Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is an iconic landmark. Recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Jesus Christ stands with arms outstretched to the city from above Corcovado Mountain's 710 ms elevation. Started in 1922 & completed in 1931, the concrete monument covered in soapstone mosaic tiles stands as a religious and cultural symbol of Brasil’s welcoming culture. The monument, in Tijuca National Park, is seen by c2 million people each year who recommend visiting on a day with clear skies since the view is staggering.
There are many ways to reach Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer. Using public transport, the bus runs from Rio to Copacabana or Ipanema to Cosme Velho. Then go onto the friendly electric train to the foot of the statue. It's also accessible by foot from Parque Lage via a hiking trail located at the mountain's base. Be prepared: this 13ks trail is strenuous & includes steep inclines, but do tackle the hike.
There are many ways to reach Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer. Using public transport, the bus runs from Rio to Copacabana or Ipanema to Cosme Velho. Then go onto the friendly electric train to the foot of the statue. It's also accessible by foot from Parque Lage via a hiking trail located at the mountain's base. Be prepared: this 13ks trail is strenuous & includes steep inclines, but do tackle the hike.
Copacabana
Ipanema Beach became famous with the bossa-nova song The Girl from Ipanema in 1962, and has drawn tourists ever since. The 3ks stretch of sand boasts gorgeous mountain views, beautiful Cariocas/Rio citizens and cobalt waters. While sunbathing, watch entertaining games of volleyball and frescobol/beach paddle ball, and smell fresh shrimp grilling nearby on skewers. Or leave the sand for a taste of local culture at nearby restaurants, shops and galleries.
The beach is divided into areas known as postos/lifeguard stands. Ipanema reaches from postos 8-12, with each stand offering changing rooms and restrooms for a small fee. Remember Ipanema is one of the most popular and crowded beaches, so it can be difficult to find a spot in the sand during Rio's peak season (Dec-Mar).
One of Rio's most popular shores, Copacabana is a public beach located in the heart of the luxurious Zona Sul neighbourhood. This beach is also marked by postos that offer changing rooms and restrooms. Copacabana's 4k stretch of sand runs from Postos 1-6, where a peninsula houses the Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort.
Full of authentic foods, lavish accommodations, see the beautiful Avendia Atlantica-seaside avenue made of mosaic tiles. Copacabana visitors rave about the clean sands and the people-watching. Since the sands are always crowded, locals recommend a sunset stroll by the water.
Santa Teresa
This hilly bohemian district boasts a fine array of art and architecture. Strolling along Santa Teresa's cobblestone streets, be enchanted by footpath mosaics, palatial mansions and art galleries. Conveniently situated in Lapa, this neighbourhood has Brasil’s traditional restaurants, bars and craft stores. This suburb showcases the best of colonial Rio, with vibrant street life that's safe to explore at night.
The trams in Santa Teresa were closed after a tragic accident in 2011. The lines were renovated and sections reopened for the 2016 Olympic Games, with full service being reinstated by 2017.
Ilha FiscalAway from the bustling sights and sounds of central Rio, Ilha Fiscal is a remote neo-Gothic castle that rests on a tucked away island in Guanabara Bay. Completed in 1889 and once a prime location for Brasilian Custom Service, Ilha Fiscal is now an illuminated city gem. Inside the castle, find hard-wood mosaic floors, elaborate stained glass, as well as the Ceremonial Room that's now used for Navy formal events.
Guided tours of Ilha Fiscal are held Thurs-Sunday afternoons from the Cultural Centre of the Navy, near Praça XV. The island is accessed by schooner and bus from the Naval Museum. Visit the Ilha Fiscal website.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
At 396 ms above Rio's bustling metropolis, visit Pão de Açúcar/Sugar Loaf Mountain cascades over the picturesque Guanabara Bay. From Praia Vermelha in the residential Urca district, take a 3-minute cable car ride up to Morro da Urca, then hop on another cable car up to Sugar Loaf’s top for a dazzling view of the city. These views are breath-taking, particularly at sunset. The mountain's park also includes a history exhibit, an interactive Cable Car Plaza that displays the original cable cars, the Baía de Guanabara Space's restaurants and shops, and an outdoor amphitheatre for 700.
Dec-March is Rio's peak season, including New Years Eve and summer carnival. But I didn’t enjoy the heat or humidity. So for more sensible conditions, I’d recommend visiting autumn (April-May) or spring (Oct-Nov). By Dr Joe
Dec-March is Rio's peak season, including New Years Eve and summer carnival. But I didn’t enjoy the heat or humidity. So for more sensible conditions, I’d recommend visiting autumn (April-May) or spring (Oct-Nov). By Dr Joe
Map of Brasil
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19 comments:
Boa noite. Como sou carioca da gema do Rio de Janeiro, agradeço por sua excelente e maravilhosa matéria. Ficou muito linda e especial. Espero que na próxima vez que você vier ao Rio, eu tenha a oportunidade de te conhecer e levar para conhecer outros pontos turísticos da minha cidade.
Thanks for the tour.
The landmark of 'Christ the Redeemer' reminds me somehow of a similar kind of statue in Belgrade - the Victor statue. It is the symbol of the city erected up on a plateau in honor of Serbian victory over the Turks. It can be seen from many parts of the city. I reached it through a park.
Girl from Ipanema was amazing music and the photos of Ipanema Beach were also amazing. I had never seen bikinis like that in 1962!!
Hello Dr. Joe and Hels, I have never been to South America, so I would love a chance to explore Rio de Janeiro. Knowing myself, I would avoid the beaches and concentrate on the architecture and historical districts.
--Jim
Dr Joe. I've never really looked at Rio as a tourist destination, although my nephew has been there, but your post makes it sound wonderful. Your cheque from the Rio Tourist Bureau is in the mail. I wonder if you ever felt unsafe, or did you just stick to safe tourist areas?
Luiz
many thanks. I speak a few languages, but not Portuguese and not Spanish. So I will appreciate all the guidance you have to offer.
DUTA
although the statues are different heights and honour different men, their dates are almost identical. The Victor Statue in Belgrade was cast in 1913 and erected in 1928. Christ the Redeemer was started in 1922 and completed in 1931. Wouldn't it be remarkable if the makers of Christ the Redeemer saw the Victor Statue early in its manufacturing process, and asked for advice for their own dream.
Train Man
I was in a boys high school in Sydney in 1962 and would have loved to have seen the cover of Girl from Ipanema. In fact Rio's beaches reminded quite a lot of the surfing mornings I used to have in Bondi before school.
Parnassus
I have snow white skin which would have fallen apart, had I spent much time in the sunshine. So yes by all means visit the galleries, museums, churches and other heritage buildings during the day. Then explore Rio's natural beauty spots when the sun is going down. Or visit in winter.
Andrew
I had heard a lot about dangerous gangs in the Rio streets, so yes, it was quite an anxious time. Even if the gang-stories were exaggerated back then, I wouldn't go on any tourist trips alone. Perhaps post-pandemic the situation has changed.
Por mais que eu fale só mente o português, me esforçarei para dar o melhor de mim e mostra a minha cidade. Uma parte da história:
https://viagenspelobrasilerio.blogspot.com/2021/03/rio-456-anos-parte-i-rio-de-janeiro-rj.html?m=1
Luiz
many thanks for your blogpost. I would love to have visited The Banco do Brasil Cultural Center, but nobody mentioned it to me back then.
I know you thought that the south of Brazil was on approximately the same latitude as the south of Australia. Nope. Melbourne (37) and Sydney (34) make Rio look tropical (23).
Grandchild
I really did think that Rio would be at more or less the same latitude as Melbourne or Sydney. The map actually shows Mackay as being more comparable.
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As I reported, Ipanema and Copacabana are some of the most popular and crowded beaches, with beautiful sand, water and weather. I warmly recommend Rio's best months, Dec-Mar, but do take plenty of hats and suntan creams.
nice blog
flysair
many thanks. This post was by a guest blogger... alas I have never seen the city myself.
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