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Spotlight on Rio de Janeiro
Population: 6,186,710
Language: Portuguese
When you think about Rio de Janeiro, you’re probably thinking of some sort of festival. Rightly so, it is known as the Carnival capital of the world! The city is set to be the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics is most definitely ready for the influx of tourists. Why? Rio is used to tourists sunning on their beaches and joining in on the festivities as it is already the most visited city in the southern hemisphere. So let’s talk about what draws people to this fun –loving city…
Carnival! This two century old festival takes place every year on the 4 days previous to the beginning of Lent. You’ll find millions taking to the Rio streets enjoy the endless parade of masked people and samba dancers. It is, without a doubt, the largest festival in the city. The second largest event is the Reveillon party held on New Year’s Eve. Over 2 million people flock to the sands of Copacabana beach to enjoy fireworks and champagne. Definitely an event on my personal bucket list!
Speaking of Copacabana beach, you’ll find that in the Zona Sul (South Zone) of the city along with other famous beach districts like Ipanema São Conrado & exclusive Lebion (the most expensive real estate in South America).
Want to get up to more than just sun soaking and Speedo watching on the beach? The Surf at Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra & Prainha offers you a chance to hit the waves. If you’re into scuba, the Cagarras Islands is main place that enthusiasts like to gather.
If you are a history buff, you’ll want to find yourself in the Centro area of the city, which known to be the historic centre of the city. There, you’ll find almost 6 centuries worth of historical sights, from cathedrals to monuments to squares,
Football anyone? And of course, when I say football I mean soccer to us North Americans. In the Zona Norte (North Zone) you’ll find the Estádo Maracanä, which will be hosting the final game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This stadium is one of the world’s largest soccer stadiums, seating 199,000 people! The CBF Basil national team plays the occasional game at this stadium so find out early if you want to try to score some tickets.
The Zona Norte is also home to many samba schools and the State University of Rio de Janeiro if you’re trying to figure out what else to do while you’re there!
The scenery – Brazil offers breathtaking views of the city and Atlantic beaches from its many mountain tops. Corcovado and Päo de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) are two of Rio’s most popular mountains. At the peak of Corcovado, you’ll find the iconic Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue that was named one the “New Seven Wonders of the World” in July 2007. The statue itself is the second largest Art deco statue in the world, standing at 39.6 meters (130 ft) high. The mountain is located in the Tijuca Forest National Park just west of city centre. Sugarloaf Mountain can be found at the mouth of the Guanabara Bay on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. To get up to the summit, you’ll have to take two cable cars…or you can climb it if you’re into extreme sports! On that thought, if you’re into extreme sports, why not hang glide from São Conrado?
With all the things to do during your stay, I’m thinking Rio de Janeiro could be one of those vacations you never forget!
