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Known as the “Wonderful
City”, Rio de Janeiro offers attractions that have rendered the city
international fame. Who has never heard about Carnival in Rio, the most
amazing popular party in the world? Or who has never heard about the Sugar
Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ Redeemer? Or about the beautiful
beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, that have inspired musicians from all
over the world? Or, also, who has never heard of the Tijuca National Park
– the largest urban natural preservation area in the Country? Rio is all
that. And much more.
The city was the Brazilian capital until 1960 – when Brasilia, the
current capital, was inaugurated. Because it was the capital,
concentrating much power, the city’s architectonic traces include
luxurious and imposing constructions – that sheltered the nobility and
other important personages of those times.
Since the city’s weather is hot and pleasant throughout the year, Rio
does not depend on seasons to attract visitors. Its attractions can be
appreciated any time of the year.
Whoever visits Rio soon finds out that his/her agenda is always full –
that is the pride of the local population. There is always something to be
done in the city, from exhibitions, theatre plays, dance and music shows
to sports events for all tastes – such as free flying, much appreciated
by all those who enjoy strong sensations on board a hang glider floating
above the most famous landscapes of Rio.
But the Wonderful City has yet a wide range of other attractions to offer,
such as cultural centres, numerous museums, churches, famous
confectioners’, old streetcars and beaches – many beaches.
Far from the beaches
Besides the millions of visitors that thrive for the landscapes and
natural beauties and the wide range of culture and history offered by this
especially Brazilian city, a different type of tourist has been
increasingly attracted to Rio in the last few years: the business tourist.
The capital of the State of Rio de Janeiro is also one of the greatest
business centres in the Country, being constantly chosen to host important
local and international conferences, congresses and meetings.
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, colours, 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.
Pan-American Games
Rio de Janeiro will host the Pan-American Games of 2007. Rio’s win to
become the hosting city was celebrated not only in regard to Brazilian
sports, but also by the city’s government tourism bureaus, which expect
thousands of new tourists and visitors to the city during the event.
City
facts
Rio de Janeiro
State: Rio de Janeiro
Region: Southeast
Population: 5,974,081 inhabitants (IBGE 2003)
Area Code: (21)
Distances
Brasilia: 1,160 km
Sao Paulo: 430 km
Belo Horizonte: 450 km
Accommodation /
Restaurants
Rio offers an excellent
infrastructure in terms of accommodation - one of three largest in the
country. It offers great luxurious hotels, including some run by
international networks, and also small inns and hostels at more affordable
prices. The majority of hotels are located close to the beaches, along the
southern and downtown areas of Rio.
Among the peculiarities of local cuisine, visitors find the most amazing
habit of christening dishes after the names of Ambassadors. Two among the
most eloquent examples are “the Osvaldo Aranha filet” and the “Leão
Veloso soup”. This is an adaptation of the bouillabaisse from Marseille,
a soup with a strengthening effect, which was created by Ambassador Leão
Veloso for the Rio Minho restaurant, one of the oldest in town – open
since 1884.
How to get there
By Plane: two airports allow
access to Rio. The Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport of Rio de
Janeiro (“Galeão”), at 20 km from downtown, receives flights from all
the largest Brazilian and foreign cities. The Santos Dumont Airport,
located at the Guanabara Bay and near the town centre, is used only for
domestic flights.
By Car/Coach: from Sao Paulo: take the BR 116 (Presidente Dutra Federal
Highway) or the BR-101 (Rio-Santos Federal Highway). From Belo Horizonte:
BR 040. From Salvador: BR-101 or BR-324/BR-116/BR-393/BR-040.
By boat: the Port of Rio de Janeiro is visited by cruise boats, which
travel along the Brazilian coast.
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 Exhibition to celebrate the
Centenary of Brazilian Independence. Its annexed hall hosts the Machado de
Assis Cultural Space, with personal objects that belonged to that great
Brazilian writer – one of the academy’s founders. It also boasts a
library with 90 thousand volumes. Guided visits are free on Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays, at 2 pm and at 4 pm. The library is open from
Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm, and the Machado de Assis Cultural
Space is open from 1 pm to 6 pm. It is located on Avenida Presidente
Wilson, 203, Town Centre. Information: +55 (21) 3974-2500.
The Flamengo Embankment (Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes Park)
With 1,200,000 sq m 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-modelling tracks. The track on Avenida Infante D. Henrique, running
from the South Zone to the town centre is closed to traffic on Sundays and
holidays, from 7 am to 6 pm, considerably enlarging the space available
for walks, games and leisure in general in the Park.
Lapa’s Arches (the Carioca Aqueduct)
Built in 1750, with huge double arches, the old aqueduct extends 64 meters
high to 270 meters long. It was built to supply Rio’s population with
water from the Carioca river springs, coming down from Santa Teresa hill.
It has become a symbol of the bohemian neighbourhood of Lapa. And since
1896 it has been used as a bridge for the Santa Teresa Streetcar. It is
located at Praça Cardeal Câmara.
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. Built in a neoclassical style with marble
stairs and columns, it was opened in 1910 and comprises, together with the
Municipal Theatre, the National Museum of Beaux Arts and the Federal
Justice Cultural Centre, a cultural block around the Cinelândia area.
Guided visits last 30 minutes and are available from Monday to Friday at
11 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm – while during high tourism season guided visits
are available every hour. It is located on Avenida Rio Branco, 219,
Downtown; and opens from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 8 pm, and on
Saturdays, from 9 am to 3 pm. Information: +55 (21) 2220-9484.
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 the
start of the 20th century. It still preserves the charm of those times in
its Belgian crystal mirrors, in the straw backed chairs and in the rich
engravings on wood panels. A “5 o’clock” tea is served there from
Monday to Friday, from 5 to 7 pm. It is located on Rua Gonçalves Dias,
32/36, in the town centre. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to
8 pm, and on Saturdays, from 9 am to 5 pm. Information: +55 (21)
2232-2300.
Copacabana Palace Hotel
Now under government trust as a Brazilian Historical Heritage (IPHAN), it
was one of the first hotels in the city to be built by the sea.
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 favourite
of artists, politicians, businessmen and international celebrities. It is
located in Copacabana.
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 metres – plus Corcovado Hill’s height of 710 meters -
the Christ is an image of faith and the friendly nature which is a
characteristic of the people of Rio and of Brazil itself. The monument –
which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2001 - was inaugurated on October
12th 1931, the date on 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. Climbing up by way of a
small train, along the Corcovado Railway – inaugurated by Brazilian
Emperor, D. Pedro II in 1884, takes around 20 minutes
Access by car is allowed, but each passenger must pay a small fee to the
local IBAMA (Brazilian environmental agency) post, at Paineiras (at the
foot of the hill). Another option is to park the car at Paineiras to avoid
traffic jams, and walk up the remaining 3-km to the statue – or pay for
a ride on one of the accredited vans. Access is available on Rua Cosme
Velho. The train runs daily, from 8:30 am to 6 pm. Information: +55 (21)
2558-1329.
Tijuca National Park
Touring along its sinuous roads and visiting the attractions on the way
could take up a whole day. As the largest natural preservation site in an
urban area in the country, the Park is 20 km away from town centre. It is
divided into three sections – the Tijuca Forest, the Carioca Hill and
the Gávea Rock/Bonita Rock. Its flora was devastated at the end of the
19th century to give way to coffee plantations. Reforestation brought back
plant species of the Atlantic Forest such as “ipês”, “jequitibás”,
“jacarandas” and “sapucaias”.
At the Carioca Hill section, besides the famous Corcovado Hill, its
attractions are the Dona Marta, Vista Chinesa and Mesa do Imperador
belvederes. There are trails in the Tijuca Forest, also the Taunay
Waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel, the Açude Museum and the Solidão Sugar
Mill. On two Sundays every month, the Park’s administration offers
guided tours for free. In 2004, the Park incorporated new areas, including
the Lage Park and a region known as Covanca-Pretos Forros, with 4.4
million square meters; however, visits are not allowed in that area. For
information on guided tours: +55 (21) 2492-2253, extension 24.
The Copacabana Fortress
Built in 1914, with the purpose of reinforcing Guanabara Bay’s defences,
the Copacabana Fortress was the scenario for the “Lieutenants’
Movement” (an political upheaval in Brazilian history) in 1922. It
offers visitors many historical curios 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. It is located on Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco, 1,
Copacabana. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm.
Information: +55 (21) 3201-4049.
The Nossa Senhora da Candelária Church
Located in the financial district in the town centre, in an area rich in
cultural venues, the Candelária Church is impressive due to its
grandiosity. Built during the 18th century, its designed is the shape of a
Latin cross, its inside walls covered in marble, façade made of cut-stone
masonry, doors with bronze works and the church’s history painted on
murals exhibited inside the church. It is one of the most beautiful
churches in Rio de Janeiro. It is located on Praça Pio X, in the town
centre. It opens daily: from Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 4 pm, on
Saturdays, from 9 am to noon and on Sundays, from 9 am to 1 pm.
Information: +55 (21) 2233-2324.
The São Francisco das Penitências Church
Built between 1657 and 1772, it is one of the most beautiful examples 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
during the 18th century. Access to the church is possible by elevator or
stairs, from Largo da Carioca, near the Santo. Antônio Cloister. It is
open to visitors from Tuesday to Friday, from 9 am to noon and from 1 pm
to 4 pm. It offers guided tours. Information: +55 (21) 2262-0197.
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 specimens 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 Botanical 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, rose gardens 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.
Access for pedestrians is available on Rua Jardim Botânico, 920, and for
vehicles on Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008, at Jardim Botânico. It opens
daily, from 8 am to 5 pm. For ticket prices and other information: +55
(21) 2279-8426.
The Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Surrounded by the most fancy neighbourhoods 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 Lagoon 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 a food court made up of
several kiosks which offer from German to Japanese food – and 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 Stadiums 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. Access
is available on Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo, gate 16. It is once more
under renovation, this time to host the 2007 Pan-American Games. For more
information: +55 (21) 2299-2941.
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 façade, its
triangular pediment and the intricate work of golden engravings on its
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. It is located on Rua Dom
Geraldo, 68 and entry for pedestrians is available by elevator from no.
40. In the town centre. The Cloister opens every day: from Monday to
Friday, from 8 am to 11 am and from 2 pm to 6 pm; on Saturdays and
Sundays, from 11 am. Information: +55 (21) 2291-7122.
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.
It is located on Avenida Dom Henrique, at Flamengo Park. It opens from
Tuesday to Sunday: during the week, from noon to 5:30 pm; on Saturdays and
Sundays, from noon to 7 pm. Information: +55 (21) 2240-4944.
National Historical Museum
The architectonic complex became a museum in 1922, during the Presidency
of Epitácio Pessoa, and hosts a priceless collection of 275 thousand
pieces, including paintings, guns, royal carts, furniture and rare
artefacts – such as the plumed pen used by Princess Isabel to sign the
Áurea Law, which abolished slavery in Brazil. The Museum is located on 18
thousand sq m of land and occupies three separate buildings erected in
different periods: the Train House, from 1762; the Royal Arsenal, from
1822; and the Annexed Building for military quarters, from 1835. It is
located on Praça Marechal Âncora, In the town centre. It is open to
visitors from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays and
Sundays, from 2 pm to 6 pm. On Sundays, the entrance is free. For more
information: +55 (21) 2550-9224.
International Museum of Naïf Art
Naïf art – “naïf” means “naive”, in French – is made by
self-taught artists, with poor technical skills, The museum hosts the
works of 520 national and foreign artists with the predominance of live,
strong colours and irregular, abstract traces. It is considered one of the
largest collections in its genre in the world. It is located on Rua Cosme
Velho, 561, at Cosme Velho. It opens from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to
6 pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from noon to 6 pm.
Information: +55 (21) 2205-8612.
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. It is located on
Avenida Rio Branco, 199. It opens from Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 6
pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 2 pm to 6 pm. For ticket prices and
other information: +55 (21) 2240-0068.
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 important events in the
Country’s history – such as the Brazilian decision to enter both Great
World Wars and the dramatic suicide of President Getúlio Vargas.
Converted into a museum after the Federal Capital was moved to Brasilia,
the museum offers an intense cultural agenda and offers also a bookstore,
a bar, a restaurant, a gift shop and a beautiful garden. Located on Rua do
Catete, 153, at Catete, the Museum opens from Tuesday to Friday, from noon
to 5 pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Information: +55 (21) 2558-6350.
The Sugar Loaf Mountain Cablecar
Conceived in 1908, by Brazilian engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos, and
inaugurated on October 27th 1912, the Sugar Loaf Mountain cable car
celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2002. As the first cable car 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 cable car has already
transported more than 31 million tourists. During high season, daily
attendance reaches three thousand people. Access is available on Avenida
Pasteur, 520, at Urca. The ride is available from Sundays to Thursdays,
from 8 am to 10 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 8 am to 8:30 pm.
Information: +55 (21) 2546-8400.
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. Entering
through the side gates, visitors can stroll along Sapucaias Alameda with
its romantic design, depicting the original lakes, grottos and nooks of
such imperial gardens. The Quinta’s vast gardens host the National
Museum and city’s Zoo, including also playgrounds, sports courts, picnic
areas and restaurants. It offers guided tours and free gardening lessons
on weekend. Located in São Cristóvão, it opens daily, from 7 am to 6
pm. Information: +55 (21) 2234-1609 and 2234-1574.
The Roberto Burle Marx Cottage
Extending over an area of 3,600 sq m, one of the most important landscape
artists of our times, Roberto Burle Marx, left this attraction as a
priceless legacy to the city and to all those who love and 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 it 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, which are free of charge. It is located on
Roberto Burle Marx Road, on the Barra da Guaratiba Road, 2019. For
reservations and other information: +55 (21)2410-1412.
The Municipal Theatre
In the heart of Cinelândia, in the town centre, near the National
Library, the National Museum of Beaux Arts and to the Pedro Ernesto
Palace, the Municipal Theatre 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 Theatre have
turned it - with capacity to 2,200 people - into a true temple of culture.
On orchestra rehearsal days, guided tours may be cancelled. Entry is
available on Rua Manuel de Carvalho, in the town centre. It is open from
Mondays to Fridays, from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays, from noon to 4
pm. For other information: +55 (21) 2299-1711.
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 toilets and
showers where one can wash the sand and salt water off. It also hosts many
events such as the Beach Volley World Championship.
Copacabana
With plenty of drinking and snacks bars, it is a much-appreciated spot 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 favourite among
surfers. Hills surrounding the beach still keep stretches of the original
rich Atlantic Forest.
Grumari
Environmental conservation area with cliff walls and very strong
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 rock which separates
Copacabana and Diabo beaches from the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. From
the top of the rock, visitors enjoy one of the most beautiful views in
Rio, with the Dois Irmãos Hill in the background. It is much appreciated
by surfers.
Pepino
With strong waves, Pepino beach is used by hang-gliders as a landing
place, as they take flight from the neighbouring Gávea Cliff.
Barra da Guaratiba
An urbanized beach, it stretches from the near coastline to the marshes of
the Restinga da Marambaia. This beaches gives access to trails leading to
deserted
beaches, such as Inferno, Perigoso and Meio beaches. It offers guided
walks. Information: +55 (21) 9111-3763.
Barra da Tijuca
Long and urbanized, with strong waves and some dangerous stretches; not
recommended for the inexperienced swimmers. Much appreciated by surfers.
Pepe
It extends over a stretch of Barra da Tijuca beach just across Rua Noel
Nutels, and is 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 the
Corcovado Hill and the Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Flamengo
With calm waters, this beach is also quite polluted. It offers visitors a
view of the fancy boats docked at the Glória Marina.
Information provided by
Embratur
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