A kAleidoscope of vibrAnt color, energetic culture, fiery fiestAs And the most spectAculAr scenery south of the equAtor. this is rio, the home of copAcAbAnA, the sAmbA And the ultimAte internAtionAl street cArnivAl, All frAmed by An immense urbAn forest. silently presiding over this sprAwling metropolis stAnds christ redeemer, one of the seven wonders of the world.

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Anything is possible in rio de JAneiro

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01 An aerial view of the dramatic rio de Janeiro coastline including the imposing and impressive presence of christ redeemer.

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T he second largest city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, or Rio, as it’s more commonly known, is simply bursting with spirit and flavor. Known the world over for its beautiful beaches, extravagant carnivals, football talent and its rare and well preserved tropical forests, Rio presents an exciting sensory experience for even the most adventurous of travelers.

Once a Portuguese colony, Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries in the 1800s. It wasn’t until 1960 that Brasilia assumed the title, following the country’s acquisition of its independence. Rio de Janeiro, meaning River of January, was named as such after the discovery of the city on 1st January, 1502. When the first settlers from Europe happened upon the Guanabara Bay, it was thought to be the mouth of a river, hence the choice of name. The immigrant Portuguese dialect remains the mother tongue of Brazilians today and plays a key role in influencing the modern development of the language.

With around 148 million people living in Brazil, 10 million of which reside in greater Rio, it has the sixth largest population in the world. Perhaps it’s the energy that emanates from this highly populated city that creates such an electric and colorful atmosphere. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to see how Rio has garnered the namesake of ‘The Marvelous City’.

There’s only one place to stay when in Rio, it’s a place that will have you humming along to a certain

02 the niterói contemporary Art museum, one of the city’s main landmarks was designed by architect oscar neimeyer and completed in 1996.

03 millions flock from all over the globe to take part in the giant street fiesta, rio carnival, which happens every february or march before the christian period of lent begins.

04 brazilian spices on display at an outdoor market.

song by Barry Manilow! Copacabana is home to one of the most famous beaches in the world. It’s a resort constantly alight with tourists and locals alike and is most famed for its elaborate New Years Eve celebrations and breathtaking firework displays. Located to the south of Rio, Copacabana’s buzzing 4km stretch of sand was once a small fishing town until our pension of choice, the Copacabana Palace Hotel, was inaugurated. The hotel is so well renowned that it has officially been declared a part of Brazil’s rich history. Opened in 1923, the Copacabana Palace Hotel is awash with art deco features from a glittering bygone era, kept alive by the elite and glitterati who continue to patronize this beach side piece of luxury. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers once danced on its floors and many years later The Rolling Stones dined by its lavish pool. Staying here not only means enjoying stylish and exquisitely comfortable accommodation, you also don’t need to go far to sample excellent cuisine. Hotel Cipriani is one of the most sophisticated restaurants in Rio and lives up to its outstanding reputation, serving exceptional northern Italian cuisine.

Before getting too comfortable at the hotel or on the beach, it’s time to discover the plethora of must sees that Rio has to offer. To catch a glimpse of the symbol that represents Rio de Janeiro the world over, there is no need to look too far. The imposing and impressive presence of Christ Redeemer can be seen from almost any part of the city. It can’t help

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but evoke a moving feeling of safety and protection. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the remarkable and inspiring statue stands proudly at 38 meters high on top of the Corcovado Mountain. Once, visitors had to climb the arduous 220 steps to the summit, luckily today there are plenty of escalators and elevators so sightseers can easily make the journey to the summit.

For a more personal and memorable touch, a helicopter ride over Christ Redeemer and out across the striking Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio city and the lush green vegetation that surrounds it will ensure unsurpassable views.

Then there is the immense urban forest, Tijuca Forest, which covers around 3,200 hectares and is home to hundreds of species of animals and living creatures. Making it even more exceptional is the fact that it’s been replanted by the human hand as recently as the early 1900’s, after years of deforestation. However, if trekking the jungle doesn’t take your fancy, have no fear. Much of the forest has been transformed into a leisure area, while care has been taken to maintain its natural beauty. Tijuca Forest is certainly a unique attraction that is unlikely to be found on any other city break in the world. The Corcovado Mountain and Christ Redeemer, together with the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the vast rain forests below, create a dramatic backdrop to Rio and

05 the toucan which is brightly marked and has a large colorful bill can be found in the tijuca forest surrounding the city.

06 the candelaria church is an important historical church in rio and combines a baroque façade with a neoclassical and neo-renaissance inner decoration.

07 enjoy panoramic views of rio from the sugar loaf cable car which takes passengers to the summit of the sugar loaf mountain.

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makes a refreshing break from the fast paced city beat! From tranquil vistas we return to energetic, modern Brazilian culture.

If there is one activity that demonstrates the passion of this nation, it has to be football. If you share Brazil’s enthusiasm for the sport, take some time to visit the Maracanã stadium and take home the unforgettable feeling of scoring a goal on this famous pitch. The world will be watching Brazil and its loyal football followers when Rio hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2014. No doubt the Brazilian’s will make fabulous hosts as they introduce the world to that contagious Rio party spirit!

Speaking of parties, the Rio Carnival has just come to an end. This annual flamboyant event is all about dressing up in the most elaborate costumes and taking to the streets to dance the Samba. Millions flock from all over the globe to take part in this giant street fiesta, which happens every February or March before the Christian period of Lent begins. Be sure to book early though as comfortable accommodation disappears months in advance!

With all there is to see in Rio, it’s easy to forget that there is a wealth of local and international shopping opportunities. The Condomínio São Conrado Fashion Mall is a beautiful shopping centre in itself and that’s before you’ve paused to browse in some of its 100 shops. It’s always nice to shop

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08 escadaria selaron, a world-famous mosaic tiled staircase in the rio district, lapa. it is the work of artist Jorge selaron who claims it as “my tribute to the brazilian people”.

09 the annual rio carnival is a world famous event where participants dress up in elaborate costumes and take to the streets to dance the samba.

10 take time to visit the maracanã stadium and watch a game of football, the undisputed national sport of brazil.

somewhere different when visiting a new city and Rio’s Hippie Fair offers just that and more. A vivacious Sunday street market packed full of clothes, leather and jewelry, the Hippie Fair is the perfect place to discover that perfect Brazilian souvenir.

If you still have the energy after all this, Rio offers plenty of fine dining establishments and nightclubs for all tastes. D.O.M, which was voted the Best Restaurant in South America, is our culinary choice. It’s an establishment that succeeds in combining obscure and everyday ingredients from the abundant Amazonian region. D.O.M will introduce your taste buds to an array of foods that they will never have come accross before! When it comes to having a night out that warrants Rio’s stamp of approval, try Rio Scenarium in the city’s historic old center. Voted the best live music venue in town, visit mid week and dance the samba until the sun comes up.

Even though the energy of Rio can leave you wanting another holiday, visiting this vibrant city is truly an invigorating and life affirming experience. Not many cities can offer you so much in such a short radius. It’s a place where rainforests, urban metropolis and the seas collide, making it a destination that offers a diverse holiday for even the most particular of tastes. It’s easy to fall in love with Rio, the difficult part is deciding what you like most… exceptional scenery, unusual food, football mania, fiery fiestas, magnificent beaches, colorful nightlife, fascinating culture….the list is endless…

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