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Getting to Know RIo de Janerio!
Pao de Açucar (Sugar Loaf) is almost too beautiful to be real.
This cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city)
is one of the most lively places on the planet. Vibrant locals, known
as Cariocas, thrive on dance, drink, beach, sport and sun.
And there are a lot of them to enjoy the great lifestyle of this city,
9 million of them, in fact.
Rio
is a city of Dionysian spirit whose people grab life head-first. Cariocas
were also considered some of the friendliest people in the world, which
means traveling to Rio is good just about any time of the year.
But,
there are peak times when it's most spectacular for those seeking Any
time is a good time to go to visit Rio but for New Year's Eve and in
February for Carnival it explodes. Carnival is the largest party of
the year: 165 million people partying for an entire week. New Year's
is the largest get-together in the world: More than 2 million people
gather in Copacabana beach to watch the fireworks show. Keep in mind
that the seasons are the opposite as of the U.S., so when when it's
winter in the States and Europe, it's summer in Rio de Janeiro.
– The Beaches –
It's no secret. Rio de Janeiro
is all about the beach. It is people's center of entertainment and relaxation
and anyone who has ever been to Brazil will tell you there is nothing
quite like it anywhere! Catching some rays, surfing, jogging, playing
soccer or simply cracking open an ice cold beer while checking out some
of the worldıs hottest bodies are the favorite activities.
The beautiful coastline
allows for many choices of fine beaches and activities.
Copacabana Beach
Two miles of white sand offer countless possibilities for activities
– swimming, surfing, jogging along the boardwalk. Or enjoy an ice-cold
caipirinha (typical Brazilian alcoholic beverage, try one they are
great!).
 Most
of the hotels in Rio de Janeiro are located on Avenida Atlantica in
front Copacabana beach, so the beach will be frequented by a lot of
tourists. I
f you are looking to chill at a beach close to your hotel,
Copacabana is good, but the two other beaches, Ipanema and Barra do
Pepe are better.
Ipanema Beach. For those who prefer a bit of a
party scene, there is Ipanema. This beautiful beach is the playground
for some of Rio's wealthiest and most sophisticated citizens. Jetsetters
and socialites congregate on this 1-mile stretch of pristine white sand
beach.
The best spots to chill in Ipanema are between Lifeguard Posts 9
and 10.Pepe Beach
Pepe beach is the hottest beach in Rio, full of beautiful scenery,
both human and otherwise (see photo at right as evidence of the former).
On the weekends this beach is packed with people relaxing, playing
soccer, volleyball, futvolley and other beach sports.The beach is located
in Barra de Tijuca, very close to some of the hottest nightspots
in town.
– Scenery, Excursions and Sightseeing
–
Rio de Janeiro is the world_s most beautiful
city. PERIOD. (Believe us, we have scoured the globe looking for the
most exotic and beautiful place to party_and we have found it!) The
following are a list of CAN_T MISS activities to check out in Rio.
 Spectacular
Corcovado.
Corcovado
About 710m (2330ft) above the city, the mountain Corcovado (Hunchback)
offers spectacular panoramas of Rio and its surroundings. Its prominent
feature is the statue Cristo (Christ). At night, the brightly
lit statue is visible from all over the city. Christ's left arm points
toward the zona norte, and Maracana (see below) is easily visible in
the foreground. The Christ Statue is a finalist for the Modern Wonders
of the World.
Even those with
just a passing interest should witness Brazil's national sport.
Maracana
This stadium is Brazil's temple of soccer. It's a giant among coliseums,
easily accommodating more than 100,000 at a time .Sports fans will love
it, but anyone who wants to get an insight into Brazil should by all
means check out a game of futebol (soccer). The most Popular Soccer
Teams in Rio de Janeiro: Flamengo, Vasco de Gama, Botafogo and Fluminese.
Pao de Açucar
Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf) is almost too beautiful to be real. Two cable
cars rise to 396m (1300ft) above Rio. From here, Rio is the most dazzling
place in the world. Sunset on a clear day is the best time to make the
ascent; as daylight dims, the city lights start to sparkle below.
– General Informaton –
Is it Safe to Travel to Brazil?
Absolutely! Like any other developing country, Brazil has its share
of problems. Unfortunately, Brazil has had its share of negative publicity
regarding safety issues in the past. Although there have been incidents
in the past, most of these have occurred in situations where people
were not following common sense (much like the types of crimes that
occur in the United States).
Examples can be: Walking alone in an unlit street in the middle of
the night, wandering into unknown or bad neighborhoods, etc. It is also
appropriate to note here that Brazilian police in Rio de Janeiro and
Salvador have more than tripled patrols in high traffic tourist areas
in the past couple of years. These areas are just as safe as any large
city in the United States.
Recommended for a SAFER STAY in Rio:
• Don't walk around with jewelry
• Don't argue with the cops
• Don't try to drive
• Stay away from the HILLS
• Most of Rio's slums ("FAVELAS") are on the Hills and should
be avoided at all costs.
Transportation
Taxis – The most popular form of transportation for
tourists is taking a cab. Compared to taxi services around the world,
taxi services in Rio are cheaper. Between Copacabana and Ipanema a cab
will cost you R$10 - 15 (US$5 - 10). There are two types of taxis in
Rio de Janeiro. The regular, metered yellow cabs may be flagged on the
streets. Special Taxis, "Taxi especial," are larger, with
air conditioning and more expensive. These are found at airports and
outside hotels or can be summoned by phon It's not recommended to
rent a car unless you have a Brazilian escort.
Subway – Fast and Convenient for those traveling
from Copacabana to Downtown.
Vans on Beach Routes – For those with some type of
Portuguese or Spanish skills, this is a great way to get around. They
go from Ipanema to Barra for $R 4 (it's $R 20 by taxi). Most of these
vans do the beach routes. The vans have the names of the neighborhoods
where they travel on the front windshield. Pick the one that is heading
towards your destined neighborhood and tell the driver when he should
let you out.
"Frescao" (Air-conditioned bus) – This bus serves
the business community and is very safe and convenient. They are about
$R5 and run more frequently during business hours. Public Buses
– This form of transporation is less recommended. Although
it may be a bit cheaper, the public bus takes a lot longer. Also, there
is more chance of being pick pocketed.
Temperature
During summer, from December to March, temperatures range from 23 C
(72 F) to 35 (95 F). From July to September, the winter temperatures
stay close to 20 C (68 F). For a temperature & precipitation chart see
climate.
Time Zone
Rio's time zone is 3 hours behind Greenwich time (England). Ther's a
two-hoursgap between Rio de Janeiro and New York time. From October
to the end of February, Brazil is under Summer Saving Time, with clocks
one hour behind. So it is 5 hours behind Paris or Geneva and four hours
ahead of Chicago.
Currency
The Brazilian currency is the Real (R$). The official rate of exchange
is available from daily newspapers, hotel cashiers, banks and travel
agencies. Cash and travellers checks are easily exchanged at these locations.
Many hotels and shops accept foreign currency and Credit Cards. The
Exchange Rate is usually at around 2 - 2.2 R$ to the US Dollar.
Tipping
In restaurants, beauty salons and bars, tips are usually given when
not included in the bill, varying from 10% to 15%/
Taxi Service
e.
Brazil Entrance Requirements
A visa is required for US citizens to Brazil. Tourist visas are usually
processed within two - ten working days by applying to your nearest
Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Requirements are: a passport valid for
at least six months from date of arrival, one passport-sized photograph
and a round trip ticket. Tourist visas are valid for three months to
5 years
Party Bus to Rio's Nightlife
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