Does anyone not recognize this photo as spectacular Rio? The cidade maravilhosa is called Rio de Janeiro because the Portuguese explorers who landed there on January 1, 1502 mistook Guanabara bay for a river.
Later, Portuguese settlers founded Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, and the city became wealthy exporting diamonds, gold and sugar. It was the capital, and home of Brazil's monarchs, until Brasilia was built in the 1960's. Rio is one of the top destination for world travelers.
Location and Practical Information
Rio is the capital of Rio de Janeiro state in the
southeast portion of Brazil known as the Costa Verde, or Green Coast.
Backed by coastal mountains, forests and fronted by the Atlantic, Rio ejoys a marvelous scenic location.
These practical hints include emergency information, car rentals, money, taxis, car rental, telephones, business hours and more.
Getting There and Around
Rio is an international and domestic destination, with flights to and from Santos Dumont airport, along the bay, and Aeroporto Galeão,
now renamed Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport.
Getting Around has details about flights and bus systems to and from Rio.
Within Rio, the subway system is a good way to get around.
Suggested Tours
Accommodations and Dining
Hotels, resorts and apart hotels
Cuisine, nightlife, shopping, sports and recreation
Fodor's List of Restaurants
Things to Do and See
Carnaval!
Instituto de Pesquisas
Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
Beaches! Ipaneman, Copacabana, Leme, Barra, Praia do Pepino, Leblon.. the list goes on. Not all beaches are good for swimming, so inguire locally.
Although Rio has a relaxed attitude toward the beaches, it's only recently that Abrico beacme the first legalized nude beach in Rio.
Nightlife is fantastic in Copacabana, Ipanema and ohter districts for dance clubs, nightclubs, bars and classical arts performances
Catch a futebol game at Maracanã stadium, with seating for 200,000
Go up to Corcovado by the miniature train through the rainforest for a great view of Rio and a visit to
Take the aerial tramway in late afternoon or evening to Sugarloaffor panoramic views of the city and beaches and Guanabara Bay
Attend a Samba school in preparation for Carnaval, or merely to watch the rehearsals
Tour the Sambadrome and the Carnival and Carnival Museum
Visit the Amsterdam Sauer Museum on Ipanema's Diamond Row for a display of colorful gems and a replica of a mine
For more gems, and to see how they are shaped from rough stone to precious jewelry, visit the H. Stern Gem Museum
The Museo Carmen Miranda displays the singing star's fabulous headresses and baiana costumes.
The Museum of the Indian contains pottery, wood, straw and feathers from various indigenous tribes
The Sambodromo is the locale for the competing samba groups at Carnaval and hosts sporting events, conferences and concerts the rest of the year
Acrive sports include golf, hang-gliding, parachuting, cycling, bowling, diving, squash, tennis, water-skiing and windsurfing
Stroll Praca Floriano to enjoy the outdoor cafes, samba musicians with a stop at the Teatro Municipal, home to opera, orchestra and vivid architecture.
Tour the jungle-like Parque Nacional de Tijuca, only 15 minutes from Copacabana
For shopping, beachwear, precious stones and ethnic goods are Rio's trademarks. Browse the ethnic market of SAARA for clothes and food
For more ideas, browse Frommer's Suggested Attractions
Whenever you go to Rio, follow basic precautions, relax and enjoy Rio's distinctive lifestyle and have fun.
Boa viagem!
