Travel Guides > Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro Travel

In the southeast region of Brazil, far removed from some of the country's more rugged terrain, sits sparkling Rio de Janeiro, a city long recognized for its energy and glamour. Dubbed "cidade maravilhosa" by the locals, Rio is certainly one of Brazil's most vibrant modern urban centers, but visitors to this city of non-stop fun will still enjoy the opportunity to view the real Brazil through the city's unique residents, its stunning beaches, and wealth of historic attractions.

Once a city of commercial importance, Rio de Janeiro became popular as a tourist mecca when the famed Copacabana Palace Hotel opened on Copacabana Beach in the mid 1930s. It's fine Brazilian music and luxurious accommodations attracted wealthy visitors from all over the world, particularly the Hollywood set, and Rio soon became the place to be seen.

Today, that's still the case. This city and its seven million inhabitants attract the highest number of visitors to Brazil, and tempt them to stay with their dazzling nightlife, welcoming beaches, and heart-pounding music.

What do you picture when you think of Rio de Janeiro? Many see in their mind's eye the statue of Jesus Christ perched on the mountaintop with his arms outstretched, protecting the city. Millions of visitors flock to the Corcovado each year to stand at the feet of Christ and admire the view from nearly 2,500 feet. Guests can take a steep rail line to the top of the mountain as part of this experience and the ride is almost as good as the view!

Another great view point is the top of Sugarloaf, which can be reached on foot if you're ambitious or otherwise via a cable car.

If history's your thing, head to the Museu Historico Nacional, which offers a comprehensive look at Brazil's history from about 1500 to the present through the use of thousands of artifacts and many unique displays.

Forte de Copacabana was built just before the start of World War I and is one of the largest forts found anywhere, with 39 foot thick walls and canons that fired unprecedented distances. Today, visitors will see the fort much as it looked in the 1910s, thanks to an excellent renovation project. It's a great hands-on place for the kids to enjoy.

For art-lovers, The Museu de Arte Naif do Brasil houses fascinating examples of primitive art while the Museu de Arte Moderna provides a great look at the best of contemporary local, regional, and national artworks. The Museu Nacional de Belas Artes is home to 18th and 19th century works, mostly by Brazilian and European artists.

Museums, natural attractions, and fine arts aside, the ultimate reason many come to Rio de Janeiro is for Carnaval. Celebrated on the four days just prior to Ash Wednesday - though much revelry starts earlier - this is the special event of all special events. The right amount of money will get you to one of the balls that kick off Carnaval, but if you're not privileged enough to garner an invitation to one of those, you'll be content viewing the parades of costumed revelers, sparkling floats, and non-stop music that fill the city before the somber Lenten season begins. If you're not in town for Carnaval, you can actually catch a rehearsal if you take some time to do a little research.