Rio de Janeiro, also known as Rio- one of the largest cities in Brazil, as well as a major port, the administrative center of the state of the same name and the former capital of the country (1764-1960). Population – about 6 million 400 thousand inhabitants (2012).
The city is located on the Atlantic coast over an area of 1260 square meters. km, near Guanabara Bay, the entrance to which is preceded by the “calling card” of Brazil - a mountain called Sugar Loaf.
One of the peculiarities of Rio is that the city is partially located on small rocky mountains and hills, giving it a special picturesque and unique feel.
It is currently the second most populous Brazilian city, as well as the country's 2nd largest industrial and financial center, after Sao Paulo.
Rio de Janeiro is known to tourists around the world primarily for its breathtaking landscapes - the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are adjacent to the Sugar Loaf, the statue of Christ the Redeemer and the giant bowl of the Maracanã stadium, which, by the way, is often called by locals the temple of the second Brazilian religion - football.
Perhaps one of the main cultural attractions of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in general is the world famous Brazilian Carnival. The city is home to several dozen samba schools, numerous representatives of which annually during Carnival days stage colorful performances at the local sambodrome, as well as processions through the streets of Rio.
But, like any large city, Rio de Janeiro also has its dark sides. First of all, this is a high level of crime, including that directed against foreign tourists.
And it’s not surprising, because in this Brazilian “city of contrasts” respectable urban areas coexist with huge slums (favelas), huddled mainly on the mountain slopes, where almost 20% of Rio’s population lives, and often there is no even basic amenities, but also flourishing drug trafficking and crime.
And although over the past 5 years the standard of living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro has increased noticeably, it is still better not to meddle in them on your own, so as not to accidentally spoil your holiday in Brazil, because the crime situation in this hotbed of crime leaves much to be desired.
But if the desire to see life in the favelas is still great, then it is better to book an organized tour from one of the local travel agencies. As a rule, they already have agreements with criminal clans, so such excursions are safe and go without problems.
Districts of Rio de Janeiro
Officially, Rio de Janeiro is divided into 160 municipalities and 34 administrative districts. Traditionally, the city is divided into four main districts:
Centro or Historical Center- the financial and business center of the city, with many historical buildings such as the Municipal Theatre, the National Library, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Tiradentes Palace, the Cathedral and the Pedro Ernesto Palace. The bohemian neighborhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa also belong to this area. The famous Sambodrome is also located here.
Zona Sul or South zone– includes the main tourist areas such as Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema and Flamengo. It is home to some of Rio's upscale neighborhoods and many of the main tourist sites, such as Laguna Rodrigo de Freitas, Sugar Loaf and Mount Corcovado with its Christ statue.
Zona Norte or Northern zone– this area is rarely visited by tourists; almost all the city’s stadiums are concentrated here, led by the famous Maracana.
Zona Oeste (West Zone) or Western zone– the farthest district from the city center, here are both the richest and poorest neighborhoods of Rio. Also located here is the Barra da Tijuca area, with an 18-kilometer beach, the longest in the city.
Story
Guanabara Bay was discovered by the Portuguese navigator Gaspar de Lemos on January 1, 1502. The Portuguese mistook the bay for the mouth of the river - hence the name of the city, translated from Portuguese Rio de Janeiro means “January river”.
The city of Rio de Janeiro was founded by the Portuguese on March 1, 1565, as a fortification to fight hostile Indian tribes and French pirates operating in local waters, and was originally called San Sebastian de Rio de Janeiro, in honor of the Portuguese king Sebastian I.
In 1763, colonial administration was transferred from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro, and it became the capital of Brazil for almost two centuries.
In 1960, the capital of Brazil was moved to the center of the country, to the city of Brasilia. Rio received the status of a city-state (Guanabara State). In 1975, the state of Guanabara was merged with the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the city became the capital of the united state.
In 2014, Rio de Janeiro will host the FIFA World Cup, and in 2016, the Summer Olympic Games.
Last changes: 04/23/2012Rio de Janeiro has a tropical, humid climate, from November to April it is hot, the maximum temperature during this period can reach 28-35 °C, and from May to September it is relatively cool.
The difference in average temperatures between the coldest and warmest months in Rio is no more than 3-5 degrees.
Average monthly water temperature: January-February +25 °C, March-April +22 °C, May-October +20 °C, November-December +23 °C.
Last changes: 05/01/2013Transport in Rio de Janeiro
Taxi
Taxi– is one of the best ways to get around Rio. There are yellow taxis with blue stripes on the sides and radio taxis (multi-colored). The yellow ones are a little cheaper (their drivers rarely speak English) and they are everywhere in the city, so stopping them won't be difficult (so there's not much point in ordering a taxi to the hotel). After you get into the car, don't forget to make sure the meter is on.
There is a day rate and a night rate (from 21:00 to 06:00, 10% more expensive). The cost of a minimum trip on a yellow taxi is 4.40 BRL (March 2011), the cost for 1 km is 1.60 BRL. On average, a trip from Ipanema to Copacabana will cost 5 BRL, from Copacabana to the historical center - 20 BRL, to the airport - 50 BRL. It is customary to tip the driver - approximately 10% of the amount on the meter.
Radio taxis - their advantage is that all cars are air-conditioned and the passenger pays a flat rate, regardless of the time of day or idle time in traffic jams. You can order a car by phone or through the website. Unfortunately, not all radio taxis yet have full-fledged websites where you can see the cost of a trip online.
Radio taxi websites – Rio Airport Transfer (rioairporttransfer.com), Cootramo (cootramo.com.br), Radio Taxi Coopertramo (radio-taxi.com.br)
Buses
Buses– the most common type of urban public transport. Stops and boarding are carried out, as a rule, at the request of passengers, usually boarding at the front door and exiting at the back (the word entrada means entrance, saida means exit). Payment for the fare is made at the entrance to the driver or conductor, the trip will cost from 2.75 BRL (air-conditioned buses charge higher fares).
At almost all stops in the tourist South Zone of the city there are numbers and descriptions of routes.
During rush hour, buses are always crowded and there is a risk of being robbed (it is better not to take valuables and money with you on such trips).
Metro
In addition, some places in Rio de Janeiro can also be reached by metro– it is small and has only 48 km of tracks and 35 stations. To date, only two lines are open (out of the planned four) - the First Line and the Second Line.
The second metro line is of greatest interest among tourists, as it connects the tourist South Zone (Ipanema, Copacabana) with the historical center of the city.
The trains have a Portuguese-English public address system, all of them are equipped with air conditioning and light displays indicating the direction of the train and the next station.
At stations there are posters in English and Portuguese describing nearby attractions.
Metro operating hours: on weekdays from 05:00 to 24:00, on weekends - from 07:00 to 23:00
By 2016, it is planned to put into operation the fourth line, which will connect the South Zone with the West (Barra da Tijuca and Recreio areas).
The third metro line (its construction is still in the planning stages) will connect Rio de Janeiro and the neighboring cities of Niteroi, Sao Gonçalo and Itaborai (part of the line will pass under Guanabara Bay).
Car rental
If you need more freedom of movement in Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings - rent a car. The largest car rental companies are Localiza, Hertz, Avis.
Daily rental cost is from 100 BRL. Cars come with or without air conditioning, from economy class to business class. There is an additional option for installing GPS.
A Russian driver's license can be used to drive a car in Brazil for 6 months (after this period, foreigners must obtain a Brazilian license).
When driving a car, you must have your passport with you.
In addition, a credit card is required when signing a rental contract. Be prepared for the fact that if you break traffic rules, the cost of the fine will be written off (this can happen even within 3-4 months after you return the car). Last changes: 03/19/2017
Beaches of Rio de Janeiro
Beaches for residents of Rio de Janeiro are more than just a strip of sand for sunbathing and swimming. People come here to chat with friends, meet new people, play sports (beach sports, open-air gyms and surfing), and also just sit and admire the ocean and the beach party.
Last changes: 12/15/2012Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro
Most of the most popular hotels with tourists in Rio de Janeiro are located in the tourist South Zone, along the beaches of Ipanema (here prices are usually 30% higher) and Copacabana (here are the main decent hotels in the mid-price category), but there are many small, cheap and clean hotels throughout the Flamengo and Catete area.
Accommodation in Rio is probably the most expensive in Brazil. There is a relative shortage of inexpensive hotel rooms, so it is recommended to make hotel reservations in advance.
In addition, prices skyrocket (sometimes more than tripling) during the New Year and Carnival. During this time, most hotels in tourist areas only sell 4-day packages, and even if you only want to stay a couple of days, you will have to pay for the package in full. During this period it is also recommended to make reservations in advance.
Besides New Year and Carnival, the busiest month is January - the summer holidays in Brazil.
Last changes: 11/26/2014It is considered a top vacation spot, and it has become such since the time when Brigitte Bardot and Madonna “hanged out” there. In general, all bohemians strive to visit there. Don’t despair, entry there is also open for ordinary people. I'm not talking about the luxurious hotels of Copacabana and the climb to the world famous statue of Christ the Savior, there are a sufficient number of other, no less luxurious places and attractions that you can visit in this delightful city - Rio de Janeiro. So, let's go.
To experience the atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro for myself, I bought tickets through aviasales service, and went on a journey to the land of carnival and eternal celebration. Despite the fact that Brazil offers various tours, I still decided to go to this wonderful place on my own. And having bought flights to Rio de Janeiro, I flew off to meet adventures.
Yacht tour to Guanabara Bay
There is no need for your own yacht to visit this beautiful city. But the holiday in Rio itself provides you with many opportunities. So a short excursion on a sailboat to Guanabara Bay, taking into account the relatively low prices for drinks from the bar, will be a great way to spend the whole evening.
The feeling of a tropical breeze and luxurious views on the horizon will make you feel like the same Madonna. Such excursions also include short stops on some of the small islands in the bay, diving and visits to wild beaches. In general, you will be provided with an experience of a lifetime from a two to three hour trip.
Visit Buzios
Ten pages are probably not enough to describe all the delights and attractions this small town not far from . Let's return again to Brigitte Bardot, who in her youth, hiding from the paparazzi, went to what was then a small fishing village for the purpose of a calm, quiet holiday. It was her presence that helped turn that village into one of the most sought-after places in the entire Brazil.
You can still meet international stars there in a simple T-shirt and shorts, drinking beer and basking in the warm sun. And believe me, you can easily stay in a regular hotel and visit a regular restaurant here for mere mortals like me.
Beaches of Ipanema
For many years, the famous Copacabana district was considered the most fashionable holiday destination in all of Rio, but for those who want a more relaxed leisure time without large parties and 24-hour buzz, we can suggest heading further west to the Ipanema district. Or just book a tour of Rio, then you can visit many wonderful places. And the prices for tours are, in principle, reasonable.
My journey here began with a visit to a large hippie market for which the word “legality” does not exist. Believe me, here you can buy everything to go to nirvana or meet Bob Marley.
In addition, this region is known for cheap jewelry. For example, diamond jewelry is sold on the beaches here, just like the same bakery products here. The sunset deserves special attention; it is beautiful enough to watch sober, but more romantic with a Caipirinha in hand.
Drink tea at Copacabana Palace
Copacabana Palace is considered the place where all the famous people of our generation have visited. But to be honest, the Queen herself rested here. The hotel itself opened its doors back in 1923 and was a special “dacha” for the royal family and all the cream of society.
But, despite the expensive hotel rooms, here you can just sit on the terrace, drinking tea with a national dessert, and feeling on top of the world. Several hundred photos will definitely decorate your album.
Dinner at Satyricon
If you're looking for something more substantial than afternoon tea, I can recommend Satyricona in Ipanema. This classic Italian seafood restaurant is frequented by Madonna when she is in Rio de Janeiro and the great king of football - Cristiano Ronaldo (this guy, judging by his reviews of Rio, visited all the local establishments).
This is, of course, not the cheapest place in the city, but the service here is adequate, therefore, this place can be used as a place to spend your last evening in Rio de Janeiro.
Climbing Mount Christ the Savior
No visit to Rio would be complete without visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Christ the Savior, or as it is called here - Cristo Retendor, is considered the largest art-decorated statue in the world. Christ statue located on the peak of Mount Corcovado in the Tijuca Forest National Park, overlooking the entire city. This statue became an icon not only for Rio, but for all of Brazil.
A short story about Copacabana deserves special attention. Copacabana Beach today is a very visited place in, the most popular Brazil, and one of the most famous beaches in the world.
When foreigners think of Rio de Janeiro or Brazil, Copacabana Beach immediately pops up in their minds (and only then, of course, samba, football, beautiful women and their characteristic carnivals, the 2016 Olympic Games, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf pop up and so on).
Talking about the best time of year to spend a few days on Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach is beautiful all year round, since the weather in Rio de Janeiro from January to December differs only by two to three degrees. During the winter months (don't be alarmed that these are July, August and September) the temperature here averages 20-22 °C, while the water temperature drops to about twenty degrees.
You can consider this time a full-fledged velvet season. In addition, this temperature stays here around the clock, and you will not feel the difference if you go to the beach at 12 noon and at 2 am. And you don’t have to worry about all sorts of natural disasters such as hurricanes, cyclones or tsunamis - we’ve never even heard of such things here.
Copacabana itself in Rio de Janeiro is incredibly crowded with tourists at any time of the year, not only during the day, but also at night. Let me give you the numbers: 100 hotels per square kilometer, more than 1 million tourists per season, more than 20 carnival days a month and long weekends on holidays, when people from all over Brazil come there. Look for yourself how many hotels there are here
This abundance is due to the fact that it has quite decent prices for tours, and besides, there are many different beautiful places, huge beaches and delicious national dishes.
Depending on your income, you can offer several hotels in different price categories. Naturally, it is considered the most famous and cool hotel here, and in general no one argues with this. Cheaper hotels are in the western part of the city, closer to Ipanema.
Some of the cheapest places to stay are Windsor Palace and Atlantic Copacabana - mere mortals or those who are too lazy to spend money on more expensive hotels relax here.
The highlight of Copacabana is definitely its beach. In addition, I recommend visiting the huge promenade in Rio de Janeiro with dozens of cafes offering Caipirinhas of all colors and varieties.
For those who don’t know, this is the national Brazilian cocktail. In addition, among the views of Copacabana, we can also recommend the Fort of the same name, which is a must-visit place when staying here.
It is worth noting that bicycles are available for rent here, so for a reasonable fee you can travel not only all of Copacabana, but also all of Ipanema.
Is it expensive to visit Copacabana?
Copacabana is not the most expensive area in Rio de Janeiro. However, Rio de Janeiro itself is one of the most expensive cities in South America, and this is felt regardless of the area in which you holiday.
In fact, prices here are rising steadily every year. Planning a budget trip? Then visit Rio de Janeiro off-season while staying in Ipanema in no time.
Well, a few final tips from me
1) Don't spend too much money on airport transfers. I recommend that you immediately think about the route from the airport to your place of residence, since local bigwigs here can drive up prices so much that you could live here for two days, and you won’t even think that it’s possible to find cheaper. The cheapest way to get to the other end of the city is, naturally, by bus. The most expensive bus fare is $4. But even if you don’t have the opportunity to go by this type of transport, order a taxi directly from your hotel, in any case it will be easier.
Of course, the favelas and extreme poverty in some indigenous areas of the Amazon prove otherwise, but it's worth bearing in mind that Brazil has already eclipsed the UK as the world's sixth-largest economy. True, the prices here are appropriate; the visa fee alone is $140.
3) Try to learn at least a little Spanish
Take with you not only a Spanish phrasebook, but also a Portuguese one. A huge number of different diasporas from other countries in South America live here, which naturally affects the local dialect. I’ll give you the simplest example: in one store you can buy yourself a chocolate bar, and in another they will look at you with wide eyes and give you a bottle of Brahma instead of the desired product. It’s good to have a choice of where to shop or go out to dinner, but you won’t always have it.
4) Realistically assess the possible risks of staying in Rio
For many years, Rio was one of the most dangerous cities in South America, however, this fact has never stopped tourists from visiting it. In general, you don’t have to worry about street thefts or possible violence from locals. This is absolutely not true.
I don’t argue, the city has become much safer than before, and this parameter is growing every year, still for the sake of tourists. Even excursions to favelas have now become available, but this does not mean that crimes are not committed in this city. Of course, you don’t need to be paranoid, but I personally recommend not to forget about the rules of being in a big city. Be careful when leaving valuables at home, it is better to remove them from a visible place, use taxi services at night, and, of course, trust your intuition.
Have a good time and try not to spend too much
On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean there is a beautiful city called Rio de Janeiro, which greets us with a huge statue of Jesus. Christ. The monument is located on the top of Mount Corcovado, its height is 38 meters and its weight is 1145 tons. The statue of Christ is rightfully a symbol of the city, and is also recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world.
The city itself is a kind of bay with a large number of huge and famous beaches, such as Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana. Their snow-white sand, clear water and local flavor will not leave anyone indifferent. Also the hallmark of Rio is the Sugarloaf Mountain. There are no majestic or unique monuments on the mountain, but the view of the city is truly stunning. On the lower hill there is a restaurant where you can enjoy national dishes.
In Brazil, the most popular sports are samba and football. Therefore, it is quite expected that the Maracana Stadium, unique in its architecture and area, is located on the territory of the city. It can accommodate up to 200,000 fans. For a long time, the stadium ranked first in the world in size and capacity. The construction of the arena was associated with Brazil's preparations for the 1950 FIFA World Cup. The stadium was also used in the 2014 World Cup. P.s.: Do you like the Black Sea? Go to Odessa! There is no need to spend money on expensive hotels - http://odessastay.com/ru/, this is exactly what you need! Low cost, convenient location, high-quality repairs.
When remembering Rio de Janeiro, one cannot help but touch upon the theme of carnival. It begins forty days before Easter and is a truly spectacular event. The essence of the carnival is that different samba schools compete with each other. They prepare for this event almost a year in advance. Dancers in very beautiful, colorful costumes on huge moving platforms compete for the title of the best sambo school. Moreover, the procession of one school can take several hours.
Another unchanging tradition of the holiday is that at exactly seven in the evening, at the time of the beginning, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro symbolically, for four days, transfers the reins of government of the city to the king of the carnival. The winner is chosen by voting of forty jury members, live on one of the central television channels. Preparations for the next carnival begin immediately after the end of the previous one. The Rio Carnival takes place over the course of a week and is a truly spectacular show.
In addition to the above, Rio is also famous for its unique botanical garden, which contains more than 7,000 species of plants. In the city you can also visit the National Museum, the Tijuca National Park, and the Museum of Modern Art. Brazil is a country of contrasts and Rio de Janeiro is the main confirmation of this. The city is bright, colorful and unique, just like Brazil itself. It is its pearl and cultural capital. When you remember Brazil, you involuntarily associate it with Rio.
Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil, population 6.4 million. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded on both sides by mountains and the sea. The main attraction of Rio is the statue of Christ the Redeemer.
The city of Ostap Bender’s “crystal dream,” where, as the great schemer believed, “everyone wears white pants,” actually turned out to be a city of contrasts. Rio de Janeiro is famous for the annual Brazilian carnival, but at the same time, the city has a consistently high crime rate, and the slopes of the surrounding mountains are home to squalid housing - favelas - the poorest areas of the city.
The Portuguese founded Rio de Janeiro in the mid-16th century. The Gulf of Guanabara itself, on the western shore of which the metropolis is located, was discovered on January 1, 1502 by Gaspar de Lemos. True, the Portuguese navigator mistook the bay for the mouth of a large river, and this misunderstanding gave the name to the city: “January River”.
Rio de Janeiro was the capital for many years: first of a colony, then of the united kingdom of Portugal and Brazil, then of the Brazilian Empire and, finally, until 1960, of the Republic of Brazil.
The main attraction and real symbol of Rio de Janeiro is the statue of Christ the Redeemer. It took about 9 years to build and opened in October 1931. In 2007, about 90 million Internet users voted to include the monument among the seven “new wonders of the world.”
The statue of Christ the Redeemer is located in the Tijuca National Park on the top of Mount Corcovado. The height of the sculpture with a pedestal is 38 meters, weight is 635 tons, arm span is 28 meters.
The highest point in Rio de Janeiro, the sculpture is regularly targeted by electrical discharges. Most often, for some reason, the right hand suffers; in 2013 and 2014, lightning chipped off fragments of the fingers. For express repair of the statue, a reserve of the stone from which it is made has been created.
At the foot of the statue, at an altitude of more than 700 meters above sea level, there is an observation deck with panoramic views of the city and the bay.
Every year, about 2 million tourists climb to the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The railway helps ensure this flow. It was built at the end of the 19th century. Its length is 3.8 km, the journey to the top takes 20 minutes.
The idea of erecting a statue of Christ the Redeemer arose in 1921 on the eve of the 100th anniversary of Brazil's national independence. All the details of the monument were made in France; they were delivered to the top of Mount Corcovado by rail.
Botafogo is a prestigious area (and the beach of the same name) in the southeast of Rio de Janeiro. Mostly wealthy upper class people and businessmen live here.
"A bay within a bay." The artificial bay Marina da Gloria was built in 2006 for the Pan American Games in Rio for sailing competitions. Yachtsmen competed here during the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Business center of Rio de Janeiro. The large bridge over Guanabara Bay is visible in the background.
Nestled among the high-rise buildings in the center of Rio is the Municipal Opera and Ballet Theater in Plaza Cinelandia. Opened in 1909. A Brazilian and a Frenchman reached the finals of the architects' competition. The Brazilian turned out to be the son of the local prefect. In order to suppress accusations of favoritism, the final project of the municipal theater in the neo-Renaissance style was adopted in the form of a compilation of ideas from domestic and overseas authors.
Throughout the 20th century, due to the growing population of the city, the theater was reconstructed and expanded several times. Today it accommodates more than 2,300 spectators.
The Carioca Aqueduct in downtown Rio de Janeiro is a prime example of colonial architecture and engineering. Maximum height 17.6 meters. From the middle of the 18th century, it delivered water from the Carioca River to the population of the city. Before this, water was carried to Rio, surrounded by swamps, by hand.
Since the end of the 19th century, the aqueduct, which stopped working as intended, has served as a railway bridge. It is served by the only remaining St. Teresa tram in the city. A popular route connects the city center with the Santa Teresa area. It was closed in 2011 after a disaster and the death of 6 people. Having strengthened security measures, traffic was resumed in 2015.
The famous Selaron Staircase gained fame at the end of the 20th century, when the Chilean artist Jorge Selaron decided to mosaic the steps of the stairs near his home in the center of Rio. The poor Brazilian colleague was helped by artists from all over the world; tiles for the mosaic in red, yellow, blue and green (the colors of the Brazilian flag) were sent from 60 countries, including Russia.
The length of the staircase passing through two blocks exceeds 120 meters, it has more than 200 steps. In one of them in 2013, the body of Jorge Selaron was found with burns from an ignited solvent. The artist died next to the work that made him famous. The causes of death remained unclear. The police did not rule out the possibility of murder or suicide.
Cultural Center of the Navy. The historic headquarters building of the Brazilian Navy was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Today in the museum's exhibition you can see sea vessels and a submarine, as well as a ship from the First World War. The center also organizes sightseeing tours around the waters of Guanabara Bay.
Presidential Vargas Avenue. In the background is Snake Island with the center of the Brazilian Navy.
A monument of colonial architecture and one of the main religious buildings in Brazil is the Catholic Church of Candelaria on President Vargas Avenue. According to legend, having fulfilled their oath, two Spaniards built it at the beginning of the 17th century: their ship “Candelaria” was almost destroyed by a storm, and the passengers promised heaven to build a church if they were saved.
The heart of the historical part of Rio de Janeiro is Carioca Square. Santos Dumont Airport is in the background.
On a hill next to Carioca Square is located one of the oldest buildings in Rio - the Monastery of St. Anthony. Its history begins in 1592, when the first Franciscans arrived in Rio de Janeiro, and a few years later they began to build the first buildings on Mount St. Anthony.
Headquarters of Petrobras, Brazil's state-controlled and world's seventh largest oil and gas company. Local residents do not like the non-standard 29-story gray building made of reinforced concrete and call it a “monster.” On the right in the photo is the building of the state national development bank of more familiar forms.
Monumental Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro. The building was built in the modernist style in 1964–1979. The cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Sebastian.
The shape of the cathedral is a truncated cone 75 meters high. Up to 20 thousand people can be inside.
The Museum of Tomorrow is a large exhibition and conference center dedicated to the environmental and social problems of Brazil and the entire planet.
The futuristic form of the Museum of Tomorrow complex was designed and implemented by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The total area of the center exceeds 15,000 square meters. m.
The “Museum of Tomorrow” uses its own electricity: it is generated by solar panels located on the cantilever roof of the building; during the day they automatically turn after the luminary.
Rio Branco Avenue in the center of Rio de Janeiro.
The unique Sambodrome street was built in 1984 specifically for the organized holding of the legendary Brazilian carnivals and other mass public events.
The Sambodrome is a 700-meter street with stands for 80 thousand people. During the 2016 Olympics, archers competed at the Sambodrome.
Contrasts. A common sight in Rio: shacks in the shadow of mirrored skyscrapers.
One of the main prides of football-crazy Rio residents is the Maracanã stadium. Until the end of the 20th century, the arena was the largest in the world, it could accommodate up to 200 thousand spectators. However, after a series of reconstructions dictated by safety requirements, the stadium abandoned virtually free standing places. Today the Maracana seats just under 80 thousand spectators and has lost the palm. In 2016, the stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games.
Brazil Central Train Station. The station has existed since 1858; the modern building in the art deco style was built in 1943 and today is one of the architectural dominants of Rio de Janeiro. Up to 700 thousand passengers pass through the central station every day.
The Central Station tower is topped with a clock on all sides. An interesting detail: the four dials often show different times. It's not a matter of different time zones. It’s just that the mechanisms regularly break down, and the clock stops on one side or the other.
Next to the Central Station is the so-called Duca de Caxias Palace, the high-rise building of the central command of the Brazilian Army.
Launched in 1979, the Rio de Janeiro Metro has 4 lines and about 40 stations. Today, the Rio metropolitan area in Brazil is the second largest after São Paulo.
Brazilian cemetery.
The building of the Museum of the History of Brazilian Firefighters. Regular fire departments in Brazil were created in 1856 by order of Emperor Pedro II.
Tiradentes Square. Named in honor of the national hero and revolutionary Joaquín José da Silva Xavier (a dragoon officer studied dentistry in his youth, which is why he received the nickname “Tiradentes” - “tooth puller”). He participated in a conspiracy against Portuguese colonial rule and was executed in this square on April 21, 1792. In the center of the square is Rio's oldest public statue, erected in 1862. This is an equestrian figure of the first Emperor of Brazil, Pedro I, who proclaimed the country's independence.
Snake Island. It houses a complex of buildings and structures serving the Brazilian naval forces: shipyards, an arsenal, the headquarters and central hospital of the Navy, the main command of the Marine Corps, etc.
The aircraft carrier "Sao Paulo" at the pier on Snake Island. Built in France, it has been in service with the Brazilian Navy since 2000.
Brazilian Navy frigate Bosisio (F 48) in dry dock on Snake Island.
The longest (13,290 meters) and highest (72 meters) bridge across Guanabara Bay in Brazil. Connects the municipalities of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi. Built in 1974 and named after the then head of state, President Costa e Silva, the initiator of the crossing.
One of the two main airports in Rio de Janeiro is Santos Dumont. Named after Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont.
The legendary Copacabana is a 4-kilometer sandy beach located south of the center of Rio de Janeiro. It got its name from the name of a fishing village that was once located here. The Avenida Atlantica promenade runs along the beach. In the 50s of the 20th century, representatives of the artistic bohemia settled here, today wealthy Brazilians bought up houses on the embankment. Copacabana regularly hosts concerts with huge crowds. In 1994, Rod Stewart's performance with 3.5 million spectators was included in the Guinness Book of Records.
The Copacabana Palace, the most prestigious hotel in Rio, faces the beach. The complex consists of an 8-story main building and a 14-story additional building.
Copacabana. Almost all of Rio de Janeiro is located between hills and mountains.
Ipanema is another famous place on the map of Rio (including thanks to the popular musical composition “The Girl from Ipanema”). A prestigious area in the southern part of Rio and the beach of the same name.
In the Indian language, “Ipanema” means “smelly water.” However, this epithet has an indirect relation to today’s Rio region: this piece of land in the 19th century belonged to a certain businessman and was named after his family estate in a completely different region of Brazil.
Arpoador. A rocky cape that actually separates the beaches of Ipanema on one side, and Praia do Diabo and Copacabana on the other. The tiny peninsula is known for its big waves and attracts surfers.
Leblon beach. It received its name in honor of the Frenchman Leblon, the owner of one of the farms that were located in the area in the 19th century.
Favelas. Another symbol of Rio de Janeiro, this time infamous. There are areas of poor illegal slums in almost all underdeveloped countries, but only the favelas of Rio de Janeiro have become famous throughout the world.
There are several thousand favelas in the city. Essentially, these are mini-states within a state. Federal authorities practically do not interfere in favela affairs. The standard of living here is very low, often there are no basic amenities - schools, hospitals, etc.
Favelas have an extremely unfavorable crime situation and terrible sanitary conditions.
The largest favela in Rio de Janeiro and all of Brazil is Rocinha. Its population is estimated at 200 thousand people.
Rocinha is a real city within a city. Unlike other favelas, there are several medical and social institutions and even its own television station. Despite warnings, tourists often visit the area at their own risk.
On the eve of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, massive police and army “clean-ups” were carried out in the favelas. However, it was never possible to establish complete government control in an area of rampant poverty and thriving drug trafficking.
Monolith rock of Pedra da Gávea. Together with Mount Corcovado and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, it has the status of a national park.
Many Russian-speaking people, hearing the name Rio de Janeiro, they immediately remember the Great Combinator, whose crystal dream was this city. Remember, Ostap Bender, performed by Andrei Mironov in the film “The Twelve Chairs,” sang:
"Trust the tramp and the poet
There is a city of my happy dreams in the world,
Don’t say he doesn’t exist!”
Today's Rio de Janeiro in all respects resembles the “city of happy dreams.” Ostap read in the Small Soviet Encyclopedia about the amazing bay, rich shops, magnificent buildings, coffee exports, mulattoes...
“Just imagine Shura, 1.5 million people, and everyone in white pants!”
That's right, in the last 75 years alone, Rio's population has grown to 6.4 million inhabitants, of which only a few can be seen in white pants.
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Rio de Janeiro - City of Happy Dreams
Rio de Janeiro(port. Rio de Janeiro) or simply Rio is the capital and former capital (1764-1960), a center of tourism, one of the largest and most visited cities in the whole. It is considered a real “pearl” of Brazil, located on the Atlantic coast in one of the most magnificent bays on the planet. , among the green slopes of the mountains and many kilometers of beaches, gives a special uniqueness and a certain charm. The city also attracts the attention of tourists from all over the planet with its annual carnivals, incendiary sambo and one of the 7 new wonders of the world - famous throughout the world.
No wonder the Brazilians claim that God created the world in 6 days, on the seventh day the Creator created Rio de Janeiro!
Beautiful Rio de Janeiro from a bird's eye view
Its name translates as "January River". The area is 1260 km², the population is about 6.4 million people, making it the second most populous and largest city in Brazil, after.
Did you know that the city was discovered and named by the famous Italian navigator?
Due to its beauty, Rio is also sometimes called Cidade maravillosa, which means “Amazing City”. And the locals like to call themselves carioca.
A little history
The area where the city is located was discovered on January 1, 1502 by a navigator from Portugal Gaspar de Lemos decided that this was the mouth of the river. This is where the name Rio de Janeiro comes from, literally “January River” in Portuguese. The city itself was founded 63 years later as a fortification for defense against hostile Indian tribes and French and Spanish pirates.
In 1555, the territory in the Guanabara Bay region was occupied by the French, who managed to establish contact with the local indigenous tribes. The French intended to establish their colony here under the name " French Antarctica"(French France Antarctique).
In order to prevent occupation by France, in 1565 the Portuguese royal house sent an army here under the command of an officer, who in March 1565 founded the city of Rio de Janeiro on the southern shore of the bay and, together with his army, waged a fierce war for 2 years. war with an alliance of French colonists and local Indians. In 1567, in one of the battles, he was wounded in the eye by a poisonous Indian arrow and died a month later. However, he completed his mission: the French were defeated and expelled from these lands.
By the beginning of the 17th century, with the discovery of gold and diamond deposits in Brazil, mountains of gold and diamonds were exported to Portugal through the city port of Rio, which became Brazil's largest export hub. The rapid economic growth of the region contributed not only to its active settlement by Portuguese immigrants, but also to the importation of large numbers of African slaves for hard labor on sugar and coffee plantations.
From 1763 to 1815 Rio was the capital of all South American colonies of Portugal (all of colonial Brazil).
In 1808, after the capture of the Iberian Peninsula by Napoleon Bonaparte, the entire Portuguese royal family, taking with them the entire treasury of the Portuguese crown and several hundred noble nobles, fled to Brazil and settled in their residence in Rio. The arrival of the royal family greatly influenced the development of the city, both infrastructural and cultural. A large number of hospitals, educational institutions, churches, the first bank branches, etc. began to open in Rio. Later (Jardim Botânico), the Royal Library (nowadays), the Royal Military Academy, etc. were built.
This was followed by a process of cultural improvement of the region, which was influenced by the arrival of a large number of European artists and architects hired to shape the appearance of Rio. At the same time, the Royal School of Sciences, Arts and Crafts was opened.
In 1960, an artificially constructed symbolic city became the capital of Brazil, and Rio de Janeiro acquired state status.
general information
Officially, the city is divided into 34 districts and 160 municipalities. Local residents unofficially divide it into 4 parts:
Centro (Centro) or Central Historical Zone - the financial and business center of Rio. It is here that the fashionable areas of Santa Teresa and Lapa, the famous Sambadromo, as well as many buildings of historical significance are located:, etc.
Zona Sul (Zona Sul) or South Zone - this includes the main tourist areas such as Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo, and Leblon. Here is part of the bohemian quarters and many of the main tourist sites: with the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf and.
Zona Norte (Zona Norte) or Northern Zone - almost all major sports stadiums are concentrated here, led by the giant football stadium, which is one of the largest in the world, accommodating up to 95,000 spectators. Local residents often call the Maracana nothing less than the temple of the second (after Catholicism) Brazilian religion - football.
Zona Oeste or Western Zone - the area furthest from the center, located in the southwest. Basically, there are poor neighborhoods and huge favelas. This also includes the area of Barra da Tijuca, with its longest beach of 18 kilometers.
Evening Rio
Recently, ordering excursions from. has become a very fashionable, exciting and not so expensive solution. What is very important, our Russian-speaking residents!
Weather and climate in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by mild winters, sultry hot summers and a fairly long period of heavy rains, which often cause floods and mudslides in the city.
The average annual temperature is about +27°C, air humidity is about 90% almost all year round. From May to September (winter) the sun is almost always shining here. The lowest temperature level during this period can drop to a maximum of +18°C. It's funny that the Cariocas (locals) find this temperature insanely cold. In November-March (summer), the climate becomes less predictable: many hot sunny days, followed by torrential downpours and tropical heat up to +30-40°C.
The coldest and wettest month is July, so going here in July is not exactly a good move. The hottest month is February. In general, any month can be suitable for relaxing on the beach, except July, because... The water temperature does not drop below +20°C all year round. The average annual temperature is also very favorable for a wonderful holiday throughout the year - on average +23°C.
Sights of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is known to tourists from all over the world for its many breathtaking landscapes and attractions.
The main calling card and symbol of Rio de Janeiro and all of Brazil as a whole is the famous one, erected at an altitude of more than 700 meters above sea level, on the top of Mount Corcovado. Christ rises with his arms spread wide, as if hovering over the city, protecting and blessing it from troubles. The giant sculpture was made in the capital of France - Paris, after which it was specially delivered here. In 1931, the statue was inaugurated and dedicated.
Statue of Christ the Redeemer
Another important symbol is the crystalline 395-meter peak - (port. Pão de Açúcar), which rises at the very entrance to Guanabara Bay, welcoming ships entering it. They say that the mountain received such an interesting name due to its shape, reminiscent of the outline of a cone, similar in shape to the containers in which Portuguese sailors transported sugar. Such containers were called Sugar Loaves, hence the name. Sugarloaf is one of the most interesting places to visit in Rio, with stunning views of the bay and city.
Rio de Janeiro is rich in many architectural monuments: ancient monasteries (San Antonio, San Bento and the Capuchin Order) and various colonial churches.
The embankments and streets boast a lush abundance of equatorial vegetation: graceful evergreen trees and a huge variety of exotic flowers. There are also many parks and an avenue of palm trees, and the Tijuca National Park, which includes the peak of Mount Corcovado, is the largest urban forest on the planet.
Rio is also the cultural capital of Brazil. There are many libraries here (the National Library alone has more than 2 million rare manuscripts and books), museums, galleries and theaters. But one of the main cultural attractions is world famous. It boasts several dozen samba schools, whose graduates annually organize colorful processions at the carnival, which take place through the streets and at the local sambodrome.
Transport
Almost all types of public transport are represented here, except trolleybuses: buses, trams, minibuses, taxis, etc.
The main city transport is buses of various models, new, comfortable and always white, with a black coat of arms. It is worth noting that buses are the most dangerous thing on the roads of Rio; their speeds are so high that Rubens Barrichello would be jealous. The fact is that bus “drivers” here receive a piece-rate salary (for the number of kilometers driven per day), everyone tries to run as much as possible, hence the breakneck speed.
Although this has its advantages, for example, thanks to separate bus lanes and high speeds, you can get there by bus many times faster than by taxi or your own car. There are about 450 bus routes, which are capable of transporting more than 4 million passengers per day. Buses stop on request both for boarding (both at stops and between them, if you raise your hand) and for disembarking.
It should be borne in mind that yellow seats on Brazilian buses are intended for the disabled, the elderly and passengers with children.
Also a popular form of public transport is. There are well-developed taxi networks (yellow cars with taximeters, of course) and several branches of the suburban railway.
Bicycle paths are widespread, running next to beaches and parks, with a total length of more than 160 km and 60 rental points scattered throughout the city, where every tourist can rent a bicycle.
Beaches of Rio de Janeiro
For locals, beaches are much more than just a strip of sand where you can swim in the ocean and soak up the sun. Many people come here to meet people, chat with friends, play sports or just sit on the benches and admire the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
Almost all beaches are characterized by fairly strong surf. And for Ipanema there are also dangerous coastal currents that can easily carry a person into the open ocean, so no one here risks sailing far from the shore.
Ipanema Beach, Rio
Although, teams of professional rescuers work quite clearly on local beaches, who even have rescue helicopters capable of pulling people out of the water using special nets.
Scheme of Rio and its beaches
The safest beaches for swimming are those located in Guanabara Bay. One of them is Flamengo. The beaches in the bay are quite narrow, and there are practically no big waves there, but they do not have such clear water as the ocean ones.
The longest beach in Rio de Janeiro is the beach.
Safety. but on the other hand
Like all major cities, Rio has its dark sides. From a security point of view, it has long been labeled as a criminal city - foreign tourists have more than once become victims of robberies and attacks here. Especially during the carnival. Many horror stories can be heard about this.
Which is not at all surprising, because in this “city of dreams” prestigious areas are located next to disadvantaged criminal areas - giant slums located on the hillsides.
Rio de Janeiro's favelas are home to almost a quarter of the city's population.
It’s better not to go here, it’s not worth the risk, but if the desire to look at the “underside of life” is so great, then it is strongly recommended to book one of the special favela tours that many local travel agencies provide. Travel agencies donate part of the profits to the criminal gangs of these favelas, which is why such excursions, although not very cheap, are safe.
Before the 2014 FIFA World Cup, city authorities cleared out a number of criminal slums and also took full control of tourist areas. Now the local police pay great attention to security and maintaining order, all these measures have significantly improved the situation on the streets.
However, despite this, when coming to Rio, you need to constantly be on alert.
