Rio de Janeiro

Brazil - Rio de Janeiro - Corcovado Cristo - P1150219Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil for about two centuries until Brasilia was developed in the 1960s. It is the second largest city in Brazil. It is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in the entire world. The Portuguese explorers landed in this area on January 1, 1502. The city exported gold, diamonds, and sugar for several centuries and became quite wealthy. With the coastal mountains and rich rain forests in the background and the Atlantic coast on the other side, the scenic beauty of the city would take away the breath of any visitor. Santos Dumont and Antonio Carlos Jobim airports serve the city.

If you really want to enjoy the fun and frolic of this enchanting city, then you could visit Rio on New Year Eve when the Festa de Iemanja festival is celebrated. Iemanja is the Water Goddess and Brazilians believe that she is the mother of all the gods. However, the Carnaval festival in February is considered the main attraction when thousands of visitors  throng the city to watch the scantily clad dancers, the terrific samba rhythms, and exotic parades for four days and nights.

Brazil - Rio de Janeiro - Copa Cabana - CarnivalIf you wish to explore and enjoy Rio completely, you would need to stay for a few weeks at least. However, if your stay is going to be somewhat short, then the famous beaches of Rio is the starting place for your vacation. The beaches of Corcovado, Carnaval, Ipanema, Copacabana, and several other lesser known beaches and bays could be explored in a leisurely fashion. Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da II Guerra Mundial is a monument dedicated to the Brazilian soldiers who died in Europe during World War II. Parque Nacional and Floresta da Tijuca is a sprawling forest area of 46 square miles, with creeks, waterfalls, walking trails, and varied greenery. Once you visit Rio de Janeiro, you would not only keep coming back but would also recommend the city to everyone known to you.

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