About Rio de Janeiro:
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 destinations 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. See this panoramic view.
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, named for aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont, and Aeroporto Galeão, now renamed Antonio Carlos Jobim Airport. Check
flights from your area. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals.
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
When to Go: Rio is an all-season city, with a humid, tropical Climate. Refer to these packing tips.
Check today's weather in Rio.
To match your vacation with a
festival or activity in Rio, try
New Year's Eve for the Festa de Iemanjá and February for Carnaval!
While you are in Rio, remember these basic safety tips. At the time of writing, there is a crime wave of robberies and muggings at the beaches, and Rio police are taking more severe methods to control it.
Accommodations and Dining: Hotels, resorts and apart hotels
Cuisine, nightlife, shopping, sports and recreation
Fodor's List of Restaurants
Check into the Top Four Star and Above or Three Star hotels for some additional choices.
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 became the first legalized nude beach in Rio.
Nightlife is fantastic in Copacabana, Ipanema and other districts for dance clubs, nightclubs, bars and classical arts performances
Whenever you go to Rio, follow basic precautions, relax and enjoy Rio's distinctive lifestyle and have fun.
Boa viagem!
