Rio is an awe-inspiring city where impossibly
steep granite mountains rise from the ocean between glorious stretches of
golden sand. Brash skyscrapers vie for space with impeccable
colonial buildings,
and
lush forests tumble down hillsides into
densely populated residential areas.
Its
diverse cultures and
peoples live in varying degrees of
wealth or
poverty. Rich
exclusive areas stand in stark contrast and close proximity to the slum areas or
favelas. But no matter what their background or economic
standing, the
Cariocas (Rio’s residents) are characterized by a passion and
enthusiasm for life.
The
cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city) revels in
life, with the
beach,
football,
samba and
Carnival the principal diversions.
High above all this fun and frivolity are Rio’s ever-present landmarks - the statue of
Christ the Redeemer on the summit of Corcovado
(hunchback) mountain
and
Sugarloaf with its historic cable car.
As well as these twin icons, Rio boasts a
wealth of attractions and
activities, plus
great food,
music and
entertainment - enough to keep a visitor busy for any length of stay.
A natural port of the
Baía de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay) in southeast Brazil, the city was founded by the Portuguese on 1 January 1502. They named it
Rio de Janeiro (River of January), under the mistaken impression that it was an enormous river mouth. Since then, it has grown to a city of
over 6 million people, with a further 5 million in the greater metropolitan area.
Migrants find that the city has more than its fair share of
social problems. Attempts have been made to curtail crime, but visitors should remain alert to
petty thieves.
From a record low in 2002, the Brazilian Real has doubled in value against the US Dollar and rallied against other world currencies, so the country is not as cheap as it used to be. However, Brazil is still affordable and gaining in popularity - 2007 saw a 15% increase in visitors, mainly headed for Rio. With Brazil set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2014, that trend is likely to continue.
In Rio’s summer (December to February), temperatures regularly reach 40ºC (104ºF) or more. When the heat is on, tourists should follow the Brazilian example and hit the beach rather than rush around. These months are also peak season - not only are international flights more expensive, but domestic travel and hotels are charged at a premium and get booked up quickly.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Rio de Janeiro Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Brazil Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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