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Lagoa, Corcovado, Christ Redention |
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Pao De Acucar |
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View of Corcovado |
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Ipanema Beach |
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Pao de Acucar |
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| Rio de Janeiro was discovered January 1, 1502 by the Portuguese, hence the
name River of January. Rio with over 10,000,000 inhabitants it the second
largest city in Brazil. While the folks in Sao Paulo labor all day Rio's
inhabitants work and play all day and night. Often taking 3 hour lunches to go
to the beach. And the beaches, open to all, are there with Ipanema, Copa Cabana,
and countless others. Its unique landscape (mountains on one side ocean on the
other) make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Indeed it can be
called Brazil's emotional capital as well. Nothing expresses this like the
annual Carnival that goes on for three days. Starting in late February or early
March, just prior to the beginning of the Christian season of Lent, is world
renown for its festivities. A note of caution for the tourist, Carnival can get
a little wild. Of course what could one expect in an atmosphere with music,
dancing and folks that are at best half dressed? It has a wonderful climate, a
blend of summer and springtime. Temperatures during December to March can top
95° F, but during the rest of the year are a comfortable 68° F to 86° F. Sea
breezes moderate temperatures throughout the year. Transportation is readily
available, with inexpensive taxis everywhere and a subway system. It is linked
to all key points in Brazil by an extensive highway system. It has 2 airports:
Santos Dumont Airport, a downtown airport for local flights between Rio and Sao
Paulo, and Galeao Airport, the international airport located on Governor's
Island in Guanabara Bay. There is lots to see and do. The city's most famous
landmarks are Sugar Loaf rising to 1,325 ft, located on a peninsula jutting into
Guanabara Bay, and the Christ the Redeemer statue, which overlooks the city from
the top of Corcovado Mountain. For lover of night life there are thousands of
restaurants, bars and nightclubs for any taste. For the cultured there are fine
museums, historical buildings and operas. Like any big city a tourist should use
common sense for safety. Don't wear expensive jewelry, don't carry a lot of cash
and don't stray far from the beaten path. If a neighborhood looks dangerous, it
probably is. |
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Corcovado |
He who comes to Rio without
taking the tram up to the breathtaking view, knows not the city! At 710
meters, the hunchback mountain with its Christ Redeemer statue arms
outstretched is the only place to truly see the whole layout of this
immense urban sprawl. At night, the 100 foot, 1,000 ton statue seems to
float as if it were a guardian angel for the city's urchins and
homeless.
Of course it will be crowded with tons of tourists just like you, but,
day or night, nothing has prepared you for the view you will witness.
Stand with the statue at your back, and to your left is the soccer
temple Maracanc and the zona norte. Straight ahead in the distance is
Nitersi with its snaky bridge and Rio's other must see, the hump of the
Sugar Loaf. To the right is the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in the
foreground, and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches further out. Other
options to reach the top include mountain climbing and helicopter tours. |
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Pco de
Agzcar
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Literally
sticking out like a sore thumb, the Sugar Loaf mountain is one of Rio's
most famous landmarks. What better place to come to gain dramatic
perspective on how sea and mountain range violently confront each other
to create the natural beauty of the "Cidade Maravilhosa," as the city is
known.
Catch the thrilling funicular ride up the hill if you dare, and hold
your breath as you float above Leme. The top commands a glorious view of
Guanabara Bay with the Botafogo beach to the North and Copacabana to the
South, with the wild landscape of Rio proper in-between. Watch the
greasy oil tankers make their way to exotic lands, gaze out to
meandering Nitersi bridge or witness the folly of rock climbers reaching
the summit. Also be sure to check out the old open-air cable car that
was used in the 30's on display. There are vendors selling coconuts and
juice, as well as a food and refreshments stand. Cost of the trip up: 14
reais. |
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Copacabana |
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Undoubtedly the most famous
beach in the world, Copacabana has lost little of its mystique and charm
over the years. Beautiful, stylish, and positioned in a wonderfully rich
setting with a backdrop of sharp rising hills and a concrete jungle,
this is the first place most tourists in Rio go in order to feel the
Carioca spirit.Sit at one of the many restaurants along the beachfront
to enjoy a "batida" or "caipirinha", or take a stroll on the famous and
often imitated Burle Marx designed sidewalks. In summertime,go early as
it may be hard to find a spot on the sand. Also, take note that the
currents are deceptively strong.Care should be taken not to drift too
far out. Now that there is a greater police presence , the area is much
safer at night than it used to be. There is always so much happening
that many visitors never leave the area to explore Rio's other
adventures. A perfect place to eat, drink, relax and people watch. |
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