Introducing Rio de Janeiro
At once both a cinematic cityscape and a grimy urban front line, Rio de Janeiro, known as the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city), is nothing if not exhilarating. Flanked by gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests fronting deep blue sea, Rio occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any metropolis in the world. Tack on one of the sexiest populations on the planet and you have an intoxicating tropical cocktail that leaves visitors punch-drunk on paradise.
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With the seductive sounds of samba as their rallying cry, Rio’s residents, known as cariocas, have perfected the art of living well. From the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the tops of scenic outlooks of Corcovado and Pão de Açúcar to the dance halls, bars and open-air cafes that proliferate the city, cariocas live for the moment without a care in the world. This idea of paradise has enchanted visitors for centuries, and there are dozens of ways to be seduced. You can surf great breaks off Prainha, hike through Tijuca’s rainforests, sail across Guanabára, dance the night away in Lapa or just people-watch on Ipanema Beach.
While Rio has its share of serious problems, there are plenty of residents – expats included – who wouldn’t dream of relocating. It’s no coincidence Christo himself sits arms outstretched across the city, either.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Take a cog train to Christ the Redeemer and a cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain
- Cruise the beautiful wildlife-filled Sepetiba Bay on a schooner
- See Rio de Janeiro from the air in a helicopter
Last updated: Feb 7, 2012
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Samba: searching for the perfect beat
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: Renting a studio in rio
by inaciomartinelli 28 May 2012
Good websites (in english) to search: http://www.homeaway.com/ http://www.airbnb.com/ I saw this flat in hostelworld sometime ago,…
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RE: Renting a studio in rio
by amobr82 28 May 2012
Most apartments in "a normal neighborhood" come unfurnished and with a 30 month lease usually requiring a guarantor. Accomodation prices…
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RE: Buenos Aires to Rio De Janeiro - Bamba Experience? Green Toad?
by Peregrinef 28 May 2012
Flights within Brazil at the moment can be cheaper than the bus, but this tends not to be the case in Argentina. I think that the flight…








