PORTS
Think of Rio de Janeiro and you immediately think of Carnival and caipirinhas, the sun-soaked beaches of Ipanema and Copacobana, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the city.
Rio de Janeiro
| Country: | Brazil |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Brasília |
| Population: | 185,000,000 |
| Time Zone: | GMT -3 |
| Currency: | Brazilian Real (R$) |
Music isn’t confined to Carnival time. The Cariocas – the people of Rio – will find any excuse to express themselves through music and dance, whether it’s a weekend on Ipanema beach, a football match at the Maracanã stadium or an impromptu samba circle in the street.
Food and drink is another big part of life in Rio which, until 1960, was the capital of Brazil. The wide variety of dishes on offer is testament to the many cultures of immigrants who have settled there.
For stunning views of the city, take the small train up Corcovado Hill to the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) or the cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Opened in 1912, it’s the third oldest in the world and carries up to 3,000 people a day.
Culture vultures and sun-worshippers will find plenty more ideas on the official tourism and eco-tourism sites.