Rio de Janeiro
This glittering Brazilian city, also known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), has more than lived up to its name. The city is surrounded by lush rainforests, white sand beaches, and scattered green mountains. It is located at the mouth of a bay harbor. Rio de Janeiro offers breathtaking views from almost every direction. You can view Rio's immaculate beaches from the 125-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer, who is perched atop Corcovado Mountain. You may enjoy the picturesque scenery that has drawn Cariocas (local Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro) and tourists alike for more than 500 years from the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.
However, Rio offers much more than just picturesque views, exotic rainforests, and azure oceans. Glitz, exquisite fashion, and a relaxed attitude rule the city's personality here. A stroll down Copa's Avenida Atlântica will reveal a city teeming with beachgoers sporting bikinis. The city is renowned for its enthusiasm for sports. The city is bustling with activity, from the volleyball courts of Flamengo Park to Maracana Stadium, site of the Olympic Games in 2016 and the World Cup finals in 2014. In Lapa, at night, you can hear the samba music pulsing through the streets. And if you go in February, right before Carnival, you may see Brazil's colorful Portuguese masquerade, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
Not surprisingly, Rio de Janeiro has its share of issues. The city has sizable favelas, or shantytowns, outside the tourist regions where about 130,000 people live in squalor. Large-scale attempts have been made in recent years to clean up the neighborhoods, yet some remain unsafe. Rio de Janeiro is also experiencing continual protests and demonstrations. Visitors are advised to stay away from all protests and check the U.S. Department of State's website for the most recent travel warnings.
Rankings:
- #2 in Best Places to Visit in December
- #2 in Best Summer Vacations
- #7 in Best Places to Visit in Central and South America
- #9 in Best Places to Visit in February
- #16 in Best Christmas Vacations
- #17 in Best Winter Vacations
- #28 in World's Best Places to Visit
Country: Brazil
