Due to its numerous facets, Rio is Brazil's tourism capital. The wonderful city, located in the Southeast Region of Brazil, with 6 million inhabitants, in an area of 1.2255,3 km2, a coastal line with 246.22 km2 and a green area of 325.6 km2, it is the mosaic of enchantments, scattered between the sea and the mountain. Rio is more than one, each day it creates solutions providing for the wishes and tastes of all.

Rio's post card is the symbol of Brazil. Corcovado, with Christ the Redeemer is running towards being one of the new 7 Wonders of the World in an international contest. And there is also the Sugar-Loaf Hill, a pleasurable mountain top-trip that reveals the entire city. The characteristic tourism points are numerous, but it is important to mention the Maracanã Stadium, largest temple of the five-time champion Brazilian soccer and Passarela do samba (Samba Catwalk), where the samba-schools parade whilst participating in the largest annual event of the city, Carnival. And the most recent one is City of Samba, built by the mayor's office of Rio de Janeiro, in an area of 114 m2, in the seaport district that shelters the samba factories where the samba schools prepare for their respective parades, which take place during carnival. The City of Samba is the synthesis of carnival the whole year, as it hosts daily spectacles, workshops and other attractions.

As a result of research carried out by the universities of Michigan and California, Rio was chosen as the city with the most amiable people in the world. This is the biggest secret of the wonderful city, the carioca spirit, which turns all urban spaces into mosaics of different attractions. Rio mirrors the beaches, mountains, green areas, outdoor sports, and events such as the New Year's party, carnival and so many others. Rio is historic, cultural, day- and nighttime oriented. It has many flavors for all ages. Rio is just like one of its main symbols, Christ the Redeemer with its arms wide open to welcome its visitors.

The Arcs of Lapa

Located in Largo da Lapa, the neighborhood commonly known as Rio's most important reference point regarding Rio-nightlife, the Arcs of Lapa enter the history as the city's most monumental construction. Constructed during the colonial times to function as aquaducts, today the Arcs serve as a viaduct for yet another great attraction: the trams that connect the station "Carioca" with the quiet neighborhood Santa Tereza. At night, if you enjoy lots of people and loud music, this is the place where you should at least spend one weekend night. The roads fill up with street artists and in the many, many bars there are shows of samba, reaggae, forro (a Brazilian music form), funk and mpb (Brasilian Popular Music).

Sugar Loaf Hill

With its significant hight and uncommon formation, Sugar Loaf Hill disputes with Christ the Redeemer for the title of the summit with the best views of the city. Vamous from its various postcards the peak is reached by a cable lift which first takes you to the Urca Hill where the visitors embarc in a second lift, which takes them to their final destiny. From the mountaintop, several beaches can be seen, including those from the city of Niteroi, as well as the dense vegetation of the Atlantic backland and some historical constructions like the Santa Cruz fortress and Fiscal Island.

Distance timetable:

Praia Vermelha to Morro da Urca: 3 min
Morro da Urca to Sugar Loaf Hill: 3 min
Address: Avenida Pasteur, 520 - Urca - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Tel.: (21) 2546-8400
Fax: (21) 2542-1641

Christ the Redeemer

Situated 2300 feet above sea level at the top of Corcovado Hill, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is without a doubt one of the most admired and visited monuments of the city.

The peak can be reached by a little authentic tram that departs from the neighborhood Cosme Velho and until reaching the Christ passes by natural scenery from an extraordinary beauty. Once at the summit the view on Rio de Janeiro is striking; Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Jardim Botânico, the Jockey Club, the Lagoon, all taking part in this magical city spectacle, both day and night when the city lights are lit. Always under the protecting gaze of the Christ that from its elevated viewpoint embraces all those below.
Opening hours: Daily, 8:30-18h30
Address: Rua Cosme Velho, 513 - Cosme Velho - Rio de Janeiro - RJ

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

Surrounded by neighborhoods, framed by mountains and embraced by Christ the Redeemer, the Lagoon is an impressive sight at sunset as the light reflects on its serene quiet waters. The lagoon is linked to the sea by the Jardim de Alah canal that divides Ipanema from Leblon, and encircled by parks, multi-sports courts, a roller-skating pipe, a helicopterplatform, jogging and bicycle paths. There is also an outdoor food court with kiosks serving a wide variety of dishes ranging from German to Japanese, as well as live music that starts at 21 o'clock at night. At the lagoon it is possible to rent paddleboats which on Sundays and holidays reveal to tourists an unique view of all that shapes the most beautifull lagoon of Rio.
Location: Av. Epitácio Pessoa e Av. Borges de Medeiros, covering the neighborhoods; Ipanema, Lagoa e Humaitá. There are no time rescrictions on accessing the park.

Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens houses a total of 8.000 ecological species including orchids, bromeliads, violets, insect-eating plants, a cacti collection and medicinal plants. As well as 6 lagoons and an entry marked by imperial palm trees, each one no less then 30m tall.

There is also a presence of rich historical and cultural heritage like the old Fábrica de Pólvora (Gunpowder Factory).
Opening hours: Daily 8-17h
Address: Rua Jardim Botânico, 1.008 - Jardim Botânico - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Tel:  (21) 3874-1214
Fax: (21) 3874.1808

 

Maracanã

The Stadium Jornalista Mário Filho, commonly known as Maracana, is the soccer temple for many people.  It already had a capacity of 166.369 people, but these days receives up to 114.000 supporters. It is a touristic attraction that not can be overlooked and besides soccermatches offers many national and international music concerts. It was also in Maracana where Pope John Paul II celebrated with Brazilian followers. The entire sports complex also holds the so-called Maracanãzinho (little Maracana), the Stadium Célio de Barros and the Waterpark Júlio Delamare.

Visits: daily at 9h till 17h. At game days, visits can be scheduled from 8h to 11h.

Address: Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo, portão 18, s/n. - Maracanã - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Tel: (21) 2568-9962

 

Tijuca Nacional Park

Tijuca Nacional Park is the country's largest urban florest. It is divided by the Tijuca Florest, the Carioca Mountain Ridge (also home to Corcovado) and Maciço da Gávea/Pedra Bonita (take off point for paragliding). The park is not only characterized by its flora and waterfalls but also by its fauna like: coaties, squirrels and monkeys. Eco-tourists can find here various hiking trails that can even take you to the paragliding take off point.
The park has 7 access points, amongst which: Estrada do Redentor, Estrada da Canoa e Estrada da Castorina.
Opening hours: Daily from 8 till 17h
Address: Maciço da Tijuca, limitando com vários bairros, principalmente Alto da Boa Vista e Santa Teresa - Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Tel: (21) 2492-2253

 

Beaches

 

With its longstretched coastline flanked by rugged mountain ridges and pristine areas, Rio de Janeiro has one of the most beautiful beaches of Brazil, if not the world. In this city you can either enjoy the most frequented beaches full of bars and kiosks like those of Copacabana, Barra and Ipanema. Or alternatively, enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the greenery at the beaches Grumari, Macumba and at the Recreio Reserve Bandeirantes where in certain designated areas the vegetation is being preserved.

 

Leme e Copacabana Beaches

 

Copacabana is by far the most famous beach of Brazil. Circled by high rocky peaks and islands it holds an extraordinary natural beauty. Besides that is has an excellent infrastructure with lots of bars, luxury hotels and beach kiosks.
 
Leme beach is merely a continuation of Copacanaba, the only difference is the name of the neighborhood and the rock from which it is possible to observe the entire stretch of beach sand.

 

 Ipanema e Arpoador Beach

 

Ipanema Beach starts right at the end of Copacabana at the Arpoador, with the surfers' peak much frequented by Rio surfers, and goes until Leblon. With a sophisticated infrastcture and the most elegant visitors, it is one of the principal beaches of the city.

 

 

 

 

 

Leblon e Vidigal Beach

 

The famous beach of Leblon is located at one of the most chic and well-known neighborhoods of the city. It is visited by the young and famous alike, because of its tranquility and comfort, as well as the legendary view on Morro dos Irmãos in the backdrop.
 

Vidigal Beach is situated above the neighborhood Leblon at Niemeyer Avenue. The location is very reserved due to its access that sits besides the Hotel Sheraton, surrounded by lots of green vegetation and mountains that all add to the beauty of the scenery.

 

 

Pepino Beach

 

The surroundings of mountains and forest is what makes Pepino Beach indeed a special place. The beach is located in the neighborhood São Conrado.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joatinga Beach

 

The young and surfers mainly frequent this beach when there are waves. Access is gained through a luxury Condominium, located between the neighborhoods São Conrado e Barra da Tijuca. At the food of Pedra da Gávea (Stone of Gavea) this beach is a must for those that like surfing and peacefulnes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barra da Tijuca Beach

 

Being the most extended of all, Barra da Tijuca Beach with its clear water and lots of charm, is rapidly becoming one of the most popular beaches for the Cariocas (person from Rio.

 

Reserva Beach

 

As the name already states, this beach is calm and reserved. It is located in a preserved ecological area, where there are no buildings nor houses, just the greenery and some kiosks take part in this pristine scenery.

 

Being a coastal city, Rio de Janeiro has many other beaches beside the ones mentioned above. Like there are the beaches of Recreio, Macumba, Prainha, Grumari, Tartaruga, Pedra de Guaratiba, Marambaia, amongst others that are also worth visiting.

 

Source: Riotur

 

For more information about tourist attractions access: http://www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br or http://www.brasilviagem.com/cidades/?CodCid=1