of Corcovado Hill. It was inaugurated in 1931 and is an image of sympathy and faith, characteristic of Rio's people. Book now a Christ the Redeemer Tour !

Going up by the centenary Corcovado Train takes around 20 minutes along the Corcovado Railway, inaugurated in 1884 by the Brazilian Emperor D. Pedro II. Every year the train takes more than 600 thousand people to the top of Corcovado Mountain, crossing the biggest urban forest in the world, Tijuca National Park, a stretch of preserved Atlantic Rainforest replanted with native species in the 19th century. Panoramic elevators and escalators take visitors to the base of the statue. From this vantage point the scenery is quite stunning and the view over Ipanema, Leblon and Lagoa on sunny days is unbelievable. This visit itself makes the trip to Brazil worthwhile. Book now a Corcovado Tour !

Watch Christ the Reedeemer videos!

Sugar Loaf Mountain and its Cable Car

Rising 396 meters above sea-level, the most famous hill in the world earned its name from its resemblance to the seventeenth century Brazilian ‘Sweet Bread', made from sugar cane. Its natural beauty provides an indescribable view, as it rises out of Guanabara Bay. Equally appetizing is the trip by the famous overhead cable car to the summit. Inaugurated in 1912, the Sugar Loaf Mountain cable car is almost a centenary attraction that was even visited by James Bond. Reaching the top of Sugar Loaf is actually done in two stages. The first stop is on the top of Urca Hill, which is 700 feet above sea level. From there you have beautiful breathtaking views of Corcovado Mountain, over Guanabara Bay and the Niteroi Bridge. As you go onto the second cable car, it takes you over 1300 feet to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain where spectacular views of Copacabana and other beaches can be delightfully admired. The Sugar Loaf cable car system was the first one installed in Brazil and the third on Earth. It is considered one of the most important icons of tourism in Rio, and has become one of the city's trademarks. Since its inauguration, the cable car has already transported over 31 million tourists. Book now a Sugar Loaf Mountain tour!

Watch Sugar Loaf Mountain videos!

Good Accomodations Option in Rio de Janeiro City

Category: Accomodations

Everybody knows that for a good travel first you must choose a good place to stay, even for just sleep, so it must be safe, clear and a good cost-benefit.

So we listed some places that WHL Rio de Janeiro recommend for your travellers, attending different budgets:


Good Cost-Benefit:

*Portinari Hotel: http://www.portinarihotelrio.com/
This hotel is a 4 star hotel with special low cost for foreign, and guys this is a high design hotel, with beautiful decoration and high quality services, this is a unique experience, worth each penny. They got a really special offer til August09, the best option actually

*Everest Rio hotel: http://www.everestriohotel.com/
Another Good option, next of the famous Ipanema's beach, on a calm corner in middle of excitation of Ipanema,in other words next of everything.

*Copacabana Mar Hotel: http://www.copacabanamarhotel.com/
Located just 25 minutes away from the International Airport of Rio de Janeiro. There is a Subway Station just one block away from the Hotel. And next to the Copacabana's beach too.



Low-Cost:

*Terrasse Hostel: http://www.terrasse-hostel.com/
Is a wonderful Hostel in Ipanema, the high class neighborhood, in Rio, a really good option of low cost with good location and service.

*Ananab Guesthouse: http://www.ananabguesthouserio.com/
As Guesthouse, Ananab is a good option with quality services and low cost, they are really organized and have a good structure.

Currently listening: Melhor de Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha: Live By Arlindo Cruz & Sombrinha Release date: 2005-04-11

Brazilian Branch at Rio de Janeiro City

Category: Travel Tips

Rio de Janeiro
Known as the “Wonderful City”, Rio de Janeiro offers
attractions that have rendered the city international fame.

Who has never heard about carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the most amazing
popular party in the world?
Or who has never heard about Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ Redeemer, one of the new seven wonders of the world? Or about the beautiful beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, that have inspired musicians from all over the world? Or, also, who has never heard about the Tijuca National Park – the largest urban natural preservation area in the Country? Rio de Janeiro is all that and much more. Since the city’s
weather is hot and pleasant all through the year, Rio does not
depend on seasons to attract visitors. Its attractions can be appreciated at any time of the year.

Must See in Rio de Janeiro City:
Here we organize a "must see" list for this city.


*Corcovado:
Christ the Redeemer, in Corcovado Mountain. One of the New Seven Wonders of the world.

The statue stands 38 metres (120 ft) tall. It weighs 635 tonnes (700 short tons), and is located at the peak of the 700 metres (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking the city. It is the tallest of its kind in the world. The statue of Cristo de la Concordia in Cochabamba, Bolivia is the second tallest, standing at 33 metres (110 ft) tall. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone.
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A symbol of Christianity, the statue has become an icon of Rio and Brazil.


*Sugar Loaf:
Sugar Loaf cable car is great oportunity to have a great overview of this wonderful city.

The Sugar Loaf is surrounded by vegetation characteristically tropical, with vestiges of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) containing native species that have disappeared from other areas of the Brazilian coast. It also boasts rare vegetal species, such as the orchid "laelia lobata" that can only be found in two places on the planet, Sugar Loaf (Pão de Açucar) and Gávea Rock (Pedra da Gávea), both in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian mountain with the greatest number of climbing tracks (up to 1997 there were 38), the Sugar Loaf is visited daily by hundreds of Brazilian and foreign climbers, mountaineers and ecologists.

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*Beaches of Rio:
Ipanema beach, one of the beauties of Rio.

Even more irresistible than the muse who inspired the "Girl from Ipanema", the song which immortalized both her and her neighborhood, there is no doubt that Ipanema is a famous meeting point in Rio de Janeiro. This sophisticated neighborhood offers a lively night life scene with an enticing blend of beach, bars and boutiques.
A major attraction throughout the day, its sands also welcome countless after-dark visitors, including joggers and other athletes who cluster at its kiosks, pedal along the bicycle path and make good use of special lighting to exercise and relax. Thanks to its multi-faceted lifestyle, Ipanema truly reflects the Carioca spirit of the people of Rio, welcoming visitors eager to join in the fun.
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So come with us and let's WHL.travel show the best of this city.
http://www.riodejaneiro-hotels.travel/

Currently listening: Antonio Carlos Jobim (Garota de Ipanema) Version: Frank Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim By Antonio Carlos Jobim Release date: 2003-12-22

Rio de Janeiro Tours and Hotels

E aí, beleza? Welcome to Rio de Janeiro-Hotels.travel!

The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most remarkable cities in the world because of its warm and friendly people, interesting museums, sparkling waters, historic neighbourhoods, thriving nightlife and the rich sounds of Samba. Let our local connection in Rio de Janeiro guide you to create the ultimate Rio de Janeiro travel experience. With firsthand knowledge of the best Rio de Janeiro hotels, and a long list of fascinating Rio de Janeiro tours and activities to suggest, the help of our local connection will be an invaluable holiday resource.

In Rio, steep granite mountains boldly rise from the ocean surrounded by magnificent stretches of sand. Huge skyscrapers compete for space with imposing colonial buildings and lush green forests cover the hillsides that surround the thickly populated residential areas of Rio de Janeiro.

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Baia de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay) located in the southeast of Brazil is a natural port and the adjoining city was founded on January 1st, 1502, by the Portuguese. This city was named Rio de Janeiro (River of January) as the port was thought to be an enormous river mouth. Today the population of Rio de Janeiro is over 6 million, with more than 5 million people located in the big metropolitan area.

Called the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) by Brazilians, Rio de Janeiro portrays a unique contrast of old traditions with modern culture, wetlands and rainforests, beautiful mountain ranges amidst a bustling metropolis and crushing poverty in the midst of tremendous wealth. Various degrees of poverty and wealth are visible in the way its people live. The exclusive rich areas of Rio de Janeiro form a stark contrast to the favelas or the slums as they are located close to each other. The Cariocas (Rio de Janeiro's residents) are known for their enthusiasm and passion for life irrespective of their economic standing or their background.

Located atop the Corcovado Mountain overlooking the city, the statue of Christ the Redeemer with his outstretched arms seems to encompass the diversity and thriving life of Rio de Janeiro. The famous Sugarloaf Mountain provides some of Rio de Janeiro's best views. Join one of the many great Rio de Janeiro tours to see the very best of Rio de Janeiro City!

Rio de Janeiro is divided into the South (Zona Sul), the North (Zona Norte) and the Centre (Centro) zone. Beautiful beach areas of Ipanema, Leme, Copacabana, Leblon, Sao Conrado and Lagoa are located in the South; the North hosts one of the main attractions of Rio de Janeiro: the Maracana Stadium (find out more about each of these regions in our Rio de Janeiro destination guide). The Centre is home to most of Rio de Janeiro's highlights with the monuments of the fallen soldiers of World War II in the South and the Morro de Sao Bento in the North.

The Ipanema and the Copacabana beaches face the Atlantic Ocean and have clean water and big waves. Boogie boarders and surfers are welcome at one of the many beaches where sailing is also permitted. The Copacabana beach area is known for its good Rio de Janeiro hotels and is connected to Rio de Janeiro City Centre by the Metro. The urbanised beach of Ipanema is a favourite pick for the youth. The beach teams with zesty youngsters, and the side streets are full of street vendors selling different types of crafts and artistry of Rio de Janeiro. At the beach you can enjoy and explore the weekly Hippy Fair and listen to live music, get a henna tattoo, massage, or just relax.

There are numerous dining choices and restaurants in Rio de Janeiro because the Cariocas like to dine out. They like to savour their meals and calmly enjoy the ambience at a leisurely pace. Seafood, chicken, pasta and beef are the general food choices, to which local flavours and tastes are added. Street food in Rio de Janeiro is safe, extremely delicious and inexpensive, with plenty of variety on offer.

The famous Brazilian Carnival is the ultimate party of the world. The four-day-long Rio de Janeiro Carnival attracts thousands of people who enjoy the unique Samba dancing along with plenty of food and drinks. The New Year celebrations in Copacabana Beach are considered the major celebration in Rio de Janeiro, when millions of people all dressed up in white throng the beaches and enjoy the beautiful fireworks that illuminate the Beach of Copacabana in an all-night festival. During carnival it is important to book your Rio de Janeiro hotel early to avoid disappointment. Only packages are sold during this period.

The architecture of Rio de Janeiro is quite diverse and offers interesting contrasts. The old monuments and buildings have been around for several centuries and are still standing proud and strong. The other buildings give Rio de Janeiro a modern look with their sophisticated and sleek architecture. The Nossa Senhora de Candelaria and other churches in the vicinity are worth exploring. Check out our Rio de Janeiro hotel page for our range of hotels in Rio de Janeiro including pictures of the premises.

You get great shopping deals at Centro. In the neighbourhood of the city centre (Centro), enthusiastic street vendors sell musical instruments like berimbau, typical tourist merchandise, and beautiful jewellery locally designed.

Fairarte, a craft market fair in Rio de Janeiro where artists showcase their work in leather, glass, ceramics and silver, can be found at the city's most historic square, Praca XV. There is plenty of food and drink available too. The cities of Petropolis and Buzios located near Rio de Janeiro are other attractions worth visiting. Check our Rio de Janeiro destination guide for information about the many great things to see & do in Rio de Janeiro.

A night out in Rio de Janeiro could be an evening's entertainment at a live music venue, a post-soccer beer at a beach kiosk or a visit to some of the numerous clubs and chic bars. All the areas have clubs and popular bars, but the beach communities of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana are the most popular places for a night out in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro has vast social inequalities and high crime rates, and while attempts are being made to control crime, visitors should remain alert. Petty theft is common, so be on your guard. But despite its problems and shortcomings, Rio de Janeiro will manage to seduce you with its charm.

The weather in Rio de Janeiro is hot and pleasant all year round, ranging from 20°C to 40°C (68°F to 104°F) and attracting thousands of visitors everyday. Its attractions can be appreciated at any time of the year. There are many special things to do and see in Rio de Janeiro, so pick your Rio de Janeiro Hotel and have a wonderful stay!

Rio de Janeiro is a place that will surprise you in every single detail! Come and experience this amazing city and become a 'Carioca'! Check our Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro section or Rio Destination Guide for further information. Don't forget to take a look at our range of Rio de Janeiro hotels, too!