RIO DE JANEIRO

Flying into Rio is a beautiful sight. Whether it is at night or during the day, the visitor quickly finds out why Rio is known as the Wonderful City. Rio is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Its magnificent shoreline includes charming bays and beautiful beaches, dotted with islands up and down the coast. The city's 8 million inhabitants are known as 'Cariocas'. They are friendly, carefree people who always seem to find time for the pleasures of good living.

The city itself never sleeps. From a simple evening stroll to Rio's intense nightlife, there is something for everyone. Rio is also an important center for art and fashion. Works by Brazilian and international artists are featured in local galleries and museums.

New styles and clothing concepts are always available in Ipanema's elegant stores and  boutiques. Precious and semiprecious stones are also a specialty in Rio where some of the world's largest and most renowned jewelers are located.

Shopping is also a pleasure in a city with excellent stores and several modern shopping centers. Hotels are plentiful in Rio and range from the most modest to some of the best 5-star hotels in the world.

Many hotels are located in the beach districts, especially in Copacabana and Ipanema. Hundreds of restaurants offer  a wide variety of cuisine from all over the world. A special treat is Brazil's famous "feijoada", a dish prepared with black beans and pork and served with manioc flour, rice and kale.

A number of local tours are available to help visitors appreciate the many sights and sounds of Rio.

 

The State of Rio de Janeiro also counts with beautiful beaches in Angra dos Reis, Búzios, Cabo Frio, historical buildings in Parati and a mountainous region with the cities of Petrópolis ( the famous imperial city), Teresópolis and Friburgo.