RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio is without any question one of the most beautifully located cities in the world. Between its magnificent beaches and mountains, lush tropical forests and sparkling Atlantic Ocean, there is little doubt as to why it is known as ‘The Marvellous City’. But don’t be fooled into thinking it is natural setting alone that makes this city a stunner. Though Corcovado looms 2329 feet (710m) above the city, and though 55 miles (90km) of warm Atlantic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema bedeck the city in natural splendour, it is a city with a beautiful human side too.

The city was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, meaning a culture rich in both age and diversity. The epically vibrant ‘carnival’ is justifiably world famous as the most stunning event in the world’s largest party, when almost three hundred million Brazilians around the country celebrate in a pageant of sound, colour and taste. |
In Rio itself, party districts abound such as ‘Lapa’, with the former red light district ‘Centro’ probably most exciting of all. Gems are hidden in the various suburbs, including Parque Lage and Arcos da Lapa. Stunning buildings dot the city. These range from old world buildings like the Theatro Municipal and São Bento Monastery, to the hyper modern Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói - one of the world’s most distinctive modern buildings, perched above the sea with the city’s mountains behind.
Parque Nacional and Floresta da Tijuca is one of the largest urban reserves in the world, and is one third larger than Manhattan! Here one can ascend Pico da Tijuca, Rio’s highest point at 3350 feet (1021m) and see Rio’s rainforest as they once were.
With over twenty mountain peaks in the city limits, few other cities offer as many magnificent vantage points to appreciate the city panoramically as does Rio. Sugarloaf rises 1299 feet (396m) out of the waters of Guanabara bay, possibly most spectacular of all is Pedra da Gávea which looms 2769 feet (844m) above wealthy and beautiful São Conrado, and at night enjoying the city lights from the famous Cristo Redentor, atop Corcovado in the city’s centre, is absolutely spectacular.
Marvellous? That’s not even the half of it for this gorgeous metropolis!

The bustling city of Rio de Janeiro has been one of Brazil’s most popular and frequented tourist destinations for decades. Its vibrant city centre is bursting with culture and pulsating with a deep sense of history and heritage. Rio, as it is commonly known, is the second largest city in Brazil and the third largest metropolis in the whole of South America.
It is the most visited city in the Southern Hemisphere, which is no mean feat. This makes for an impressive, memorable attraction for visitors from all over the world.

Rio de Janeiro is hot for most of the year, and rain is frequent during the period between December and March. The coastal areas are cooler than those situated inland due to the cool breeze blowing off the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The average annual temperature is between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius. The landscape and vegetation in and around this metropolis are magnificent, providing a visual feast that has inspired authors and screenwriters the world over.
Because of its many cultural and historical attractions, Rio has implemented fabulous infrastructure to cater to the needs of its visitors. This includes world-class accommodation and plenty of tours. Rio de Janeiro is set to be one of the Host Cities™ for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, welcoming millions of people as they make their way to this international sporting event. In addition, it will host the 2016 Summer Olympics™, inviting sportsmen and –women, as well as their millions of fans, to focus their attention on this bustling destination. Major efforts have been made to minimise social inequality and modernise the economy of Rio de Janeiro to further improve its global standing. This makes for a very special destination.

During your time in Rio, you are urged to see the following fabulous attractions:
• The incredible surfing waves off Prainha. Whether you conquer them yourself or just watch the water-bound athletes skimming effortlessly over and under them, these waves are impressive.
• Tijuca’s lush, dense rainforests, which boast a number of hiking trails for those wanting to experience the fauna and flora first hand.
• Laze on the shores of Ipanema Beach or one of the many other beaches for which this city is renowned.
• Marvel at the sheer scale of the statue of Christ the Redeemer as it overlooks the city far below.
• Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for spectacular views.

• Stroll down the famous Avenue Nossa Senhora de Copacabana.
• Take an official walking tour of Rio, learning fascinating facts about its historical and modern-day heritage.
• Wander amongst the more than 5 000 species of plants and trees at the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden). The palm species alone exceed 900.
• Sports enthusiasts simply must experience the Maracanã stadium, which seats 100 000 spectators and has been the venue of many a heart-stopping match between international football greats.