Besides being the first Olympic city in South America, Rio de Janeiro’s attractiveness also comes from the unique beauty of its beaches and the most important tourist traffic in Brazil, not to mention the natural and architectural beauty that keeps amazing millions of visitors every year.
Rio de Janeiro is located southeastern Brazil. Its official name is San Sebastian del Rio de Janeiro, since its foundation as a Spanish settlement on March 1, 1565. During the colonial times, it was one of the main ports for conquerors and disembarking of slaves from Africa.
While both Spanish and French had great activity in Rio de Janeiro, the amount of Portuguese coming to the city made it the first European capital outside Europe. Besides, the aboriginal roots of Tupanimbá and Guarani tribes exalted Rio’s cultural richness, making it, since the beginning, one of the most attractive places in Brazil.
Adventure tourism, health tourism, family tourism or a solo getaway, a visit to the carioca jewel should be planned ahead of time, because there are so many places to visit, and you don’t want to miss anything.
Christ the Redeemer in Corcovado Hill is a must-see during a trip to Rio de Janeiro. In 2007, it was chosen as one of the Wonders of the Modern World. It is a statue that stands 710 meters above sea level in the Corcovado hill. The image represents Jesus of Nazareth with open arms, an image that has been the icon of the city, since its inauguration on October 12, 1931.
Tijuca National Park is another treasure you can’t miss in Rio de Janeiro. 3300 hectares of leafy trees and exotic plants. It’s not far from the city, and it’s considered the world’s largest urban forest. In fact, Christ the Redeemer is in this natural reserve. It’s an ideal site for adventure, but also for family activities, making it an important tourist destination in Rio de Janeiro.
The Great Sugar Loaf will give you one of the best views of Rio. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t worry, this will be one of the best tours in your life, because you will take the cable car.
These are just a sample of Rio de Janeiro’s flashiness. It’s the main destination to visit in the Southern Hemisphere, and each corner is a living witness of a multicultural past that’s benefited from modernity, honoring the beauty that nature’s given it.
ALFA