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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Rio De Janeiro: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Rio De Janeiro
- Although the name translates as "January's River," Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic city to visit at any time of the year.
- It is surrounded by hills, including Sugarloaf Mountain to the east and the 710m Corcovado, or hunchback hill, which offers spectacular views of the city streets.
- The sensual sounds of samba will entice you, as will the bohemian spirit of historic Santa Teresa and the splendour of Rio's backdrop.
- This vibrant and colourful destination is brimming with life and sip caipirinhas while listening to lively Lapa's smooth samba rhythms.
- As you ride the streetcar through the ancient cobblestone streets of downtown Rio, you'll get a different perspective.
- And explore Tijuca Forest's waterfalls, rugged peaks, and hiking trails - a hidden gem in the heart of this bustling city.
- On holiday in Rio de Janeiro, live in the moment as the charms of Copacabana Beach, Corcovado Summit, and Sugar Loaf Mountain enchant you.
- To have a fantastic experience with the best of this city, make sure to check off some of the highlights listed in our Top 10 reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro.
- Capital: Rio de Janeiro
- International Airport: Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)
- Population: 6.748 million
- Currency: the Real
- Time: UTC/GMT -3 hours
- Driving side: Right side
- Main Electricity: 127 V or 220 V - 60 Hz
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Religion: Catholicism
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Rio De Janeiro
- Although no longer the capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the country's most iconic and beautiful city and the host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Everything, from its breathtaking natural landmarks to its crowded, glitzy beaches, must be seen to be believed.
- Rio de Janeiro's setting between the mountains and the sea is so spectacular that UNESCO designated Rio as a World Heritage Site, citing "the staggeringly beautiful location for one of the world's largest cities."
- Gave accolades from UNESCO for the natural setting, urban cultural landscape, and the mix of architecture. They planned green space that characterised the city's growth.
- Christ the Redeemer, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this 38m tall statue embraces the city from Corcovado mountain with open arms.
- Sugar Loaf-Located in Guanabara Bay, this granite and quartz mountain was named during the height of the sugar cane trade when moulded sugar into cones. The famous cable car ride offers breathtaking views of the city.
- Cliff of Arpoador (between Ipanema and Copacabana)- If you've ever wondered where the name Arpoador came from, today's your lucky day. Arpoar is a Portuguese word that means "to harpoon," and an arpoador is a person who harpoons. This was the best place to look for them, and it's also a great spot to watch the sunset.
- Favelas are makeshift communities built by the homeless that have grown into full-fledged communities. If all Rio's favelas were combined, the population would equal Brazil's ninth-largest city.
- Hanggliding- The weather was perfect, so we set off from Pedra Bonita, located above the Parque Nacional de Floresta de Tijuca. Rio's beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Barra da Tijuca), Christ the Redeemer, the Sugar Loaf, and so on are seen from above.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Rio De Janeiro
- Rio de Janeiro has a tropical marine climate that is hot and humid.
- They are two seasons based on rainfall: a rainy season from December to April and a relatively dry season from May to November.
- Temperatures vary little throughout the year, but the rainy season is also the hottest.
- The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro corresponds from December to April.
- When humidity is high, average maximum temperatures are around 28 ° C.
- The average annual rainfall is approximately 1,200 mm, and it rains 109 days per year.
- Winter (June to September) is cooler and drier, with an average maximum temperature of about 23 degrees Celsius.
- The average minimum temperature ranges from 23° C in February to 18° C in July.
- The seawater temperature drops to 21 degrees Celsius in August, while it rises to 26 degrees Celsius between January and April, implying that swimming in the sea is enjoyable in Rio de Janeiro all year.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Rio De Janeiro
Arpoador Rock
- This jutting out into the ocean rock is also known as Arpoador.
- A hiking trail runs along the base of the rock. Hike to the end of the rock, but don't do it alone or late at night.
- Fishers cast their lines from these ledges, and families buy the fish right off their hooks.
- Locals know that this is the best place for some of the best views at sunset.
- And when the sun goes down, the locals have a habit of clapping, bowing to nature's spectacle.
- One of the best things to do during the summer is to watch the sunset at Arpoador, where everyone on the beach claps as the sun sets, creating an incredible scene and feeling.
- In addition, the beach is well illuminated at night, allowing beachgoers to swim and cool off!
Ilha Grande
- Ilha Grande's pristine condition can be attributed to the island's unique history.
- For centuries, the island's unsavoury reputation deterred developers – first as a pirate's hideout, then as a leper colony and prison.
- As a result, the island has beautiful tropical beaches and virgin Atlantic rainforest (now protected as state parkland), and there are only a few settlements.
- Vila do Abrao, the main town of Ilha Grande, was a sleepy fishing village until the mid-1990s when the infamous prison was demolished, and tourism began in earnest.
- Despite the influx of visitors, Abrao, with its palm-studded beachfront and neat orange church, remains small by mainland standards.
- By day, life revolves around exploring the island's dozens of trails and beaches, while half the town descends on the waterfront to socialise by night.
Selarón Steps
- Santa Tereza is Rio's most atmospheric neighbourhood, with its steep, quiet streets and century-old houses.
- Its cafés and restaurants are popular with artists and intellectuals, contributing to the bohemian atmosphere.
- Although it can find its greatest charms simply, there are several attractions and things to do while wandering its streets, which often open out onto beautiful views, including the 1720 Santa Tereza church and convent.
- The Museu Chácara do Céu houses a primarily modern art collection, including works by Picasso, Miró, and Matisse and Chinese sculptures from the 17th to 19th centuries.
- The adjacent Parque das Runas is the shell of a dismantled socialite's mansion transformed into an art, music, and performance venue.
Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)
- The massive statue of Christ overlooking the city from the 709-meter summit of Corcovado is almost as well-known as Sugarloaf's distinctive shape.
- The world-famous structure was built between 1922 and 1931, almost entirely with contributions from Brazilian Catholics.
- The figure is 30 meters tall and 28 meters long, made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, and weighs 635 metric tons.
- A chapel is housed within its eight-meter-high base, where weddings and baptisms are not uncommon.
- The Corcovado rack railway chugs up the 3.5-kilometre track to Rua do Cosme Velho statue, passing through Tijuca National Park.
- On a guided Early Access to Christ Redeemer Statue with Optional Sugarloaf Mountain Tour, you can see this monument without the crowds and in the early morning light.
- A cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain is included in a tour upgrade for even more breathtaking views.
São Bento
- The church and monastery of So Bento, located on a hill just above the harbour, is one of the finest Benedictine complexes in Brazil.
- The original 1617 church lacked aisles until the addition of eight side chapels in the second half of the 17th century.
- The Benedictine order's finest artists decorated the interior.
- Domingos da Conceiço, a monk who was also responsible for the figures of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica on the high altar, was primarily responsible for the exuberant carving that covers the walls and ceiling.
- Mestre Valentim's silverwork graces the choir chapel, as do 14 paintings by Ricardo do Pilar, a monk who was the foremost Benedictine painter of colonial Brazil.
- Senhor dos Martrios (Christ of the Passion), his masterpiece, is housed in the monastery's sacristy.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Rio De Janeiro Off the Beaten Track
Copacabana
- Copacabana is the world's most famous beach, famous for its scantily dressed sunbathers, stunning location, and vibrant spirit.
- This 2.5-mile crescent-shaped beach, located south of Rio de Janeiro, offers spectacular Rio and the Atlantic Ocean views.
- The endless variety of activities (day and night!) and easy access to public transportation make Copacabana a popular destination for locals and visitors.
- Expect to pay more for beachfront accommodations, but Copacabana has a wide range of budget-friendly options, including hostels and luxury hotels.
- It's a lovely spot to stay but bear in mind that a beautiful Rio beach equals some touristic feelings.
- If you want to get off the beaten path in Rio, you should stay somewhere else or ask local tourist traps to steer you away from Copacabana.
Botafogo
- Botafogo is the hottest thing in Rio de Janeiro. What makes this particular neighbourhood so unique?
- It's making way for a slew of quirky, one-of-a-kind bars that each follow their beat rather than the crowds.
- The neighbourhood has an alternative, hipster vibe while maintaining a casual, welcoming vibe, making it appealing to a wide range of people.
- It's avant-garde, experimental, and at the cutting edge of Rio's most astonishing developments. Here's why Botafogo is currently on fire.
- One of the key factors is the lower rent and excellent transportation links, which make it an appealing location for aspiring entrepreneurs to set up shop.
- As startups struggle to pay the exorbitant property prices of beachside neighbourhoods such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, these market advantages are displacing popular tourist destinations.
Lage Park
- This region's history of land occupation began in the mid-16th century.
- The governor of Rio de Janeiro purchased the property and built a sugar mill in the city.
- Since the nineteenth century, the location has been the residence of nobles and aristocrats (the example of Rodrigo de Freitas Mello e Castro).
- In 1957, the site was designated as Historical and Cultural Heritage of the City of Rio de Janeiro for contributing to the city's significant historical memory.
- The park has a variety of environments, including buildings and natural areas.
- The mansion in the eclectic Roman style is unquestionably the focal point of Parque Lage.
- The large house was constructed in the nineteenth century, complete with a central courtyard, swimming pool, and terrace.
- The park is a fantastic location for those who appreciate architecture and landscaping; the spaces are organised according to styles and references.
São Francisco da Penitência
- The Laymen of the Ordem dos Terceiros de So Francisco arrived in Rio de Janeiro in 1619 and took up residence in a chapel inside the church of the Franciscan convent of Santo Antônio.
- The Franciscan convent donated land next to the convent church in the mid-17th century to build their temple there.
- With interruptions, the Church of So Francisco da Penitência was built between 1657 and 1733.
- The church's facade, unusual for a religious structure, is divided into three bodies, each with a portal, two large windows, and its roof.
- The portals are made of lioz stone, which was imported from Portugal.
- The central body has a more elaborate portal with twisted corners, typical of Baroque architecture, and a medallion bearing the order's coat of arms.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Rio De Janeiro Culture and Traditions
- Much of Brazil's international reputation is built on local traditions and celebrations like capoeira, the national sport, and the Carnaval festivities.
- Candomble, Brazil's traditions are both secular and sacred, ranging from soccer cults to Catholic holidays to local religious rituals.
- In some cases, such as the earthy revelry of Carnaval, the division appears to be almost complete.
- Carnaval, the traditional festival of decadence preceding Lent, is celebrated in Brazil to a large extent.
- Rio de Janeiro and Salvador are particularly well-known for their parades, which take months to prepare for and practice.
- Local community bands perform throughout Rio's neighbourhoods in the two weeks leading up to the festival.
- Throughout the year, numerous regional festivals are held throughout Brazil.
- The Bumba-meu-boi festival in Sao Luis involves the townspeople acting out a folk story involving the killing and resurrection.
- Women dressed in traditional costumes wash the steps with scented water. In the run-up to Easter, the citizens of Nova Jerusalem put on the most prominent passion play in South America.
- Aside from the country's lively festivals and celebrations, Brazil has many traditions ranging from sports to dance to religious rites.
- Candomble traditions include new year's offerings to Lemanja, as well as Boa Morte, or beautiful death, a celebration in Salvador that incorporates music and dance.
- Samba music and dance originated with the Bantu, who immigrated to Brazil from Angola, and this African musical import has evolved into Bossa Nova and other traditional Brazilian music.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Rio De Janeiro: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Feijoada
#Food
- Feijoada is Brazil's most famous dish for a reason: it's delicious!
- Black beans, smoked pork, and beef simmer until tender, rich, and oh so flavourful. In a nutshell, this is how Brazilians prepare comfort food!
- Your feijoada party will be incomplete without my Brazilian Collard Greens, Brazilian Salsa, and Brazilian Rice, so be sure to get those recipes as well.
- The name is derived from the Chinese word feijo, which means "bean," one of the dish's main ingredients.
- A hearty, slow-cooked stew of black beans, salted beef, and pork is traditionally served with rice, collard greens, and farofa (toasted manioc flour).
- The most widely accepted theory holds that feijoada was invented by enslaved Brazilians who combined scraps (including pig's feet, tail, and ears) from their owners to create the stew.
Farofa
#Food
- Farofa is a famous Brazilian food that many people believe originated during the colonial period; we'll explain the history in this Dica. But first, the fundamentals!
- It's made from manioc (cassava) flour and is typically served with meat, rice, grilled meats, and the famous feijoada.
- Brazilians eat it almost every day; we can't live without it!
- It's popular among workers because it's a low-cost, easy-to-prepare meal.
- Farofa is available in industrialised packages, but it is also commonly prepared at home using family recipes that vary by region of the country.
- It's almost like comfort food that almost every Brazilian enjoy.
- Farofa, as previously stated, is not intended to be eaten as a main course.
- It's typically served with other dishes and makes an excellent side dish for meat, rice, and beans.
Vatapá
#Food
- Vatapa is one of many Brazilian signature dishes enjoyed around the world.
- It originated in Brazil's Bahia region and has cultural ties to enslaved West Africans brought to the country as early as the 16th century.
- Many variations of this dish have been developed over time, but the traditional version remains one of northern Brazil's most popular staples to this day.
- Vatapá is a Brazilian seafood stew made of mashed bread, shrimp, coconut milk, finely ground peanuts, and palm oil.
- It is commonly enjoyed as popular Brazilian street food or as an offering in the religion of Candomblé. It is traditionally served with rice or as a filling in acarajé fritters.
- The remainder of this article discusses the history of Vatapá and its significance in Candomblé religion and some popular adaptations to the dish and notes on the ingredients needed to make it.
- Discover everything you need to know about this popular Brazilian dish.
Shopping Rio Sul
#Fashion
- Rio Sul, Rio de Janeiro's first mall, opened its doors on April 28th, 1980, and its proximity to Sugarloaf and Corcovado – put it on the route for who goes to Rio.
- Shopping Rio Sul, located near Botafogo in the city's south, is a large mall that will meet all of your shopping needs and more, with 140 different shops and 21 restaurants.
- It offers a diverse range of national and international brands, including Havaianas, Zara, and, more recently, forever 21, with most stores priced in the mid-range.
- The design is simple, with white marble floors, polished silver furnishings, and helpful touchscreen aids dotted around to help you find stores.
- To eat, go to the Delirio Tropical, which serves fresh salads and pasta dishes.
- The line always appears to belong, but it moves quickly.
Shopping Leblon
#Fashion
- Shopping Leblon's architectural project incorporates the laid-back elegance and lifestyle of Rio de Janeiro, which enchant both tourists and locals.
- This solar and cosy mall, located in one of the most charming "carioca" neighbourhoods, is home to a mix of iconic Brazilian fashion brands and international ones.
- Shopping Leblon was designed to provide a pleasurable experience, and it has become one of Rio's most admired shopping and leisure destinations.
- The Gastronomy Area has a privileged view of two of the city's most famous postcards: Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, as well as a delicious and eclectic menu.
- Shopping Leblon offers multiplex rooms with the best movies, a theatre that seats 926 people, and the city's best bookstore: Livraria da Travessa, where the most fabulous and most sought-after book releases and autograph nights take place.
Shopping Village Mall
#Fashion
- This is the crown jewel of the shopping mall world, and it is nothing short of luxury.
- It's popular among the rich and famous, with brands like Hugo Boss and Gucci, and many Brazilian celebrities have been photographed shopping there.
- Because of its exclusivity to the wealthy market, the number of people who visit it is limited, keeping the shopping mall peaceful and never crowded.
- Outside, a large wooden patio stretches out with low, comfortable seating and stunning views of Barra and the mountainous skyline.
- The cinema has 'couple sofas' that stretch out like a huge bed to provide the ultimate cinema experience.
- Surprisingly, even though everything else is prohibitively expensive, the cinema is remarkably affordable.
Rio Water Planet
#Fun
- Rio Water Planet is possibly the most beautiful water theme park in South America.
- The park, located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, was built with much of the natural landscape as possible.
- Sixteen water slides cascade down the mountainside and into the valley below.
- A chair-lift transports visitors to the mountain's summit, where they can choose from various thrilling ride experiences.
- Three thrill rides, a six-lane Surfhill Racer, a Giant People Eater Family Raft Ride, a 4-Person In-Line Boat Ride, four inner tube rides, and two kiddie slides are among the attractions.
- The valley floor is highlighted by a massive wave pool, with the wave generator also producing waves that lead to the Action River, which winds throughout the park.
Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
#Fun
- Sugar Loaf Mountain, 1,299 feet above Rio's bustling metropolis, cascades over the picturesque Guanabara Bay.
- You can take a three-minute cable car ride up to Morro da Urca from Praia Vermelha in the Urca residential district and then another cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf.
- The glass-enclosed Bondi (tram) provides a spectacular view of the city.
- According to visitors, the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, especially at sunset.
- The mountain's park includes a history exhibit, an interactive Cable Car Plaza with the original cable cars used on the tram, the Baa de Guanabara Space with restaurants and shops, and a 700-person outdoor amphitheatre.
Prainha
#Fun
- This remote paradise, known as Brazil's "little" beach, is about 20 miles west of Ipanema Beach, but it is well worth the trip.
- Rolling hills and lush rainforest frame Prainha's stunning coastline.
- Surfers seek out the monster waves, while beachgoers marvel at the breathtaking sunsets.
- The beach is less crowded during the week (especially during Brazil's winter, from June to September), making Prainha an excellent alternative to other tourist-heavy beaches.
- However, swimmers and surfers should be aware that the currents are strong and there are no lifeguards on duty.
- Recent travellers love the quieter, more local vibe at Prainha, especially in the offseason.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Rio De Janeiro: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- The Rio de Janeiro Zoological Garden is located in So Cristóvo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Environmental and educational activities are based on its collection of animals, consisting primarily of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- Want to find the best trails in Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande for a challenging hike or a family outing? All Trails has eight fantastic hiking trails, biking trails, running courses, and other activities.
- Family-friendly national parks, even the most hardened adolescent will be taken aback by the waterfalls that define Parque Nacional do Iguaçu.
- Swimming in the best national park In Maranho state's Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, gleaming white dunes and vast crystalline lagoons create an otherworldly landscape.
- What is the best national park for city breakers looking to escape the frenzy of Rio de Janeiro? Tijuca National Park, located just northwest of Copacabana and Ipanema, is an oasis of protected Atlantic rainforest, toothy mountains, waterfalls, and caves.
- Best hiking national park Serra dos rgos National Park, an expansive reserve defined by a series of uniquely jagged, tooth-shaped peaks, is where Brazilians go when they want a taste of crisp mountain air.
- The Quinta da Boa Vista is a historic public park in Rio de Janeiro's So Cristóvo neighbourhood, in the city's northern zone. Quinta da Boa Vista is located 310 meters east of Rio de Janeiro Zoo.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Rio De Janeiro Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- The city is home to a fantastic collection of local festivals, and it's best to check out what events are going on before you arrive in Rio de Janeiro so you can see as much as possible during your stay.
- The Rio Carnival is, without a doubt, the most well-known event of the year.
- This festival is well-known worldwide, and millions of tourists flock to participate in the parades and dancing!
- Rio celebrates Christmas (December 25th) in the traditional Christian manner by decorating Christmas trees with various embellishments.
- On December 31st, people of the Umbanda religion gather at Copacabana, Leblon, and Ipanema beaches to honour the sea goddess, Iemanjá, with celebrations that include dancing, smoking, and trance.
- Rio residents celebrate their independence with zeal and joy, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to celebrate their independence from Portugal.
- Festas Juninas is a traditional festival held in honour of Saint John, and it is held during the winter season in Brazil and the summer season in Europe.
- Brazil's world-famous Carnival is celebrated throughout the country, and Rio de Janeiro, on the other hand, is known as the world's Carnival capital.
- New Year's Eve celebrations like Carnival are essential for the Rio festivities' most well-known celebration on Copacabana Beach, which draws millions of tourists each year.
- On January 20th, Rio de Janeiro celebrates St. Sebastian's Day every year. Festive processions are organised to commemorate the city's patron saint, St. Sebastian. The parade travels through the Tijuca, Center, and Glory lanes.
- Cavalhadas Carnival is often thought of when people think of Brazilian festivals. However, throughout the year, Brazil celebrates a plethora of most colourful festivities.
- Congadas, this yearly celebration, which takes place on the second Sunday in October in Catalao, has Catholic and African roots. It was brought to Brazil by enslaved people brought by Portuguese immigrants to work on the plantations.
- Folk Festival of Parintins, which aims to promote indigenous culture, has become one of the most popular in the Amazon.
- The annual Festival de Cachaça is held in the colonial town of Paraty, just south of Rio de Janeiro, and is dedicated to cachaça, the national liquor made from sugar cane.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Rio De Janeiro Holiday
Places similar to Rio De Janeiro to visit
Places similar to Rio De Janeiro to visit
Places similar to Rio De Janeiro to visit