Rio, the city that lives life all year round, is Brazil’s second largest with about 13 million if you count the entire metropolitan area. The name actually means the January River in Portuguese and was also discovered by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century. The city is divided into four zones and a total of 133 districts. To the south are the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. At the center is the history that is in focus with cultural buildings and interesting churches. To the north is the world’s second largest football arena as well as the airport and the university. In the western zone, one can find contrasts in that one part consists of middle- and low-income earners and the other of rich people around a beautiful beach region.
Typical of Rio
Rio has many beautiful buildings and sights but one of the most famous is probably the Christ the Redeemer statue of Paul Landowski. It stands at the top of the 710 meter high mountain Corcovado and represents Christianity and the protectors of Rio. Construction began in 1922 and was completed in 1931. The 30-meter-high statue has become Brazil’s landmark and one of the most famous sights in the world. It is today one of the world’s seven new wonders.
According to allcitycodes, Rio consists of several mountains in the background – one called Sockertoppen. This mountain is a popular excursion destination, not least for mountain climbers and hikers. The top can be reached via a cable car and is frequently visited by tourists.
In addition to mountains and buildings, Rio is known for its beaches and its wonderfully joyous life with dance and song. The beaches are a symbol where all people gather, not only to get a tan but to show off their beautiful bodies and the latest bikini fashion. Appearance is very important in Brazil and many new plastic surgery methods come from there. How about a brazilian butt lift or a brazilian bikini wax? On the beaches of Rio, many of the Brazilian football stars have started their careers and everywhere you see the national sport is practiced by young boys in the dunes.
Last but not least, one must mention the carnival in Rio as one of the events of the year where thousands and thousands gather to dance samba, dress up and have fun all night long. The carnival is held before Easter Lent and began its history as early as the 18th century.
The surroundings
Rio has both elegant and poor surroundings. As much as there is wealth in Brazil, just as much one can also see poor people toiling in the favelas (slums) of cities. Here it is often the law of the jungle that applies and the police make raids at regular intervals where many risk being shot. Despite this, the favelas contribute with many trends and innovative lifestyles that then extend to other places in the world. The most famous favela in Rio de Janeiro, is called Rocinha and is located south of the city. It is considered to be the largest shanty town in the world with 100,000 inhabitants. It can be interesting to see these places up close, but you have to be very careful if you as a tourist want to go here. It really happens at your own risk.
In addition to the favelas, Rio of course has other places that invite exploration. Outside the city are wonderful waterfalls such as Bahia or the Green Coast which is basically paradise that has fallen to the ground. If you are in Brazil, if you have the opportunity, you should go around and look at all that the country has to offer. Up in the mountain range outside Rio is also the old imperial city of Petrópolis with inns and spas and a fantastic history. So take advantage of your stay in one of the world’s most exciting countries.
