Travel Wiki
Register
Advertisement
Travel Wiki
Brazil
CountryCapitalFlags
World
ContinentsCountriesCitiesMountainsOceansSeasLakesRivers and canals
National parksForumChatBlogsPollsPhotosVideos

Rio de Janeiro from Corcovado mountain

Central Rio de Janeiro as viewed from the Corcovado mountain.

Rio de Janeiro is the name of both a state and a city in south-eastern Brazil. Commonly known as just Rio, the city is famous for its spectacular natural setting, wild Carnival celebrations, samba and other music, hotel-lined tourist beaches, such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, pavements decorated with black and cream swirl pattern mosaics, and the easy-going lifestyle of its inhabitants.

Rio de Janeiro, capital city of the state of the same name, is situated at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, forming an amphitheatre around the Bay of Guanabrara on the Atlantic Ocean. Amerigo Vespucci arrived here for the first time on 1 January 1502, leading a Portugeses expedition who, mistaking the bay for the mouth of a river, gave the area the name ' January River'. 'Carioca', was the name given to the Europeans, by the local Indios, a nickname, that even today is still used by the inhabitants of Rio. It's impossible to accurately calculate the number of residents, those officially counted during the census in 2000, were 5,580,544, but the inhabitants of the Favelas, who may amount to the same number, constantly refuse to take part in any form of census. Rio is one of the major economical and cultural centres of the South American Continent, an immense city, chaotic and contradictory, which symbolises and perfectly synthesizes the situation of the entire nation, both from the historical point of view and the a social point of view; Rio a city with a thousand faces.

Today the traces of Rio's historical past have all but disappeared under a blanket of urban growth, comprising a jungle of skyscrapers and enormous buildings. This image of a rich and well-to-do city co-habits with the extreme poverty of the Favelas areas. In Rio, well dressed citizens mingle with a multitude of begging children trying to make a living and elegant public buildings stand alongside squalid shacks. Considered one of the most fascinating cities in the world for its geographical position between sea, tropical forest and mountain ranges, Rio is one of the prestigious sites for international tourism. The centre, is located in the northern part of the city, around the two important principal streets Avenida Presidente Vargas and Avenida Rio Branco. Here the historic Rio has in part survived and can be seen in the important religious buildings in Morro de Sao Bento. The Benedictine Baroque Monastery, boasts a 17th-century façade and a beautiful interior with an altar and balustrade in jacaranda wood. Other interesting buildings include: the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria; the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo; the ancient city cathedral and the Royal Chapel, where the Brazilian Emperor Pedro I and II were crowned. The oldest religious building in Rio, the 17th century Convent of Sant Antonio, is situated in Largo Carioca and has the Igreja da Ordem de Sao Francisco de Penitencia standing beside it, a splendid example of late Baroque. The imposing Nova Catedral ( Catedral Metropolitana ), situated a short distance away, was erected between 1964 and 1976 and stands as an architectural contradiction which characterizes the city.

Some of the profane architectural buildings in Rio are worthy of note, including the Paco Imperial, the Municipal Theatre, inaugurated in 1909, the National Library and the Carioca Aqueduct or as it is otherwise called Arcos da Lapa e Santa Tereza, a magnificent structure of 42 arches, built on two levels, which once served to supply water to the city's fountains and which today supports the tram line, which links the centre to the Santa Teresa district. This colurful district with its windy roads is home to numerous bars, restaurants and night clubs.

Considered the cultural capital of Brasil, Rio is the site of over 50 museums, some of which have great importance. In particular, the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, in Avenida Rio Branco, which possesses an important collection of international and Brazilian art. The Museu de Arte Sacra displays Brazilian art on a religious theme. The Museu Nacional, situated in Quinta da Boa Vista, houses a vast collection of anthropological and natural science objects.

Rio is particularly famous for its 90 km of white sandy beaches, the most important of which are, Ipanema and Copacabana, both of which are located in the northern part of the city. In reality the beaches are far less attractive than one imagines: enormous buildings and hotels encumber both beches, not to mention the high level of pollution of both the water and beach. They are however fantastic, lively meeting places, characterised by varied and multi-coloured crowds.


Tips for: backpackersbusiness travelersluxury/exotic travelhitchhikersfamiliesseniorsLBG travelerspet owners

Hotels and lodging[]

  • Rio Hostel - El Misti Copacabana El Misti Hostel Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro Hostel), Travessa Frederico Pamplona, 20 (Next of Hospital Sao Lucas), ☎ +55 (21) 2547 0800 copacabana@elmistihostels.com, [58]. El Misti Hostel Rio de Janeiro - Hostel & Pousada in Copacabana - Brasil. Free pickup Aeroport, Safe área, Fun, Dorms from $11, Great Breakfast. Te.+55 21 2547 0800 U$11.
  • Rio Apartments offer a wide range of furnished apartments with 24 hours security and located in areas that provide easy access to local transportation as well as being close to beaches. contato@rioflatrental.com.
  • Rio Hostel in Copacabana - Feel at home, meet people from all over the world and enjoy Rio de Janeiro, city of wonders, with El Misti Hostel & Pousada in Brazil! Have an unforgettable time with us! hostel@elmisticopacabana.com
  • Hostel en Paraty Contact us: paraty@gekohostel.com - Geko Hostel is located at Praia Pontal, only 3 minutos away from the historical town of Paraty and also near of all that you may need. This hostel in front of the sea it's a quiet and chilled out environment where you can enjoy a caipirinha, make new friendships from all over Brazil and the world, you may read a book, play the guitar or anything else that you may enjoy. +55 (0) 24 3371 2507 | Rua Orlando Carpinelli, 5 | Praia do Pontal.

Attractions[]

The famous Pao d'Acucar, Sugar Loaf, the natural symbol of Rio, can be reached by bus from the centre, Copacabana or Flamengo. However the cable-car is certainly the means of ttransport which offers the best views. The ride is split into two separate parts: the first from the Praia vermelha station to Morro da Urca, the second from here to the summit.

Christ the Reedemer (Portuguese: O Cristo Redentor) is a statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue stands 38 metres (120 ft) tall weighs 700 short tons (635 tonnes), and is located at the peak of the 700 metres (2,300 ft) Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking the city. It is the tallest of its kind in the world. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone.


  • Don´t leave Rio without visiting this amazing new wonder of the world at Corcovado Mountain.

The tour starts at El Misti hostel rio de janeiro and takes you to the worldwide famous Cristo Redentor. The program includes transfer in/out + entrance. Duration: approximately 3 hours.


Days & Times: Every morning & afternoon Duration: Approximately 3 hours Minimum required: 2 passengers Rate per person: R$60 (pick up at El Misti hostel & pousada rio de janeiro + entrance)



The mountainous zone of Serra Fluminense, located 50 km from Rio, is an area rich in dense woods, with numerous rivers and streams and a fresh climate.

The main area of the zone is Petropolis, situated at an altitude of 810 metres and once the summer residence of the imperial court. The town, founded in 1829, still maintains in part the orderly and rigorous aspect of that time. The town boasts the Princess Isabel Palace and the Imperial Palace, both built in Neoclassic style and today, home to a museum of jewellery, porcelain and furniture once belonging to the crown. Other important buildings include the Neogothic cathedral and the Palacio Cristal, built in iron and glass imported from France in 1881.

The coast that runs from Rio to Santos is referred to as ' The Green Coast ', an area of intense blue sea with more than 300 islands, covered with lush green vegetation. The main centre is Angro dos Reis, the departure point for those wishing to reach the islands located in the Bay of Sepetiba. Situated off-shore, in front of this town, is the largest island along the Green Coast, Ilha Grande. Parati, a small colonial town is situated a little further along the coast. the town has maintained its original aspect of three centuries ago and has been declared patrimony of humanity site by Unesco.

The town's cobbled streets are practicable only by bicycle, horse or on foot and are surrounded by magnificent old buildings, which house art galleries, restaurants and shops. Parati is full of churches, which reflect its rich 18th century past. The three main churches were in the past used for racial segregation. Nossa Senhora dos Remedios was the church for the white elite, while the Igrja do Roserio, the smallest church, was attended by the slaves and the Igreja de Santa by the freed slaves.

Bonde Santa Teresa has been attracting artists and musicians all the time. If you go out at night, you will find traditional Brazilian Music like Samba, Choro, Chorinho and also Bossa Nova and Jazz. The atmosphere in the small bars with live music is very special.

The Bohemian Area is easy to reach: you go up from Largo do Carioca with the historic streetcar, called Bonde after it's inventor. The streetcar makes his way over the Arcos da Lapa, an ancient aquaeduct from the 16th century, and then runs through the winding cobbled streets, passing by old mansions and huge gardens.

You go out on Largo dos Guimarães, central point of the enchanting neighborhood, where you find a baker, a Café and CINE SANTA TERESA , a small Cinema with excellent Brazilian and International films. If you pass along the street, you'll find a lot of charming, nostalgic bars and restaurants, most famous of all Bar do Mineiro. Bar do Marco has Bossa Nova Jazz on Fridays, from noon. There are plenty things to discover, above Largo dos Guimarães you find a book shop an café Largo das Letras.

Shopping[]

Maps and transportation[]

Loading map...

Getting to Rio de Janeiro[]

Exploring Rio de Janeiro[]

The most popular public transport system in the city, is without doubt, but it is also the most difficult to use for the visitor. The buses connect all the zones of the city and during rush hour look like tins of sardines. Personal security is also an element to take into consideration, seeing as bag- snatchers use the confusion and crowds to their advantage. It is advisable not to wear objects of value when travelling around the city. The best way to travel around rio is by taxi. Finding one is relatively simple, they are literally everywhere and are easily recognisable by their yellow colour and blue stripe, which runs along the side of the taxi. The cost of the fare is calculated by a meter, but there is an initial tariff of 2 real. During the night and weekends, the taxi's apply an increased charge. Tips are not necessary. The Metropolitan is also a safe method of transport in rio, comfortable and reliable, but it is still relatively small and covers only short distances: the centre, Copacabana, Flamengo and Botafogo.

Practical information and resources[]

Currency: Real (BRL)

Electric supply: 110/120 volt. In some hotels 220 volts. An adaptor may be necessary. Climate : Rio de Janeiro is a tropical city. The summer runs from December to March with temperatures varying from '25 °C to 42 °C. Winter is from June to August with temperatures that can drop to 20 °C during the day and 16 °C during the night.

Language: Portuguese

Opening hours: Shops are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. Saturday from 9am to mid-day. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 10 to 4:30 pm

Telephones: To telephone Brasil dial 0055 followed by the area code and the private number. The code for Rio is 21.

Climate

Rio has a tropical climate.

January February March April May June July August September October November December Year
Max (°C) 31 33 29 25 22 19 15 17 20 23 25 27 21
Min (°C) 15 14 13 12 10 9 4 7 14 14 15 15 13
Precipitation (cm) 11 11 10 14 9 8 6 5 9 9 10 17 119

Restaurants[]

Text with links to user-reviews on other pages[]

Nightlife[]

Perhaps the main attraction of Rio is its vast choice of night life. The Carioca are a lively and happy population and manage to find a different way to enjoy themselves every evening of the week. It's possible to start with an evening meal in a restaurant followed by a cinema or theatre trip, or a drink in a bar or café, finishing off with a night club, discothèque or samba dance club.

Photo gallery[]

Add a new photo to the photo gallery. Vote on which images to feature in the featured images forum.



Everything else[]

Got something to say that doesn't fit in the other sections of this page? Add it here!


External resources[]

Add links to other sites here

Advertisement