Rio is definitely the party capital of Brazil, with nonstop samba music and dancing during the Rio Carnival, there is no other party that can top off this kind of celebration.
The Rio Carnival is one of the most well known events and tourist attractions in Rio, but aside from that this city has much more to offer. Places such as the Sugar Loaf Mountains, the Christ the Redeemer Statue, as well as the beaches in Ipanema and Copacabana are just some of the many breathtaking types of scenery in Rio.
A trip to the Sugar Loaf Mountains
The Sugar Loaf Mountains definitely rank as one of the top destinations in Rio and one that you shouldn’t miss when you join tours in Rio.
If you get a little adventurous, you can actually go to the peak of the mountain. There are many ways to get there but the safest and hassle free way is to get there by cable car. The first trip will take you up to 220 meters above sea level to the Morro da Urca, viewing the Praia Vermelha.
After the first trip, a stopover is provided with a trip to the shops and restaurants. The second trip by cable car will take you even higher to the Sugar Loaf Mountain with a spectacular view of Tijuca National Park and the Atlantic Ocean.
For the more adventurous type, instead of going to the summit by cable car, you can choose to go rock climbing or trekking.
The Sugar Loaf Mountain is also a great place to view the sun rise and the sun set.
Corcovado’s Christ the Redeemer
This 130 foot Art Deco statue greets you with open arms as you enter the city of Rio. Located on top of the Corcovado Mountain, this statue is part of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
You can get to the top of the mountain by road which is a 2.4 mile trip or via the Corcovado Rack Train that will take you to the top of the mountain in more or less, 20 minutes. As you get to the top of the mountain, you have to climb 220 steps to get to the observation deck or you can also use the elevator to reach the top. This is definitely one of the best tours in Rio.
Discover Rio’s wild side – the Tijuca Forest
Nature lovers will love it in Rio. Once you join the tours in Rio, side from the spectacular sceneries, a trip into the Tijuca Forest will make you realize that it is possible to have a jungle amidst a bustling metropolis.
The Tijuca Forest is considered as the world’s largest urban forest. To get to the Pico de Tijuca or the Tijuca Peak, you can follow a trail that will bring you the mountain’s peak which is 3.340 feet above sea level.
As you climb to the peak of the mountain you will get to see Cascatinha falls, the Guanabara Bay, and the Beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.
Stop and smell the flowers at the Jardim Botanico
This botanical garden or Jardim Botanico is one of the largest in the world and houses 7000 species of plant from all corners of the world.
This 340 acre garden is a horticulturist’s haven and is even home to the Imperial Palm which was first planted in 1842 by the Portuguese.
The Jardim Botanico is also a great place to go bird watching since 140 bird species can be seen here which include the Dusky Legged Guano and the Toucan who all lay their eggs in this rainforest.
Once you avail of tours in Rio to the Botanical Garden you will also get to see the Japanese Garden which is filled with bonsais, fountains, and sculptures.
