Rio de Janeiro is the second major city in Brazil and was its capital from 1763 to 1960, when Brasília was created. The city was founded by Portuguese colonists in the mid 1500s and became the port for the shipment of gold from the inland mining areas. Throughout its history, Rio has seemed aware of its physical assets - the soaring mountains behind it, Sugar Loaf towering above its harbor, and its long crescent beaches that are its prime tourist attractions - and has enhanced that landscape with distinguished buildings from each era of its history and with a generous supply of urban parks and open spaces.
Top Attractions in Rio
one of the New 7 Wonders of the world , the statue is located at Corcovado Mountain , 710 meters above sea level . It has an 8 meter granite pedestal and is 30 meters tall . It is made of concrete and recovered with little mosaics of soap stone
Tijuca National Park : one of the largest urban forests in the world with 40 square kilometers . In a beautiful car drive is possible to visit the Taunay Waterfall and Chinese Viewpoint ..
- Bohemian Old Downtown Lapa : this neighbourhood is famous for its architecture , such as the Aqueduct from 1740 , the Metropolitan Cathedral from 1978 , Lapa Selaron Stairs , colourful staircase covered with tiles and last but not least more than 50 different bars , restaurants and nightclubs .
Maua Square : this neighbourhood was recently renovated and its main attractions are the Saint Benedict Monastery from 1600 , the Museum of Tomorrow built in 2015 with project of spanish architect Calatrava , Museum of Art of Rio from 2013 and the Olympic Boulevard and its colourful grafittis .
- Botanical Garden: inaugurated in 1808 by king Joao VI from Portugal , this park has 54 Hectares and 6500 species .
-São Conrado , Leblon , Ipanema and Copacabana beaches : the most famous beaches of the southern part of Rio , they made the city known worldwide .
- New District of Barra da Tijuca and western wild beaches of Grumari , Prainha and Recreio : Rio is growing west and Barra is the most modern and planned neighbourhood . After Barra the wild beaches are a piece of paradise in the big city .
Top Attractions in Rio
Sugar Loaf : is a double peak of granite and quartz at the entrance of Guanabara Bay . The first is Urca Mountain 220 meters above sea level and the second is Sugar Loaf Mountain 396 meters above sea level . To reach the sumit passangers take 2 swiss made cablecars
Santa Teresa Art District : charming , green upper and artsy part of the city , with picturesque 1900`s houses , it is an area of historical preservation ..
Historical Downtown : Historical District where is Cinelandia Square and its buildings from 1910 such as the Opera House , Museum of Fine Arts , City Counsil and National Library . There is also the Columbus Cafe from 1894 , November 15th Square from 1650 , the Imperial Palace , barroque churches and Cultural Centers .
Favela da Rocinha : the biggest slum of the country where 90000 people live .It began in 1930 and grew fast in 1950`s when workers came from the north of Brazil and needed a cheap place to live , creating a very lively community.
Hang gliding / paraglidindg tandem flights : you can make a safe double flight with an expert pilot and see Rio from an original and exciting angle . You take off at Pedra Bonita Mountain 517 meters above sea level and land at São Conrado beach .
Boat trip at Guanabara Bay : make a 1 hour and 40 minute trip at Guanabara Bay at a very comfortable catamaran with air conditioner enjoying an unique view of the Marvelous City .
Rio by night : a good option is Santa Teresa `s beautiful Restaurant Aprazível and its amazonian cuisine . Another option is Rio Scenarium Bar located at Lapa with very special atmosphere and decoration . On its 3 floors you can dance all night long to live brazilian music . Carnaval Samba shows also available depending on the time of the year .
Niteroi , the city across Guanabara Bay : This city with 500000 people has wonderful examples of Oscar Niemeyer `s architecture , beaches , an old fortress from 1612 and a beautiful city park with a breathtaking view of Rio !