If
you're seeking a combination of beaches, sports, sun,
exotic parks and gardens, spectacular mountain views,
plus a bit of dancing and drinking, Rio is for you. Rio
de Janeiro has a majestic beauty, nestled between a glorious
bay with dazzling beaches and a sharply rising mountain
range covered by tropical vegetation.
With the establishment of Brasilia in 1960, Rio ceased
to be Brazil's capital, but this second largest city is
still a major cultural capital with museums housing a
wide range of art and information on Brazilian life and
culture. The city is one of the most densely populated
on earth, with 6 million inhabitants.
Rio loves the sun and its world famous beaches are free
to all, with surfing is popular pastime. The legendary
Copacabana beach is lively, with people often playing
beach volleyball with the samba playing in the background.
The sidewalks are filled with drink stands and peddlers
hawking everything imaginable you might need.
Another beach, Ipanema, is known for its attraction to
the young and fashionable, with numerous boutiques. Joggers
and children of the wealthy hang out here.
On the cultural side, Rio's museums and privately funded
cultural centers are filled with masterpieces and wonderful
history. The Museu Historico National boasts a collection
of 30,000 items, including ivory toys once owned by the
imperial family. At the Mosteiro de Sao Bento you can
view a richly adorned interior with magnificent silver
chandeliers and ceiling paintings dedicated to the Virgin.
A Franciscan convent is paneled in gilded wood, with painted
ceilings depicting the glorification of Saint Francis.
It would take a full day to seek out all the large churches,
but tours cover many of them. A highlight is the baroque
Igreja de Nossa Senhora
da Gloria do Outeiro. Overlooking the city, it's known
for its large dome, ornamental stonework, and vivid tile
work.
One of the most thrilling sites is Corcovado, a mountain
with a sheer granite face topped by the Cristo Redentor
(Christ the Redeemer) statue rising more than 100 feet
from a 20-foot pedestal. You can reach the top on an 1885
cogwheel train or on a winding road with great beach views.
The second famous peak, Sugarloaf Mountain, is just as
impressive, giving a different perspective of the city.
Sugarloaf consists of a huge granite slab at the entrance
of the Guanabara Bay. From the top at 1,295 feet, (photo
50-4), you can see the whole city, plus the beaches and
the Atlantic Ocean. To ascend, you catch a two-stage cableway
with a length of 4,265 feet. The sunsets as seen from
the top are fabulous. (brazil-rio-sugarloaf-mountain2.jpg)
The city's festive life comes to a head during the annual
Carnaval, which is enjoyed by the entire city for three
solid day. Music, partying, balls, street parades, brilliantly
costumed dancers--you name it.
Hints and Resources
Carnival is the best time to visit the city, if you don't
mind if it's even more crowded. Carnival takes place in
February or March, depending on the date of Easter each
year. It's best to arrive a bit early to enjoy all the
sights. And, most important, book your hotel at least
a year in advance.
Things to Avoid
Sunburn: The sun is powerful here and rays can burn your
skin in a very short time. Use sunscreen liberally.
Theft: Be especially careful at the beaches and at night.
Leave your passport, jewelry, and most cash at your hotel.
