After flying from Foz do Iguacu Airport (IGU) on GOL Airlines(GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentas) we arrived in the afternoon landing over the water at Galeao Airport (GIG) in Rio. First glimpses of Christ the Redentor Statute in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We are in Parque de Acquar on Quanabara Bay. The area was originally populated by the Tupi people..
Rio de Janeiro (River of January) is commonly referred to simply as Rio. It is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro and is the second largest city in Brazil. It was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries, from 1763 to 1815 during the Portuguese colonial era and from 1822 to 1960 as an independent nation. Rio is nicknamed A Cidade Maravilhosa (The Marvelous City). Rio de Janeiro is famous for its natural settings, its carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova and hotel-lined tourist beaches, such as Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. Two of its most famous landmarks in addition to the beaches are the giant statue of Christ, known as Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado Mountain and Sugarloaf mountain (Pão de Açúcar) with its cable car. The population of the city which occupies an area of 456.5 sq miles is about 6,100,000. The population of the greater metropolitan area is estimated at 11 to 13.5 million. Residents of the city are known as Cariocas. Rio de Janeiro is home to the largest Portuguese population outside of Lisbon in Portugal. Today, nearly half of the city's population is black or part black. Ro is a large city, so you will need transportation to almost any location.
CRIME IN RIO DE JANEIRO:The city continues to experience a high incidence of crime. Tourists are particularly vulnerable to street thefts and robberies in areas adjacent to major tourist attractions and on the main beaches. In 2008 there were attacks along trails leading to the famous Corcovado Mountain, on the road linking the airport and the South Zone and on the beaches of Copacabana. Travelers are advised not to take possessions of value to the beach. Gang violence is another epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, most of which is fueled by drugs, and largely accounts for the city’s high murder rate. Many members of these gangs (gangues) are children or teenagers. Gangs are also beginning to form in wealthy residential areas by middle-class youth.
Robbers and rapists sometimes slip incapacitating drugs into drinks at bars, hotel rooms, or street parties. While crime occurs throughout the year, it is more frequent during Carnaval and the weeks prior. In the weeks before Carnaval 2009, robbers ransacked two tourist hostels. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and victims are advised to relinquish personal belongings rather than resist or fight back. Over the past year, attacks against motorists increased. In Rio de Janeiro City, motorists are allowed to treat stoplights as stop signs between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to protect against holdups at intersections. Rio’s favelas are a subject of curiosity for many U.S. citizen visitors. However, most favelas exist outside the control of city officials and the police. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid Rio’s favelas, even those favelas that have been recently “pacified” by the state government. Several local companies offer “favela jeep tours” targeted at foreign tourists. U.S. citizens are cautioned that neither the tour company nor the city police can guarantee their safety when entering favelas.
Rio de Janeiro being one of the more violent cities in the world, the Rio police are as well. Don’t expect a uniformed police to put on his running shoes if he sees you are getting robbed. There is no point in informing the police on the street. If you have been robbed go straight to the Tourist Police at Av. Humberto de Campos 315, Leblon, they are open 24hours. They are specialized in handling foreigners problems and they are both fast and reliable. They speak English. If you have other legal issues contact your consulate , they are more likely to be able to help you.
SIGHTS IN TOWN Sugar Loaf is without doubt, the most dramatic introduction to Rio by sea. Because the best time to visit Sugar Loaf is late afternoon or early evening, ship tours typically end here. The summit is reached by a two-step cable car. The Pao de Açucar cable car carries 65 people at a lift speed of 18 feet per second and takes approximately 3 minutes to each level. It arrives at the 550 foot Morro da Urca level, which has a restaurant, amphitheatre, and a good view of the Botafogo Bay and the Yacht Club. In the amphitheatre is shown a very interesting film that tells the story of the construction and evolution of the cable car ride. Stage two proceeds to Sugar Loaf at 1,100 feet high. It is named for the resemblance to loaves of sugar used by the Portuguese.
Corcovado and the Statue of Christ are on top of Corcovado Mountain. At 2,330 feet, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer ranks among the world’s best-known and most-visited monuments. Access starts in the Cosme Vehlo District, aboard a cog-train running through the steep Atlantic Rainforest up to the foot of the statue. When going up, sit on the right hand side of the train for the best views even though you will be facing backwards. The train ride provides stunning glimpses of Rio from various angles. There are air-conditioned vans at the bottom which can take the road up to the summit (this may be best when there is a long wait for the train and it only costs R$15). The Statue of Christ, the Redeemer is 100 feet tall. It is faced with a soapstone mosaic in art nouveau style and is reached via steep steps, but there is an escalator for those not that fit or the elderly. The climb is worth it; with the view of Tijuca National Park spreading out below it is nothing short of spectacular.
Tijuca Forest is the world's largest urban forest. It spans 7,900 acres and sits on Rio's doorstep. Inside the forest, trails lead you past caves, waterfalls and an abundance of exotic and rare flora and fauna. Stop and enjoy a pre-packed lunch at the 'Mesa do Imperador', a massive granite picnic table. The famous Corovado Mountain and statue of Christ the Redeemer form part of the forest.
Teatro Municipal is one of the most resplendent buildings in the downtown area of Rio de Janeiro. Home of one of the largest stages in Latin America and hands down one of Brazil's most well known venues for opera, ballet, and classical music. The magnificent building was inspired by the Paris Opera of Garnier, and built in 1905 by the architect Francisco Pereira Passos. The statues on the top, of two women representing Poetry and Music, are by Rodolfo Bernadelli, and the interior is rich with lavish furnishings and fine paintings. Founded in 1909, It was designed after the famed opera house in Paris with close to 1,700 seats. It's sumptuous interior includes turn-of-the-century stained glass from France, ceilings of delicate rose-colored marble and a 1,000 pound crystal bead chandelier surrounded by a painting of the "Dance of the Hours."
Rio's Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botanico) were created in 1808 by the Prince Regent of Portugal as a temporary site for acclimatizing imported plants. Today it is home to some 2,600 species of plant life, particularly bromeliads and orchids. Color is added to the botanical treasures by a wealth of wildlife, such as Toucans, Tanagers, Marmoset monkeys and brilliantly colored butterflies. Bird-watchers are advised to show up in the early morning since 140 species have been spotted, including flycatchers, tanagers and the American hawk.
Flamengo Park (Parque do Aterro do Flamengo) is an urban public park of 1.2 miles of the Aterro or landfill. Its 4.6 square miles of lawns, flowering shrubs and trees are one of the loveliest and most important landscaping projects designed by Roberto Burle Marx. The park is maybe one of the best big urban modern parks in South America. It was made upon the demolition of one of the most important hills of the central area of Rio de Janeiro in 1949 (Saint Antonio hill). Made in 1960, this park has a very multi functional program, including sports activities and restaurants.
Municipal Park (Passeio Público) is an attractive 39,000 sq. yds of open space. The park was designed by Mestre Valentim, along with the painter Leandro Joaquim and other artists. Notable features are the pavilions in the park, with paintings by Joaquim and sculpture by Valentim, the fine Baroque entrance, the stone staircase, the Caiman and Bird Fountains, two pyramids and bronze statues of Apollo, Mercury, Diana and Jupiter.
Estádio do Maracanã was built over 50 years ago for use in the Soccer World Cup. It is the largest stadium on the continent with seating of over 95,000. The stadium is currently used to host the local soccer league games, and is the home of the Brazilian soccer team. Inside the grounds is a Hall of Fame honoring soccer greats such as Pele, Roberto Dinamite, Romário, Valdo and Bebeto all of whom have been honored by having their footprints cast in the sidewalk. A guided tour will take you through the hall, where you can enjoy a display of historical photographs and a great panoramic view of the city.
H. Stern Gem Museum is one big sparkling attraction for gem lovers. Workshop tours showcase the intricate steps in transforming a rough gemstone into a gorgeous jewel. The museum, visited on request, features Mr. Stern’s private collection of tourmalines and a variety of other gemstones.
Carnival and Carnival Museum: On the Friday before Shrove Tuesday, the mayor of Rio symbolically hands over city keys to King Momo, signifying start of an incomparable five-day party. Special bandstands throughout the city are built for parade viewing. Far from being a mere tourist attraction, the Carnival parade is a culmination of intense activity by community groups. To understand different facets of the parade, the small carnival museum in the Sambodromo has photographs and an informative English-speaking staff.
Museo Carmen Miranda has on display a collection of gowns and head-pieces for the diminutive Brazilian songstress Carmen Miranda who was often criticized by Brazilians for having become too “Americanized.” Her first major appearance in her famed baiana costume was in the 1939 movie Banana Terra, and from 1940 to 1953 she starred in 14 Hollywood productions. The entertainer who said all she needed to be happy was “a good bowl of soup and the freedom to sing” died of a heart attack at age 46 after collapsing on stage during a live Jimmy Durante show.
National Historical Museum (Museu Histórico Nacional) is housed in the Casa de Trem and the former Military Arsenal. It has a library, historical archives, large collections of coins, weapons and works of religious art. Of particular interest are the oval paintings by Leandro Joaquim depicting events in the history of the city, which are of great documentary importance.
Museo de Arte Moderna: A disastrous fire struck this spectacular building in 1978, requiring rebuilding the museum’s collection. Exhibits include contemporary Brazilian works by Candido Portinari from the 1940s and 1950s, along with drawings and etchings by Gregorio Gruber.
Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niterói) is famous for it’s spectacular design by the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer and the marvelous 360 degree views of Rio and Niterói from it. Opened in 1996 it is already well known around the world. The exhibitions and collections are nothing special and the shape of the building actually makes it difficult as an exhibition space. But for the beauty of the building, it is well worth a visit. It is located in Niterói that is Rios twin city 10 miles across the bay.
Museum of the Indian is dedicated to native Brazilians, their art and culture. The museum showcases, pottery, wood, straw and feathers used by tribes from throughout the sprawling country.
Museum of the Republic was the Brazilian “White House” where presidents worked when Rio de Janeiro was the country’s capital. Now it encompasses exhibitions, music, theater, cinema, video, a bookshop, and a restaurant. This is the first Latin American museum with an automated reference desk, giving access to more than 20,000 books and 80,000 documents.
National War Monument salutes Brazil’s dead from World War II. This memorial takes the form of two columns supporting a slightly curved slab representing two palms uplifted to heaven. Remains of Brazilian soldiers killed in Italy in 1944-45 are in the crypt. Beach attire including rubber-thronged sandals are not permitted.
Rio-Niteroi Bridge is located at Guanabara Bay connecting the cities of Rio de Janeiro and the municipality of Niterói. It is currently the longest prestressed concrete bridge in the southern hemisphere, and the sixth longest in the world. It is a haunched, hollow-box girder bridge built in 1974 with a pre-stressed concrete superstructure, a pre-cast concrete substructure on reinforced concrete piers. The total length of the bridge is 5.6 miles with 260 ft spans.
Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa) is a double tier of arches 210 feet high and 295 yards long, part of the Aqueduto da Carioca, which was constructed in the colonial period to bring water from the Rio Carioca to Largo da Carioca. This was the first major civil building project carried out in Rio de Janeiro. It is one of the familiar landmarks of Rio. Nowadays it is used to carry trams south from the city center to Santa Teresa.
Santa Teresa bonde (tram) is the last true tramway operation in South America. It commenced electric operation in 1891, replacing horse-drawn trams and expanding the horse-drawn route. The tramcars currently in operation are Brazilian-built and are of the cross-bench open sided design with trolley poles. The downtown terminal of the Tramway is Estação Carioca, located adjacent to the Petrobras Building and above the building's parking lot. No signs are evident and for a pedestrian the station can be a little difficult to find. Entrance to the platform is controlled by a single turnstile next to a window with a fare collector. The flat fare is R$0.60 which is the equivalent to approximately US$0.25. There is no charge for those who choose to stand on the running board instead of taking a seat. Passengers not commencing their journey at Estação Carioca pay the conductor on the tram. Passengers should bear in mind that all guidebooks advise against showing off expensive cameras, and recommend keeping a good hold on bags, as throughout the trip plenty of teenage boys join the tram for a short distance while hanging off the side.
Sambodromo is a center for Carnival activity. It seats 60,000 and handles sporting events, conferences and concerts the rest of the year. The best boxes are reserved for tourists and VIPs and has the seats closest to the parade.
Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro (Catedral Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro or Catedral de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro) is the seat of the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro. It is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro. The current church was built between 1964 and 1979 and replaced a series of old churches that had served as cathedrals since 1676. It is located in the centre of the city. Conical in form and with a 315 foot internal diameter and an overall height of 246 feet, it has a standing-room capacity of 20,000 people. The cathedral's four rectilinear stained glass windows soar 210 feet from floor to ceiling.
Nossa Senhora da Candelária construction begun in 1775 and dragged on into the late 19th century. This neo-classical church shows clear Italian influence: the ground-plan is a Latin cross, and the usual carved wood of the interior has given place to multi-colored marble. The exterior combines Baroque and Renaissance features. On the high altar are columns of Carrara marble and the doors are bronze.
Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência was begun in 1657. Among those who contributed to the decoration of the interior were Manuel and Francisco Xavier de Brito, two leading Portuguese sculptors and woodcarvers. The ceiling of the choir has the earliest trompe-l'oeil painting in Brazil (1732-36), the work of Caetano da Costa Coelho, who later painted the ceiling of the nave in the same style.
Copacabana beach area was just a small fishing village until a new highway changed its face in the 1900s. The Copacabana Palace Hotel first opened its doors in 1923, and since then the area mushroomed with Neoclassical and Art Nouveau skyscrapers, penthouses and apartments. The beach is 2.5 miles long and has white sand and calm water. Copacabana is a hot spot day and night with lifeguard posts, public showers, hotels, bars and open-air restaurants. It is particularly popular on New Year's. According to tradition, more than two million visitors and locals dress in white and congregate to celebrate.
Copacabana Fort is at the far end of the beach and dates from 1914. Since 1987 it has housed the Artillery Museum, which along with the Casa de Deodoro (Praça da República) and the Casa de Osório (Rua Riachuelo, Centro) forms part of the Army Historical Museum. Copacabana Fort boasts walls of reinforced concrete 39 feet thick. They protect a great cannon (305mm) that could fire a deadly shell14 miles out to sea. Along with the early 20th century gun-turrets for big guns, are modern armored cars and rocket-launchers. Among the other exhibits are two fragments of the Brazilian flag with which the rebel soldiers garrisoning the fort advanced against government forces in 1922, when eighteen of them were mown down.
Arpoador is the border between Ipanema and Copacabana. The name comes from the rock formation that gives you a wonderful view to both neighborhoods. Ipanema Beach is renamed Arpoador Beach once you go past Rua Francisco Otaviano.
Ipanema beach with its elite shops and restaurants is more subdued and a bit more sophisticated compared to Copacabana. There is an open-air free gym over at Praia de Diabo in Arpoador and there are volleyball courts and football fields all over. Why many people prefer Ipanema Beach to Copacabana is that there are fewer prostitutes, fewer scoundrels and more locals.
Leblon beach is pretty close to Ipanema beach; they are only separated by a small channel. You could say it’s the same beach looking at it from a distance. In the heart of Rio, Leblon Beach is a charming beach packed with exclusive hotels, restaurants, bars and boutiques. The beach is popular during the day with families, especially for Baixo Baby, a play area with toys and activities for kids.
Recreio beach is a paradise for surfers and individuals who want the whole beach to them selves. Heading from Barra da Tijuca, for about 7 miles, till you reach Estrada do Pontal, here you are on “Pioneers’ Playground” as locals call Recreio beach. Unlike Copacabana or other well-known and extremely crowded beaches in Janeiro, Recreiro beach has a lot to offer to the traveler seeking a peaceful place.
Botafogo beach is a charming small sand strip on the calm bay inlet looking out at Pão de Açúcar, or Sugar loaf. You will find a lot of Botafogo soccer shirts here, as the suburb has it’s own football team often in heated rivalry with their other Rio clubs, Fluminense, Vasco da Gama and Flamengo. As you probably already know, football is the national sport of Brazil and you will often see the beach filled with youngsters playing beach football or beach footvolley until the sun goes down.
Prainha beach is a drive of about 90 min. You'll pass Recreiro and Macumba, Pontal beaches. Be patient, you are passing a lot of beautiful wave formation and surf spots, but it's all worth it because you are about to arrive at one of Rio's most spectacular beaches. You’ll find a scenic, exotic, strap of white sand, surrounded by beautiful green hills. This is Prainha, meaning the little beach in Portuguese, one of the best surfing spots in Rio and a breath taking scenery away from the crowds.
Grumari Beach lies at the end of a short coastal drive southwest of Rio de Janeiro. It's located in an environmental protection zone, and is buffered by mountains that seem to spring up from the ocean. Between the ocean and these mountains, lies a "catinga" or semi arid coastal scrubland full of dense vegetation.
(info from my fellow "Cruise Critic" friend Lyle!!)
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