Rio de Janeiro | Paraty | Angra dos Reis | Buzios
Rio de Janeiro
The Marvellous City
One of the most famous cities in the world and arguably the most beautiful, Rio de Janeiro evokes images of the best that is travel in Brazil. It has a feeling that only those who have visited the city can explain. It has life, it has character, it is the Magnificent City.
Settled in 1555 by the French the Portuguese took control of the city in 1576. The southern capital for over two hundred years by the 18th century, Rio de Janeiro was becoming one of the most important cities in Brazil. For a short time the Portuguese monarchy lived in Rio, increasing the cities influence, so it was decided in 1834 the year of Brazilian independence that the capital was to be Rio. It remained the capital until Brasilia was constructed some 125 years later.
Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches:
If Rio de Janeiro is the marvellous city then Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are what makes it so beautiful. They are the most important reasons why people fall in love at first sight with Rio de Janeiro. It summarizes the best the city has to offer with legendary beaches, a bustling nightlife, restaurants to write home about, the most sophisticated streets for shopping in town, cultural centres, museums and the highest concentration of hotels than any other suburb in town, within all price ranges.
The beaches are the main attraction, with their white sand and crystal blue waters that are so much a part of Rio de Janeiro. Not just famous with the visiting tourists, the locals regularly use it to play sport and sunbath.
During the summer there are international beach soccer and volley ball championships played and other sports are promoted in arenas along the beach. Some beach kiosks are open around the clock, offering refreshments and snacks to the hungry beachgoers.
Christ the Redeemer: 
This is Rio's most famous icon and one of the most famous in the world. The Statue of Christ blessing and embracing the city with his open arms can be seen from most South Side neighbourhoods . The statue stands on the hill of Corcovado, which is 710 m tall and it is from there that the postcard pictures are guaranteed on a sunny day. The Statue of Christ stands 30 meters high and it is covered in a mosaic of soapstone.
On its base there is a small chapel. Contrary to popular belief the statue was not a gift from the French, that was the statue of liberty. In fact it was almost entirely hand built by craftsmen and women in small country towns around Brazil.
Sugar Loaf Mountain:
Shaped like a Victorian sugar loaf, Sugar Loaf Mountain stands high above the city of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay. The mountain is one of the most famous in the world and is a spectacular backdrop to Brazil’s most lively city. At 396 metres visitors can see excellent views of Rio de Janeiro from the top of the mountain, with the sunsets being particularly spectacular. Cable cars, take visitors to the top of the mountain, although more adventurous travellers may choose to make the steep climb on foot.