Rio de Janeiro is an awesome city where impossibly absorb granite mountains arise from the sea between splendid stretches of golden sand. Brash skyscrapers vie for space with immaculate colonial constructions, and lush forests broken-down hillsides into dumbly domiciled residential areas.Entry point for cruise ships is the Baía de Guanabara, a huge crescent alcove backed up along the stunning cityscape of man-made structures and dramatic natural attractions. Rio has a unique tale and culture, passionate people and vivacious beach, city and nightlife, characterized by football, samba and most importantly Carnival. The cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) will not fail to impress.
Sightseeing
It’s relatively simple to orient yourself in Rio as its harbour and beaches run the length of its seaward side and the landscape is dominated by the twin peaks of Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) and the Corcovado (Hunchback), which is topped by the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue.
Copacabana and Ipanema beaches remain the focal point for many visitors to Rio but those prepared to venture a small further will learn a bustling city with exceptional museums, galleries, historical buildings and parks amid the skyscrapers and favelas (shantytowns). The contrasts continue into the suburbs which eventually give way to the wildlife rich wilderness of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic forest).
Highlights
• Pão de Açúcar cable car
• Corcovado views
• Paço Imperial (Imperial Palace)
• Mosteiro de São Bento (Monastery of St Benedict)
• Museu Histórico Nacional (National History Museum)
• Maracanã (football stadium)
• Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lake and park)
• Tijuca National Park (world’s largest urban park)