Rio de Janeiro 04 days/ 03 nights with breakfast. Sugar Loaf and Corcovado city tour; And Samba Show with dinner included. Other tours under request. Whether due to passion or vanity, the Architect of the World wanted Rio to be his masterpiece. When flying over Rio, it becomes clear how the hand of God worked, placing islands within view, a forest in the heart of town, a bay with excellent shipping conditions, beaches, lagoons and sand spots with easy access. Still not satisfied, he then endowed this incomparable scenario with the best of all climates. But a place does not consist only of its natural surroundings: love is needed, a little spice, music in the air, and plenty of light-hearted fun. And Rio's Cariocas offer all this. Hospitable, they enjoy showing off their hometown and sharing it with guests: welcoming visitors to their favorite corner bar for an iced lager and spicy finger snacks; Saturday is feijoada bean-feast day after the beach; weight-watchers and those seeking a natural lifestyle opt for health food sandwiches. Although they love all kinds of sports, Rio's Cariocas reserve a special passion for soccer, whether it involves just kicking a ball around on the sand or going to the giant Maracanã Stadium to watch a soccer match. Once again, visitors are more than welcome to join the enthusiastic crowds, singing, waving flags and cheering eagerly, like all good Cariocas. If a city has a soul, the spirit of Rio is cultural; being a free-minded town, it welcomes and respects all forms of artistic expression. All these qualities are backed by a full tourism infrastructure, including many hotels located in lush natural settings, with theaters, cinemas, museums, fairs, restaurants and monuments. Rio's shopping facilities are designed to meet all tastes and budgets. There are stores downtown and in the South Zone. And if you don't like to walk, there are many malls all over the town. The two most glittering highlights in the Rio calendar are Carnival and New Year's Eve, which can be fully enjoyed by all whether or not they were born here. On New Year's Eve, over two million white-clad revelers welcome the New Year on Copacabana Beach, in a setting that blends magic, peace, joy and love. At Carnival, visitors are swept away by the Carioca spirit as they learn to samba, decked out in improvised costumes as they dance through the streets behind Carnival bands and groups. Rio is incomparable for its beaches, forests and a mountain framed bay as perfect as the hand of God. Rio is incomparable for its people who invite everyone to share the Carioca spirit. Rio is incomparable for the way it makes visitors feel at home in a place that they will always want to revisit, where words are not enough. Like visitors and Cariocas say: Rio is incomparable! Events New Year’s Eve In Rio de Janeiro, New Year’s Eve celebration involves the whole city population. Local inhabitants and visitors join to celebrate taken by the same euphoria: to be in Rio. The party, one of the most famous in the world, is held on the famous beach of Copacabana, gathering thousands of people to enjoy musical performances and fireworks – increasingly exuberant year after year. Carnival It is the great explosion of joy in Rio. A party uniting emotions, creativity, plasticity, colors, sounds and much fantasy. It is the greatest popular party in the world. A unique record of the rich cultural melting pot typical of Brazil. Attractions In the city The Brazilian Academy of Letters A copy of the Petit Trianon of Paris, this building was erected to host the French pavilion during the International Exposition to celebrate the Centenary of Brazilian Independence. Its annexed hall hosts the Machado de Assis Cultural Space, with personnel objects that belonged to that great Brazilian writer – one of the academy’s founders. It also offers a library with 90 thousand volumes. The Flamengo Embankment (Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes Park) With 1,200,000 m² of green areas by the sea, the Flamengo Embankment is the result of one of the most beautiful and important landscape projects ever designed by Brazilian artist Roberto Burle Marx. Extending from the Santos Dumont Airport to the Botafogo Cove, the Park offers a wide range of attractions. It offers sports courts, bicycle tracks, cooper trails and aero-modeling courts. Lapa’s Arches Built in 1750, with huge double arches, it extends from 64 meters high with a length of 270 meters. It was built to supply Rio’s population with water from the Carioca river springs, coming up from Sta. Teresa hill. It has become a symbol of the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa. And since 1896 it has been used as a bridge for the Sta. Teresa Streetcar. National Library The largest library in Latin America and the eighth largest in the world, with a collection of 15 million publications – a great part of which is available for consultations. Inaugurated in 1910, the building, of neoclassic style, with marble stairs and columns, comprises with the Municipal Theater, the National Museum of Beaux Arts and the Federal Justice Cultural Center a cultural block around the Cinelândia area. Colombo Confectioners’ Founded in 1894, this Confectioners’ is a landmark in ostentation typical of Rio’s high society life between the end of the 19th century and start of the 20th century. It still keeps the charm of those times in its Belgian crystal mirrors, in the “straw” chairs and in the rich engravings on wood panels. Copacabana Palace Hotel Being under government trust as a Brazilian Historical Heritage (IPHAN), it was one of the first hotels to be built by the sea in the city. Inaugurated in 1923, Copacabana Palace Hotel faithfully reflects the European cultural influence on Brazil at that time, with a sophisticated style of lodging. It eventually became a symbol of Rio, as the favorite of artists, politicians, businessmen and international celebrities. Christ Redeemer More than a postal card, the Christ Redeemer statue was deservedly elected by the city’s population as the "The Wonder of Rio". From the height of its 38 meters – plus Corcovado Hill’s height of 710 meters - the Christ is an image of faith and sympathy characteristic of Rio’s and Brazilian people. The monument – which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2001 - was inaugurated on October 12th 1931, a day was in which Brazilians celebrate Our Lady of Aparecida (national patron). Elevators and escalators take visitors to the statue’s base. The statue weighs 1,145 tons. Going up by a small train takes around 20 minutes and goes along the Corcovado Railway – inaugurated by Brazilian Emperor D. Pedro II in 1884. Tijuca National Park To go on a tour along sinuous roads and to visit the attractions may take a whole day. As the largest natural preservation area in an urban area in the country, the Park is 20 km away from downtown. It is divided into three nucleuses – the Tijuca Forest, the Carioca Hill and the Gávea Stone/Bonita Stone. Its flora was devastated at the end of the 19th century to give way to coffee plantations. Reforestation brought back plants species of the Atlantic Woods such as “ipês”, “jequitibás”, “jacarandas” and “sapucaias”. The Copacabana Fortress Built in 1914, with the purpose of reinforcing Guanabara Bay’s defense, the Copacabana Fortress was the scenario for the “Lieutenants’ Movement” (an political upheaval in Brazilian history) in 1922. It offers visitors many historical curiosities and also a branch of the famous Colombo Confectioners’. Its collections of guns, varied military and historical objects and panels are part of the Brazilian Army’s Historical Museum. The Nossa Senhora da Candelária Church Located in the financial downtown district, in an area rich in cultural venues, the Candelária Church is impressive due to its grandiosity. Built during the 18th century, its plant was designed in the shape of a Latin cross, with internal marble lining, front wall made of cut-stone masonry, doors with bronze works and the church’s history painted in internal murals. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Rio de Janeiro. The São Francisco das Penitências Church Built between 1657 and 1772, it is one of the most beautiful exemplars of Baroque art in Brazil. Put under government trust in 1938 and restored in 2001, the church exhibits many of the works of Francisco Xavier de Brito, a Portuguese artist who influenced the works of Aleijadinho – the most famous Brazilian baroque artist, who lived in the State of Minas Gerais in the 18th century. Access to the church is available by elevator or stairs, from Largo da Carioca, near the Sto. Antônio Cloister. The Botanical Garden A true ecological sanctuary. That’s the best way to define Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden - one of the ten most important in its genre in the world. Not only does it host the rarest specimen of Brazilian flora and that of other countries, but it is also an excellent leisure option for children and adults, and a pleasure for all those who love contemplating nature. Put under government trust by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage bureau (IPHAN) – due to its historical, cultural, scientific and landscaping importance – it has also been internationally acknowledged as a “Live Museum” in the Botanic area and defined by Unesco as one of the most important biosphere reserves. Its collection includes Imperial palm trees from the time of the Garden’s foundation – in 1808 -, greenhouses, orchid rooms, rosebush plantations and a lagoon with water lilies. It also hosts the Pilões House – an old gunpowder factory with archeological excavations – and a greenhouse with insect-eating plants, restored in 2004. The Rodrigo de Freitas Lake Surrounded by the most fancy neighborhoods in Rio – such as Lagoa, Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea and Jardim Botânico -, encircled by hills and embraced by the Christ Redeemer statue, the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake has become a meeting point for the local population and visitors alike. Connected to the sea by the Jardim de Alá channel, its margins host parks, sports courts, skating rings, an heliport, trails for walks and jogging, a bicycle track, cycling boats and um gastronomical center spread among kiosks that offer from German to Japanese food – including live music at dusk. Near the Lake, visitors find the Catacumba Park, with an outdoor exhibition of 30 sculptures by Brazilian and foreign artists. The Maracanã Soccer Stadium Considered by many soccer fans as the “Temple of the Gods”, it is one of the largest soccer Stadium in the world. It was built in 1950 to host the World Cup, and it was designed to welcome 166,369 people. Today, after some restorations, it can receive a crowd of 114,145 soccer fans. The São Bento Cloister Works to build the Nossa Senhora de Montserrat Church and the São Bento Cloister were started in 1617, ending in 1669. However, a century later, many restoration works were still undertaken with the purpose of extending and renovating its facilities. Today - considered a World Heritage Monument by Unesco - the Cloister impresses by the contrasts between the austere style of its front wall, its triangular front façade and the intricate work of golden engravings on inside walls. Painting works, works of art, the conception of chapels, the aisle ceiling – remaining from the 18th century - and the Gregorian choral chanting charm all visitors to the São Bento Cloister. The Modern Art Museum Inaugurated in 1958, the Modern Art Museum (MAM) is located in a privileged area and has a great history to tell. It hosts a collection of four thousand works. It exhibits the Gilberto Chateaubriand collection - with paintings by Anita Malfatti, Tarsila do Amaral, Lasar Segall, Di Cavalcanti and Portinari. Its gardens were designed by Burle Marx and were restored in 2004. It offers also an art cinema, a library and a bookstore. National Historical Museum The architectonic complex became a museum in 1922, during the Presidency of Epitácio Pessoa, and hosts a priceless collection with 275 thousand pieces, including paintings, guns, royal carts, furniture and rare objects – such as the plumed pen used by Princess Isabel to sign the Áurea Law, which abolished slavery in Brazil. The Museum is located on a 18 thousand m² land and occupies three separate buildings erected at different times: the Train House, from 1762; the Royal Arsenal, from 1822; and the Annexed Building for military quarters, from 1835. International Museum of Naïf Art Naïf art – “naïf” means “naive”, in French – is made by self-learnt artists, without much technical skills, The museum hosts the works of 520 national and foreign artists with the predominance of live, strong colors and irregular, abstract traces. It is considered as one of the largest collections in its genre in the world. The National Museum of Beaux Arts It hosts rarities from Brazilian artists such as Victor Meirelles, Rodolfo Amoedo, Pedro Américo, Almeida Jr. and Eliseu Vasconcelos – works that comprise the largest collection of Brazilian art from the 19th century. This institution also keeps a much-prized collection of foreign paintings, including Italian baroque paintings, landscapes by Dutch painter Frans Post and paintings by French Eugène Boudin. Rooms are divided by themes and there are always excellent temporary exhibitions. The Catete Palace – the Republic Museum It hosts the Republic Museum and what used to be the headquarters of the Brazilian Republican government 1897 and 1960, the Catete Palace; with a neoclassic architecture, with granite and rose marble façade and white-marble engraved portals. 18 Brazilian Presidents lived and worked there and it witnessed some of the most events in the Country’s history – such the Brazilian decision to enter both Great World Wars and the dramatic suicide of President Getúlio Vargas. Turned into a museum after the Capital Federal moved to Brasilia, the museum offers an intense cultural agenda and offers also a bookstore, a bar, a restaurant, a souvenirs store and a beautiful garden. The Sugar Loaf Mountain Cablecar Conceived in 1908, by Brazilian engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos, and inaugurated on October 27th 1912, the Sugar Loaf Mountain cablecar celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2002. As the first cablecar to be installed in Brazil and the third in the world, it is one of the most important icons of tourism in Rio, and has become one of the city’s trademarks. Since it was inaugurated, the cablecar has already transported more than 31 million tourists. During high season, daily attendance reaches three thousand people. Quinta da Boa Vista The park is part of the Solar da Boa Vista, the royal residence of Brazilian emperors between 1822 and 1889 – the year the Republican Government was established in Brazil. It extends over an area of 155 thousand square meters, provided with a garden in 1869 according to a project designed by French landscape artist Auguste Glaziou. By entering through the side gates, visitors walk along Sapucaias Alameda and its romantic design, with the original lakes, grouts and nooks of such imperial gardens. The Quinta’s long gardens host the National Museum and city’s Zoo, including also playgrounds, sports courts, picnic hides and restaurants. The Roberto Burle Marx Cottage Extending over an area of 3,600 m², one of the most important landscapes artists of our times, Roberto Burle Marx, left this attraction as priceless legacy to the city and to all those who love an fight for nature protection and preservation. Marx’s cottage, located in the town of Guaratiba, hosts a collection of 3,500 specimen including national and foreign plants – many among which now face extinction –, which, added to the a fabulous collection of art works, a library with more than 2,500 books and a busy agenda of cultural activities, have turned into an almost obligatory visiting point for children, adults and researchers from all corners of the world. In the year 2000, it was put under government trust by the National Historical Heritage bureau (IPHAN). Visitors must book visitations in advance, and are free of charge. The Municipal Theater In the heart of Cinelândia, downtown, near the National Library, the National Museum of Beaux Arts and to the Pedro Ernesto Palace, the Municipal Theater of Rio demands a visit not only for its architectonical design but also for the grandness and beauty of its interior décor. The noblest materials employed to build the Theater have turned it - with capacity to 2,200 people -, into a true temple of culture. On orchestra rehearsal days, guided tours may be cancelled. Beaches Ipanema This is, no doubt, the most famous meeting point in Rio de Janeiro and one of the most celebrated beaches in the city – and the world! Its ten-block length includes “soccer-volley” courts, fitness exercise equipment and, at each lifesavers post, there are public toilettes and showers to wash sand and salty water off. It also hosts many events such as the Beach Volley World Championship. Copacabana With plenty drinking and snacks bars, it is much appreciated for a late-afternoon cold beer. The beach’s wide stretch of sand extends from Avenida Princesa Isabel to the Copacabana fortress. Copacabana hosts one of the most famous New Year’s Eve parties in the Country, with fireworks and free music shows. Leblon This is a calm beach, with good infrastructure for sports and a bicycle track. It is 1,3-km long and is separated from the beach of Ipanema by Jardim de Alá – a channel connecting Rodrigo de Freitas Lake to the sea. Prainha It is a small beach with strong waves, one of the most favorite among surfers. Hills surrounding the beach still keep stretches of the original rich Atlantic forest. Grumari Environmental conservation area with many cliff walls and very brave seawaters. Grumari’s left corner is also known as Abricó. Arpoador Between the Copacabana Fortress and the corner of Rua Francisco Otaviano and Avenida Vieira Souto. It is famous for the huge stone that separates Copacabana and Diabo beaches from the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. Up on the stone visitors enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Rio, with the Dois Irmãos Hill on the background. It is much appreciated by surfers. Pepino With string waves, Pepino beach used for hang-gliders’ landing, as they take flight from the neighboring Gávea Cliff. Barra da Guaratiba An urbanized beach, it stretches from the near coastline to Restinga da Marambaia marsh. This beaches gives access to trails leading to desert beaches, such as Inferno, Perigoso and Meio beaches. Barra da Tijuca Long and urbanized, with strong waves with some dangerous stretches not recommended to inexperienced swimmers. Much appreciated by surfers. Pepe It extends over a stretch of Barra da Tijuca beach just across Rua Noel Nutels, much appreciated by young boys and girls. This beach’s name celebrates a world free flying champion called Pedro Paulo Carneiro Lopes, “Pepê” – who died in a hang-gliding accident in 1991. Botafogo An urban beach, it is quite polluted. It offers a beautiful view of Corcovado Hill and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Flamengo With calm waters, this beach is also quite polluted. It offers visitors a view of fancy boats at Glória Marina. |