RIO DE JANEIRO – The wonderful city

 Your visual sense will be seduced by the stunning scenery of the “cidade maravilhosa”, Rio de Janeiro. It is the gateway for most tourists to Brazil and a visit to Brazil will almost certainly include Rio de Janeiro as number one on the itinerary.  With a tropical climate, Rio de Janeiro is awaiting you all year round to enjoy. Whether it’s relaxing on the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon, the refreshing forest air at altitude with the view of the surrounding city or the history seen in the monuments and architectural styles of various eras, Rio is a delight for everyone.

The colourful Carnaval which usually occurs in February is a world famous event, with the spectacular samba schools  parading through the Sambodrome on the Sunday and Monday of Carnaval week. The Christ the Redeemer Statue has been voted as one of the New Wonders of the world. It is an imposing 32 metre reinforced concrete statue of Jesus Christ with arms outstretched watching over the city and the picturesque bay. The icon, which sits atop the Corcovado mountain in the midst of the Tijuca National Park and Sugarloaf Mountain that marks the entrance to Guanabara Bay, are the city’s two major tourist attractions. 

Rio de Janeiro is bequeathed with an abundance of culture, history and natural beauty. It was the capital of Brazil until 1960 when Brasilia took over as the centre of government. The many palaces, museums, forts, the National Library, educational institutions, monuments, churchs and parks  are reminders of the importance of the city in the country’s development over nearly 500 years.

A local from the city of Rio de Janeiro is known as a carioca, a word that comes from the indians that inhabited the region. Rio de Janeiro is the capital of Rio de Janeiro state, a native of the state outside metropolitan Rio is fluminense.