Tours in Rio de Janeiro


Christ Redeemer

More than a postal card, the Christ Redeemer statue was deservedly elected by the city’s population as the "The Wonder of Rio". From the height of its 38 meters – plus Corcovado Hill’s height of 710 meters - the Christ is an image of faith and sympathy characteristic of Rio’s and Brazilian people. The monument – which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2001 - was inaugurated on October 12th 1931, a day was in which Brazilians celebrate Our Lady of Aparecida (national patron). Elevators and escalators take visitors to the statue’s base. The statue weighs 1,145 tons. Going up by a small train takes around 20 minutes and goes along the Corcovado Railway – inaugurated by Brazilian Emperor D. Pedro II in 1884.

Access by car has been allowed, but each vehicle passenger must pay a small fee to the local Ibama (Brazilian environmental agency) post, at Paineiras (at the Hill’s foot). Another option is to park the car in Paineiras, to avoid traffic jams, and go on a 3-km walk to get to the statue – or pay for a ride in of the accredited vans. Access is available on Rua Cosme Velho. The train runs every day, from 8:30 am to 6 pm. Information: +55 (21) 2558-1329.

 

Sugar Loaf (Pão de Açúcar)

The height and unmistakable outline of Sugarloaf make it - together with Christ the Redeemer one of the two main attractions offering breathtaking views of Rio. This famous landmark is reached by cablecar in two stages: first to the top of Urca Hill, where visitors catch the second car to their final destination. From the Sugarloaf, the endless beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi stretch to the horizon. Set against the lush Atlantic Rainforest, the scene is dotted with historical buildings such as the Santa Cruz Fort and the miniature palace on Fiscal Island.

 

Copacabana Beache

With plenty drinking and snacks bars, it is much appreciated for a late-afternoon cold beer. The beach’s wide stretch of sand extends from Avenida Princesa Isabel to the Copacabana fortress. Copacabana hosts one of the most famous New Year’s Eve parties in the Country, with fireworks and free music shows.

 

 

Ipanema Beache

This is, no doubt, the most famous meeting point in Rio de Janeiro and one of the most celebrated beaches in the city – and the world! Its ten-block length includes “soccer-volley” courts, fitness exercise equipment and, at each lifesavers post, there are public toilettes and showers to wash sand and salty water off. It also hosts many events such as the Beach Volley World Championship.

 

Arpoador Beache

Between the Copacabana Fortress and the corner of Rua Francisco Otaviano and Avenida Vieira Souto. It is famous for the huge stone that separates Copacabana and Diabo beaches from the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon. Up on the stone visitors enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Rio, with the Dois Irmãos Hill on the background. It is much appreciated by surfers.

 

Barra da Tijuca Beache

Long and urbanized, with strong waves with some dangerous stretches not recommended to inexperienced swimmers. Much appreciated by surfers.

 

 

 

Arraial do Cabo

Here, the clear waters are an invitation to practicing water sports. Arraial do Cabo is the capital of diving. Its flagstones and islands are excellent places for fishing and offer a great variety of fishes and other seafood.

In Arraial do Cabo at the Praia dos Anjos (Angel’s Beach) Brazil’s first trading post was established. Target of constant pirate attacks’, a great number of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English vessels still lie in the ocean floors of Arraial.

A youth’s meeting point, Arraial has excellent restaurants, an agitated nightlife and the most beautiful sunset of the area. Visits to the Pontal do Atalaia and the Gruta Azul are unforgetable.

 

Angra dos Reis

While tourist attention is for the most part focused on Rio de Janeiro, the state of Rio de Janeiro blooms with attractions, most within a two-hour drive of the state capital.

Resorts, bays, islands and intimate sandy beaches punctuate the coast south of Rio. This area, called the Green Coast nestles Angra dos Reis - 150 km, the largest town - a lively fishing resort with interesting side streets away from the harbor.

In Angra bay are more than 350 islands and the largest, Ilha Grande, is among Brazil’s most beautiful with a nature reserve and stunning beaches.

 

Ilha Grande

Located between the west end of Restinga de Marambaia and Ponta da Juatinga, it has a total area of approximately 174 km². Its highest point is the Peak of Pedra d’Água, 1,037 m high, however, the most characteristic one is the Peak of the Parrot (Pico do Papagaio), 882 m high, for its similarity with a parrot beak. The position of the island, at the entrance of Ilha Grande Bay, determines a true wind barrier. The island is occupied, partly, by Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande and it is considered a biological reserve.

 

Búzios

In the 18th century, Buzios’ beautiful beaches were the place where fisherman would come to catch whales when they made their annual pilgrimage to the south to procreate.

Soon it became the favorite resort for Rio de Janeiro’s high society. The city has excellent restaurants and animated nightclubs. At the famous “Rua das Pedras” you will find stores that sell all the sophisticated brands of the fashion world.

There are high quality hotels and inns, a golf course for sport lovers, and an airport, all for the comfort of our tourists. In Buzios you can sunbathe on its beautiful beaches, take relaxing boat trips, explore the sea world scuba diving, do lots of shopping and have fun all might long.

 

Paraty

Paraty is unforgettable! Founded in the first half of the XVIth century, it preserves the most perfect collection of Brazilian colonial architecture that has been declared by the government a National History Monument. Around 1700, Paraty became the second most important port in the country, where the gold from Minas Gerais was shipped to Portugal.

In 1799, with the end of the gold cycle, Paraty began to produce the “aguardente” or “cachaca” (alcoholic beverage made from the sugar cane) that has the city’s name. Today you will find five of these mills functioning the same way mills did 200 years ago with water wheels, mills, oak barrels, copper stills and a wood ovens. It’s a necessary stop.

 

Petrópolis

Upon arrival, take a chariot at the main gate of the Imperial Museum and take a ride through the beautiful Avenida Koeler. You are in Petropolis, the only imperial city of all South America. Fascinated with the beauty and Nature of the mountains, D. Pedro II built his summer palace in the region he called Petropolis – Pedro’s City.

The European culture of the colonizing immigrants is present in the city’s architecture and delicious cuisine. The Imperial Museum, the Cathedral, the Crystal Palace, Santos Dumont’s former residence (today a Museum), the Quitandinha (a former casino and today a huge convention center), and the Cremerie Park are a few of the visiting sites of this beautiful city you can not miss!!

 

Tijuca National Park

To go on a tour along sinuous roads and to visit the attractions may take a whole day. As the largest natural preservation area in an urban area in the country, the Park is 20 km away from downtown. It is divided into three nucleuses – the Tijuca Forest, the Carioca Hill and the Gávea Stone/Bonita Stone. Its flora was devastated at the end of the 19th century to give way to coffee plantations. Reforestation brought back plants species of the Atlantic Woods such as “ipês”, “jequitibás”, “jacarandas” and “sapucaias”.

At the Carioca Hill nucleus, besides the famous Corcovado Hill, its attractions are the Dona Marta, Vista Chinesa and Mesa do Imperador belvederes. In the Tijuca Forest there are trails, the Taunay Small Waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel, the Açude Museum and the Solidão Sugar Mill. On two Sundays every month, the Park’s administration offers guided tours for free. In 2004, the Park incorporated new areas, including the Lage Park and a region known as Covanca-Pretos Forros, with 4.4 million square meters, although visits are not allowed in that area. For information on guided tours: +55 (21) 2492-2253, extension 24.

 

The Copacabana Fortress

Built in 1914, with the purpose of reinforcing Guanabara Bay’s defense, the Copacabana Fortress was the scenario for the “Lieutenants’ Movement” (an political upheaval in Brazilian history) in 1922. It offers visitors many historical curiosities and also a branch of the famous Colombo Confectioners’. Its collections of guns, varied military and historical objects and panels are part of the Brazilian Army’s Historical Museum. It is located on Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco, 1, Copacabana. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm.