Rio de Janeiro : The City of Golden Beaches, Vibrant Jungles and Stunning Mountain Scenery

Famed especially for the vibrant and energetic Rio Carnival held every year in March, the city of Rio de Janeiro has some of the most spectacular scenery and cityscapes in the world. Golden beaches, inner-city rain forests, picturesque mountains and some of the best food you can find in South America, Rio should be high on the list for any travelers.

1. The Christ of Redeemer Statue

Seen as one of the new seven wonders of the world, this huge statue of Jesus Christ rises 38 meters over the peak of Mount Corcovado, offering awe-inspiring views over Rio de Janeiro and the Brazilian coast. The statue has become a landmark and symbol for the city and the scenery from its mountain is often rated as one of the best city views in the world.

2. Copacabana Beach

Photo by Catarina Belova/shutterstock.com

One of the liveliest places in Rio and probably the most famous beach in the world, Copacabana Beach stretches four kilometers down the coast adjacent to the city. Apart from its picturesque white sand and turquoise waters, the beach is always a hive of activity with a vibrant atmosphere full of beach parties, sports and food vendors.

3. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Photo by Niklas Schubert Rocha/shutterstock.com

This vast oasis of greenery is the perfect escape from the urban city life to take in the surrounding nature and flora. First opened with the aim of cultivating once rare spices such as nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon the garden now has a total of over 6,500 species of plants, many of which are near extinction. The park is also home to a number of different birds, which being more used to humans are much easier to observe and get close to here than in the wild.

4. Santa Teresa

Photo by vincentraal

One of the most popular neighborhoods in Rio, characterized by its winding narrow streets, hillside setting and colorful architecture, Santa Teresa also offers picturesque panoramas of the surrounding area. Also the location for one of Rio's most photographed spots, the Escadaria Selarón or Selaron Steps are the work of Chilean artist Jorge Selaron calling it his 'tribute to the Brazilian people'.

5. The Museum of Tomorrow

Photo by vitormarigo/shutterstock.com

This strikingly unique-looking museum was built in the appearance of a spaceship, showcasing various innovative exhibits in science, technology and arts. The museum explores the possibilities of life in the future and how things might be 50 years or more from now through a series of displays and interactive exhibits.

6. Sugarloaf Mountain

One of the most iconic landscapes in Brazil, Sugarloaf Mountain juts out of Rio's Guanabara Bay offering stunning views over the city and surrounding area. Although relatively impossible to climb without the right gear, a cable car takes passengers up to the top of the mountain.

7. Tijuca National Park

Most likely the largest urban rain forest in the world, this massive 30 square kilometer patch of dense forest and rocky mountains is right on the doorstep of Rio abd surrounded by urban development. Inside the national park you'll find all kinds of natural scenery including huge waterfalls, dense flora and breathtaking views from the numerous peaks dotted around the park. It's the perfect escape for anyone that wants to engross themselves in the rain forest environment without braving the craziness of the Amazon.

8. Sugar Loaf Cable Car

Sugar Loaf Cable Car is one of the most important tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro, built in 1912, was known as Bondino. It was made of wood and is similar to the city's trams. The idea of its construction was to connect Fermila Beach With the sugar mountain that was impossible to reach and is now one of the most important tourist attractions in the city. You can ride a cable car, take a fantastic tour with great views of the city and the sea and see the wonderful scenery of Sugar Mountain. At the top, you can enjoy the wonderful views and the breath of fresh mountain air, and you can see the wonderful city and sea.

9. Maracana Stadium

Photo by Mark Hillary

If you haven't realized already, Brazil is crazy about football, so visiting Rio without taking part in any events related to the popular sport would be sacrilege. One of the main stadiums for both the 1950 and 2014 FIFA World Cup along with the 2016 Summer Olympics, the Maracana Stadium has a strong place in Brazilian sport history and warrants the pilgrimage for any football fans.

10. Lagoa Neighborhood

One of the most extravagant and expensive neighborhoods to live in all of South America, Lagoa is renowned for its beautiful lake setting framed by the iconic Dois Irmãos mountains in the background. The area is popular for jogging and cycling on trails around the lake along with being a famous sunset spot as the light disappears behind the mountains. You can also hire a swan boat and paddle around the picturesque waters.

◎ Closing

The city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful destinations in Brazil, with its charming beaches and dense jungle right in the midst of the city, Rio is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

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