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Best of Rio de Janeiro
Corcovado
The Corcovado Mountain which is 710 meters (2330 feet) high and its famous statue of the “Christ o Redentor” (Redeemer Christ) are the greatest pride of the cariocas. The amazing statute is 30 meters (98.5 feet) high, weighs around 700 tons and was recently considered by a world election by Internet as one of the new seven wonders of the world. It was modeled by the French sculptor Paul Ladowsky. This marvel Christ which is always with the arms opened to hug the visitors was constructed originally to celebrate the first centenary of the Brazilian Independence in 1922; but it was inaugurated until 1931, because of financial problems.The view from this place is absolutely wonderful. At top of Corcovado; it can find some little souvenirs stores where you can drink a refresh and buy some souvenirs. The best way to arrive to Corcovado is by train, the train station is located at 513 “Cosme Velho” street in the district of the same name. Another way is take a taxi, but is quite more expensive and the trip is less fun. There are trains available each 30 minutes. When you are at top of mountain, you must walk up several stairs to reach the base of the Christ. Corcovado opens every day from 9:00 to 18:00. The tram ticket to this place costs around R$36 ($20).
The Sugar Loaf (Pao de Açucar)
This green mountain is without doubt one of the main landmarks of the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (marvel city as also is known Rio) and the country. The mountain’s belvedere is the best site to admire the famous Copacabana beach; this belvedere is 270 meters (887 feet) high and offers to visitors the best view of Rio, mainly in the sunset. If you want to arrive at the top of the Sugar Loaf, you must arrive first to the “Morro da Urca”, the little hill in front to the Sugar Loaf. There, you can find a nice restaurant, amphitheatre and several souvenir stores. It lasts around three minutes by car from “Morro da Urca” to Sugar Loaf. Another way to arrive to Sugar Loaf is by helicopter; it lasts around seven minutes from airport and costs $43; besides; this way allow seeing the beautiful beaches and the wonderful Corcobado. Nevertheless, the most popular way to Sugar Loaf is by funicular. A nice idea is to visit this place at night and enjoy a great samba night. You can visit the Sugar Loaf every day from 8:00 to 21:50. Admission costs R$30 ($17) for adults and R$15 ($9) for children.
Maracana Stadium
In Brazil the football (soccer) is the national passion and as was expected, one of the main attractions in the city must be a Stadium. The Maracana stadium is one of the most legendaries and biggest sport places of the World. This almost sacred place has been scenery of historical sportive facts like the famous “Maracanaso” and has witnessed the great performances of several World stars of football like Pele, Zico, Ronhaldinho, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, etc.
This colossal stadium was constructed in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup of the same year. Its original name is “Mario Filho” in honor to a famous sport journalist; but the stadium is best known as Maracana. The stadium own the attendance world record (199,854 people), which was achieved in 1950 during the final match for the World Cup, Brasil-Uruguay. Nevertheless, most Brazilians want to forget this match, since that final (the “Maracanaso”) is without doubt the greatest defeat in the history of Brazilian football. But this stadium has been also scenery of glorious victories both the national team and local clubs. Besides, this stadium owns also the record for the largest stadium-based concert attendance, which was achieved in 1990 during a concert of Paul Mc Cartney, who gathered 184,368 people in the legendary Maracana. There are guided tours available, which include a visit to the changing rooms, views of the pitch from the stands, and the chance to stand in the bronzed footprints of Pelé. You can visit the stadium every day from 9:00 to 17:00.
Copacabana
Copacabana has been for long time one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of the world. Despite; it has lost some of prestigious in the last years, Copacabana is still the main beach of Rio de Janeiro and a symbol of the Brazilian spirit. Copacabana is full of restaurants, luxury hotels and clubs where you can taste the local food or enjoy a traditional “caipirinha” (the Brazilian symbol drink), whereas admire the amazing beauty of “garotinhas” (Brazilian girls). This beach is located at center of the city and receives every year millions of visitors from whole world; mainly during the famous Carnival. The beach stretches for almost 4 Km (2.5 miles). Copacabana beach is crossed from side to side by the famous Atlantic avenue, which was designed by Burle Max and is decorated with black and wavy mosaics. Along the beach are some of the most representative buildings of the city like the legendary “Copacabana Palace Hotel” or the “Copacabana fort”.
Botanical Garden
This place owns one of the best plants collections in the World, which is composed by over 7000 varieties, mainly from the Amazon jungle. This place includes also a herbarium, an aquarium and a complete library. This garden was founded in 1908 by Joao VI to adapt the tropical spices that Portugal imported from Asia. The garden is also the home of around 140 bird species. The garden’s area is 1.37 square Km (5 square miles). It has a dense moistly environment and many big and beautiful trees, where you can see many tropical animals like monkeys, and a great variety of birds, as well as many tropical flowers like orchids, Victoria Regia, lilies or royal poincianas .
This biological paradise is visited by many tourists; since it is one of the greatest tourist attractions of the city. The garden owns also endless water fonts and beautiful rivers; it is an ideal place to spend a picnic day.
This wonderful place is located at 920 “Jardim Botanico” street in the “Jardim Botanico” district very near Copacabana beach. Inside the garden, there is also a nice Café where you can eat pastries, minipizzas, hotdogs or drink a good coffee or refresh. The garden opens every day from 8:00 to 17:30.
Carnival and Carnival Museum
If you talk about Rio de Janeiro; it is impossible don’t talk about its famous Carnival. Every year for 5 days, the city turns into a massive and endless party. All streets of the city are invaded by colorful groups of dancers and musicians who move their bodies at the song of samba in an amazing and unique parade, which is the best expression of the incomparable spirit and joy of the Brazilian people. All these details are exhibited all year in the museum of carnival, which is located in the legendary “Sambodromo” of Rio de Janeiro. There, it can find many photographs, costumes and many other things about this wonderful national feast. This museum is located at “Frei Caneca” street.
Barra da Tijuca
This beach is one of the best in Rio de Janeiro; it is almost 18 Km (11 miles) long and is located to 15 Km from Rio’s Downtown. Besides, this beach is also famous by the giant shopping center named Barrashopping, one of the biggest malls in the city. This entire zone is full of stores, discotheques, hotels, restaurants and bars. In addition to, the beach is an excellent place to practice sea sports like surfing, windsurfing, swimming, etc; since the waters here are very clean and pleasant. Besides, this beach is less crowded than Copacabana or Ipanema, nevertheless as all Brazilian beaches, this place is commonly frequented by gorgeous women, who are they self a great tourist attraction. “Barra” as is known by local people is without doubt an unforgettable place.
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