Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro guide

Although not the first inhabitants; Brazil was rediscovered by the Portuguese in the 1500's. Brazil did gain independence from Portugal but is still influenced by their traditions and language; along with African influences from the slave trade era and Indian offering a diverse mix of cultures. Towns began to spring up where gold was discovered. In 1763 Rio stole the title from Salvador as being capital of Brazil until 1960; this great city has now evolved into a cosmopolitan province.

Situated on a southern shore in Guanabara Bay on the south-east side of Brazil. The panoramic view of Rio is magnificent; on the front layer there are sandy-white beaches set against towering sky-scrapers and finally in the back drop are enormous mountains dominating the sky-line.

The peaceful Corvovado mountain should be one of your first explorations when you visit Rio because of the magnificent landmark that is known around the world; the great statue of Jesus the Redeemer. The statue is 30 m high and weighs over 1000 metric tons. Jesus the Redeemer was erected as a symbol of the centenary of Brazilian independence. When standing by the statue you will have the whole of Guanabara Bay at your feet and at night the flood-lit Jesus the Redeemer can be seem everywhere. Sugar Loaf Mountain is also an amazing attraction holding up the front of the bay.

There are twelve beaches in Rio to choose from and each one will have a different attraction. The famous 3 km Copacabana Beach by day is a sun lovers paradise and probably the best stretch of beach in the world. The nearest beach to the actual city is Flamengo beach. If your looking for a quieter spot to take your family or to pose the fashionable beaches of Ipanema and Leblon are glorious and not so busy with the hustle of bars and restaurants.

The city itself has three main areas - the city centre is the hub of the financial district; Zona Sul to the south is the sole of Rio; it has a buzzing atmosphere packed with beaches, bars and restaurants and of course Sugar Loaf Mountain; to the north is Zona Norte but isn't much of a tourist attraction.

Twenty kilometers from the city is Tijuca National Park; this is the largest natural preservation area in the country. It is sub-divided into three exploration areas - The Tijuca Forest, the Gavea Stone/ Bonita Stone and Carioca Hill. In the Tijuca Forest you will find the tranquil 'Taunay Small Waterfall', the Mayrink Chapel and a museum. The trip will probably take up a whole day but a day well spent!

Flights to Rio de Janeiro Airport

To and from Rio de Janeiro's Airports

Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)

Santos Dumont Domestic Airport (SDU)

Activities and sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro

Beaches - Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Prainha, Grumari, arpoador, pepino, barra da guaratiba, barra da tijuca, pepe, botafogo, Flemengo. Christ the Redeemer, Corvovado Mountains, Sugar Loaf Mountain and cablecar (access is on Avenida Pasteur, 520, Urca), Tijuca National Park, The Flemengo Embankment (1,200,000 square meters) of green embankment by the beach - inclusive of sports courts and bicycle tracks. National Library (on Goncalves Dias, 32 - 26 Down Town), Copacabana Palace Hotel (Brazilian Historical Heritage), Copacabana Fortress ( to defend Guanabara Bay, on Praca Cel, Eugenio Franco, 1), Botanical Gardens (access on Rua Jardim Botanico), Maracana Soccer Stadium (one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world, access on Rua Professor Eurico Robelo, gate 16), The Modern Art Museum (Flemengo Park), The National Historical Museum (located on Paca Mal, Down Town)The National Museum of Beaux Art (located on Avenida Rio Branco), The municipal Theatre (access on Rua Manuel de Carvalho, Down Town).

Eating and drinking in Rio de Janeiro

The inhabitants of Brazil are from a diverse background so you will always find dishes unavailable to the rest of the world. Traditional Brazilian food will be a combination of many cultures but typically native Brazilian, Portuguese and African all in one dish! Feijoada (bean stew) originates from Rio and you will find it served up on most if not all Rio menus. Brazil is a tropical holiday destination so choice will be plentiful from German, Italian, French and Japanese restaurants.

Many people will say that Brazilian beer is the best in world; much smoother than many european beers. Brazil's national drink is 'caipirina' (sugar-cane brandy, lemon and sugar).  Some places will have live Samba dancing particularly in the bars and clubs in Lapa. Going out in Rio is a very lively event particularly around Copacabana beach but make sure when you leave the bars and clubs that you don't walk down dark streets where there can be street crime.