Rio de Janeiro – A fabulous city!
The city was named after the Gaspar de Lamoset, who sailed from Portugal to Brazil, he arrived in January 1502 to a large bay, but mistook it to be an estuary, and named it Rio de Janeiro, January River.
The city, which, with its 12 million inhabitants is the world’s largest tropical city is also one of the most famous and beautiful cities in the world. In 2016 Rio will be proud to host The summer Olympic games.
In no particular order, here are a brief description of the “musts” in this wonderful city or “cidade maravilhosa” as the locals, known as Cariocas, say:
- The glorious beaches of Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana are well worth a visit. Where you see people of all colours, ages, sun bathers and swimmers.
- Football is very much synonymous with Brazil. Here we have all the opportunities in the world to watch football. At the world’s largest football stadium, Maracana, which has taken in over 200 000 spectators, you should go and experience the big derby match between Flamengo and Fluminense. Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo and Vasco de Gama all share the Maracana which is now an all seater with 105’000 capacity.
- As much as football, samba and carnival is of course synonymous with Rio de Janeiro. Take the opportunity to visit one of the many samba schools where people are trained for the carnival. Enter happy and dance and turn with the merry Rio inhabitants to rhythmic samba music.
- The best views of Rio are from the 400 m high Sugarloaf Mountain and the 700 m tall Corcovado mountain home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, 38 metres high. The replica of the statue stands in Lisbon but the location selected for the Rio de Janeiro statue far surpasses the selected location in Lisbon. The statue is probably Rio de Janeiro and Brazil’s main symbol. You just have to visit!
- To visit a shanty town (favela) has recently become increasingly popular. Here you have the opportunity to see the other side of big city life in a developing country. A side that is not always negative. The people who live in the favelas are in many ways satisfied with their lives and many do not want to change their residence.
GAP Adventures have a 14 day holiday available including 10 days volunteering in a community run daycare in a favela in Rio.
Isango have over 70 short trips and day excursions in Rio including trips to Christ the Redeemer, Samba shows and much more.
For short trips from Rio
- For those who want to spend some more time in this region, the luxury resort of Búzios with its beaches and its nightlife is recommended as is the rainforest-covered island of Ilha Grande.
- Ilha Grande is located just west of Rio de Janeiro and the 102 paradise style beaches to discover. Near Ilha Grande, we find the colonial town of Parati with its baroque buildings and access to 65 islands and 300 beaches.
- If the big city heat feels too annoying, you can get to the old imperial city of Petrópolis 6 mil in the mountains north of Rio.
- Good trekking in the rainforest with waterfalls, mountains and stunning vistas offer visitors.
Check Isango for all the above and more. From half day sightseeing trips to seven day excursions such as their popular “See Brazil like a native” Rio to Salvador tour.
On a visit to Brazil you just have to include this city so let the nice “Cariocas” give you an experience you’ll never forget!
Travel to Rio
Flights to Rio de Janeiro are available with daily departures from London or from regional UK airports via London or other European cities. Please note that air travel around carnival must be booked in advance because the flights get fully booked.
Rio de Janeiro is often combined with other destinations in Brazil or South America. Often Rio is the arrival point and a few days’ stop-over before the journey continues. The airlines usually a small fee for this stop. Contact holidays please for more information on tailor made travel to Brazil and South America.