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Activities and Attractions
Home » Brazil » Brazil Activities and Attractions » Activities and Attractions• Corcovado
o Address: Rua Cosme Velho 513, Rio de Janeiro, 22241-090 Brazil
o Description: The view from this hunchback mountain is beyond description. It is here that the 100 foot, 1,000 ton Christ Redeemer statue stands with arms outstretched. Some say it seems to float, as if it was there to guard the city. When standing with your back to this statue, you will see the Maracana soccer temple and the northern districts to your left. To the right, you will see the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Copacabana, and the Ipanema beaches. In front of you, you will see the Niteroi and the hump of the Sugar Loaf.
• Bonde de Santa Teresa
o Address: Rua Professor Lelio Gama, 65, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, 20031-080 Brazil
o Description: Formerly the principle form of transportation in Rio de Janeiro, all that remains today of Bonde de Santa Teresa is the cable car. Take a ride on the cable car and witness spectacular views or get off and tour the Musee da Chacara do Ceu.
• Lagoa Rogrigo de Freita
o Address: Avenida Epitacio Pessoa, Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro, 22471-001 Brazil
o Description: The beautiful lake is a haven for local cariocas and features a wonderful waterside walk and a 5 mile bike path. For sports enthusiasts, there is also tennis and volleyball courts, a baseball diamond, and soccer grounds. There are also numerous kiosks serving food and offering up live music.
• Copacabana
o Address: Avenida Atlantica and Xavier da Silveira, Rio de Janeiro, 22010-000 Brazil
o Description: This beach is still one of the most famous in the world. There are several restaurants along the beach where you can sit and enjoy a batida or caipirinha, or you could take a walk along the famous Burle Marx designed sidewalks. Be forewarned that the popularity of the Copacabana makes it difficult to find a spot on the sand in the summer and that the currents are deceptively strong.
• Arcos da Lapa
o Address: Lapa, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
o Description: This aqueduct was finished in 1750 and is one of the few surviving landmarks from the colonial era. Today, it functions as a viaduct to the Bondinho Santa Teresa that connects the downtown area to the Santa Teresa area.
• Carnaval
o Address: Avenida Marques de Sapucai, (Sambodromo), Rio de Janeiro, 20210-048 Brazil
o Description: This event is one of the largest in Rio with seating for 70,000 locals and visitors. Venues are scattered throughout the city, but the highlight is the samba school parade, which exhibits 14 groups each day. Each group is dressed in elaborate costumes and dances the samba to the sounds of the drums. There are also several other events, such as street parades and parties that take place during the Carnaval. It is held during Shrove Tuesday week, from the previous Saturday to Ash Wednesday
• Pao de Acucar
o Address: Praia Vermelha, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, 22290-270 Brazil
o Description: Also called Sugar Loaf Mountain, this famous landmark offers a spectacular view of the mountain range and the sea. Be sure to check out the open air cable car from the 30’s that is on display. If you’re hungry, stop by a street vendor and pick up some coconuts and juice.
• Parque Nacional & Floresta da Tijuca
o Address: Floresta da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
o Description: This beautiful reserve is one of the largest in the world and contains over 46 square miles of tropical rain forest, walking trails, stunning views of the city, waterfalls, creeks, and greenery. If you are a hiker, you can climb to the summit of Pico da Tijuca, which is 3,320 feet high. There is also a 115 foot high waterfall.
• Morro da Urca
o Address: Praia Vermelha, Rio de Janeiro, 22290-270 Brazil
o Description: An excellent place for hiking, this hill is the first one up the Sugar Loaf and offers a spectacular view from the top. Although serious mountain climbers can be found scaling the side of the hill, others can hike the trails from the Praia Vermelha.
• Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da II Guerra Mundial
o Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, 75, Parque do Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro, 20021-140 Brazil
o Description: This monument is home to a museum for World War II artifacts. It is guarded by the three Armed Forces and contains a mausoleum and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Casa do Pontal
o Address: Estrada do Pontal, 3295, Recreio do Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro, 22785-580 Brazil
o Description: This museum is dedicated to Brazilian folk art and has around 5,000 sculptures from more than 200 artists. It is considered an anthropological museum by the International Council of Museums largely because the artwork reflects so many aspects of Brazilian life and culture. There is also a garden on site which displays several different species of flora and fauna. Guided tours are offered in four languages. The museum also has a bookstore and a coffee shop. Admission is BRR5.
• Foraleza de Sao Joao
o Address: Av. Joao Luis s/n, urca, Rio de Janeiro, 22291-090 Brazil
o Description: This elaborate stone gate was built in 1618. In 1872, it was remodeled and modern weapons were installed among the 15 cannons. The only thing that re mains today is the old gate and some ruins. Foraleza de Sao Joao also has its own private beach for use by the military staff.
• Sao Conrado
o Address: Between Leblon & Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, 22610-090 Brazil
o Description: This area is equipped with a sophisticated shopping center, a gold club, elegant buildings, and a great beach which is a trendy hangout for surfers. Hang gliders and daredevils abound is this district, which interestingly enough is situated next to Favela de Rocinha, Brazil’s largest shanty town.
• Sao Sebastiao
o Address: Av Republic of Chile 245, (Cathedral Metropolitana), Rio de Janeiro, 20080-011 Brazil
o Description: This is a festival celebrating the anniversary of the city, with the main event being a processional carrying the statue of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio, from St. Sebastian church in Tijuca to the Metropolitan Cathedral. When it arrives, there is a festive Mass celebrated with the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro. This event occurs annually on January 20th and also includes events such as horse racing and a samba show.
• Ilha Fiscal
o Address: Baia de Guanabara, Rio de Janiero, 20010-010 Brazil
o Description: This palace is located in Guanabra Bay and looks likes something out of a fairy tale with its 19th-century green neo-gothic style. It was completed in 1889 to watch naval operations and today belongs to the Brazilian Navy.
• Leblon
o Address: Rua Dias Ferreira e Avenida Ataufo de Paiva, Rio de Janeiro, 22440-031 Brazil
o Description: This beach is home to some of the most chic clubs, restaurants, and boutiques in all of Rio. It is located right next to Ipanema and is a trendier beach than the Copacabana.
• Planetario da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro
o Address: Praca Padre Leonel Franca, 240, Gavea, Rio de Janeiro, 22451-000 Brazil
o Description: This planetarium was opened in 1970 and offers guided tours in Portuguese that can be geared towards children, teenagers, or adults. The complex also offers workshops, expositions and theater. Come on Wednesday nights for a peek into one of the astronomer’s telescopes.
References
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