A symbol of Christianity, the statue of Christ the Redeemer has become an icon of Rio and Brazil. Standing 130 feet tall including its 31 foot pedestal and 30 metres (98 ft) wide it weighs 635 tons. At the utmost peak of the 2,300 ft Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, the statue has dominated Rio’s skyline since 1931, and in 2007 became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Whereas once one had 220 steps to climb to reach the statue, fortunately today there are escalators and elevators that help you easily get to the top.
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The Sugar Loaf Cable Car is one of oldest cable cars in world and the first one in Brazil. Designed by the Brazilian engineer Augusto Ferreira and opened in 1912, millions of tourists have travelled through the cable car including famous celebrities the likes of Roberto Carlos, Brooke Shields and Ronaldinho. The car travels through three stations: Praia Vermelha, Morro da Urca and Pão de Açucar which is interconnected together by four cable cars. From the top there are breathtaking views over the city, its bays, along the Atlantic coastline and out to sea.
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The Copacabana area was just a small fishing village until the 1900’s when it flourished rapidly after the inauguration of the Copacabana Palace Hotel. In fact it is divided into two beaches, Leme beach and the actual Copacabana beach. The area is constantly brimming with tourists enjoying the beaches, kiosks, bars and restaurants. Other than the Palace Hotel which has now been declared a part of Brazil’s natural history what also made the area famous is the Copacabana Fort which dates back to 1914 and today houses the Army Historical Museum.
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With Rio being a coastal city there are many activities that are centred on the beach and at sea. Some include water and beach sports like scuba diving, surfing, body boarding and kite surfing. You can also enjoy a game of beach volleyball with the locals or a more laid back game like fresco ball. If you enjoy surfing more, then head for waves of Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra, Grumari, Joá and Prainha. The main scuba diving spot is at Cagarras Islands near Ipanema where there are good diving centres with English speaking instructors. But note that diving is only possible at the end of summer.
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Over 2 miles long, Ipanema beach is more laid-back than Copacabana and where it ‘happens’. All over you will see people topping up nice tans, swimming or working out in the open air gym. Beach events are famous here with beach soccer and beach volleyball taking pride of place. If you are a good at surfing, body boarding, skim boarding, then here’s is a good place to be. Away from the beach, there’s a huge choice of buzzing bars and restaurants.
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The Tijuca Forest is the largest urban forest in the world and is home to hundreds of species of animals and living beings from all around the Atlantic. The forest is one of its kind because it was replanted by man in the early 1900’s after years of deforestation for coffee plantations. Covering a space of around 3,200 hectares, it was the initiative of Major Gomes Archer and by replanting seedlings native to Atlantic a natural eco system was created. To attract tourists, over time restaurants were opened and public baths were built. Today it a leisure area with parks, fountains and lakes and every year millions of tourists pay at least one visit to the area.
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Fiscal Island (Ilha Fiscal) lies in the Guanabara Bay and is home to a small green castle that was once a hugely important venue for the Brazilian empire. The castle is said to have hosted the last Imperial Ball in 1889. Its architecture was designed by Adolfo del Vecchio and his creativity can be seen in the form of carved stone work, exceptional mosaic work and ten different types of hard wood. This neo gothic castle can be visited three times a week from Thursday to Sunday.
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Paraty is a lovely colonial town, 125 miles from Rio de Janeiro. It's a favourite with Brazilians and visitors who want to get away from it all in an historic town, laze on one of the many beaches, and indulge in a restful vacation. In the 1700's when the mines of Minas Gerais were pouring out gold and its bay made for a busy port, the second most important in Brazil at the time. However, it was a hard overland trip and when a new road was built to Espiritu Santo port, Paraty was all but forgotten. This stage of ‘oblivion’ is what kept so many of the colonial buildings pretty much as they were when the last gold-laden ship sailed for Portugal. Today the old town is a Brazilian National Heritage Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site applicant.
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The Jardim Botanico garden is a perfect tourist spot for all ages to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can stroll around the gardens and view some of the amazing and rarest species of plants from Brazil and other countries. There are 8200 species of plants planted here which are categorized according to their species and the gardens are also the home for a number of wild animals and birds. A cafe is conveniently situated to enjoy the garden views and live music at the weekend.
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Built to host the FIFA World Cup in 1950, the Final that year (Brazil lost to Uruguay 2-1) had an official attendance of 199,854 but actual attendance estimated around 210,000, remains the stadium’s record. The collapse of an upper stand and poor facilities lead to the ground becoming all-seated in 2007 with a capacity of 88,992 and the ‘home’ for four major football clubs in Rio— Vasco, Botafogo, Flamengo and Fluminense as well as the venue of numerous domestic football cup finals, most notably the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Carioca. The stadium will play host to the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games.
‘CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 2009 FOR WORLD CUP 2014 REFURBISHMENT’
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Here’s where you see Rio’s 16th century past majestically merge with today’s 21st century with all the years in between. Historic building blend in between modern skyscrapers and gleaming glass fronted office buildings look down upon meticulously preserved yesteryear restaurants and bars. With its cultural centres, museums and opera house all within minutes, there’s so much to see and enjoy.
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Set on a hill and an artists’ haven, probably best described as the ‘Monmarte’ of Rio. Old homes, bars, artists’ studios and cultural attractions line the streets and there is a distinct cosmopolitan feel about the place. The best way there is by tram from Downtown. Cooler than down on the beaches, the views of the city are spectacular especially at sunset.
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Across the Guanabara Bay, Niteroi offers a stunning panoramic view of Rio’s beachfront, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Set amongst sandy beaches, its highlight is the contemporary and futuristic architecture of Oscar Niemeyer with the mayor quite literally giving free rein. The Museu de Art Contemporanea is his centrepiece with a 164 foot circular white dome rising from a 30 foot base and a bright red and curling walkway leading to the entrance. If you look carefully you will see that the angle of the building exactly matches that of the Sugar Loaf Mountain behind.
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Often dubbed as ‘The White Pele’ and considered to be one of the most skilled dribblers, free kick specialists and finishers, Zico was possibly the world's best player of the early 80's.
Opened in 1996 the Zico Football Centre offers children, juniors and adults the opportunity to hone their skills and technique through the support of a team of trained and dedicated coaches. A visit demonstrates how Brazilians combine passion and performance with an infectious thirst to excel.
For school groups and club players we can arrange technical and tactical training here with professional coaches, as well as amateur games.
Watch the master weave his magic
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One of the biggest crowd pullers in town is the Rio Scenarium in a renovated warehouse in the Lapa district. It’s a mix of club and antique emporium with close on 10,000 pieces spread over 3 floors. The club offers great snacks and traditional meals, over 20 bars, live Brazilian music and a forever intoxicating dance floor.
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