Discover the fascinating city of Rio de Janeiro
When people think of Rio, they think of bright colors, parades, fiestas and a monumental statue of Christ with arms outstretched. Still more, many may think of all night parties, sunny beaches and woman in bikinis. That wouldn't be far from the truth - except maybe that a few things were left out. Rio de Janeiro has a reputation of being a party capital and though it does have a more serious side, this reputation has been earned.
Behind the glitter, you'll find historical neighborhoods, wonderful architecture, an amazing abundance of wildlife, and a variety of museums. You can dine on virtually any type of food from any country and the standard of food is high. You might also enjoy one of the many bookshops or cafés while you make your way around this extravagant city.
Rio is famous for several things - the most iconic being the Statue of Christ which has been seen in movies, TV shows and on postcards. Rio is also famous for its festive Carnaval which can be a welcome delight should you wish to enjoy the merriment. The beautifully tropical Copacabana is another famous spot, as is Sugarloaf Mountain.
If you are looking for a more cultural or historical tour of the city, you might stop to take in some of the magnificent architecture that abounds here. When King Joáo VI first fled here from Napoleon's armies, he began to transform the city into a place where ornate palaces and graceful buildings were offset by beautifully landscaped gardens and parks. He gave the city a new library, an art and science academy and a distinguished sense of culture and flair. Today, many of these buildings still stand proudly though admittedly, there are some looming modern sky scrapers not too far away. With a little bit of searching you will find yourself transported back to a time of grace and beauty.
The setting for Rio de Janeiro is stunning. Mountains tumble softly down to sandy beaches and a beautiful blue sea. Not far away, thick, green forests cover the mountains. If you like sports, then you might head towards the great outdoors and enjoy hiking, climbing, rafting, kayaking, cycling, scuba diving, surfing, white water rafting and rappelling (abseiling).
There is certainly no shortage of things to do in this great city. The more you look around, the more you will find in this wonderful city that beats to the rhythm of the samba.
