Rio de Janeiro - Girl from Ipanema

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Be warned: Rio's powers of seduction can leave you with a bad case of (indescribable longing) when you leave. Planted between lush, forest-covered mountains and breathtaking beaches, the (marvelous city) has many charms, most notably the , her exuberant residents.

An article about Rio de Janeiro
by Andrea Bonna

I have decided to write about Rio since is the second largest "jungle" in Brazil and, of course, is very known all around the world by its beaches, sun all year long, carnival, etc.

Rio is definetly a place that all tourist (except those that come to a business trip) visit in Brazil. It has a fantastic night life, gorgeous beaches, sambra, Lapa, Cristo Redentor, and a lot of things to do. Is even harder, after knowing all that, to place all favorite spots to eat, visit, go out and have fun. But let`s get started.

(from a web site and my own travelling expirience:)

Igreja Nª Sª de Bonsucesso
One of the oldest churches in town, and a gorgeous place to get in touch with God.

Cristo Redentor
Placed in the top of a 170 meter moutain (close to Pao de Acucar - Sugar bread, actually), this statue is the main local turist spot. If you dont get a chance to go there, consider that you havent met Rio 100%.

Arpoador
In my opinio, the secong pretiest city view: you can check Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema. Go there to enjoy a nice sunset.

Copacabana Palace
One of the first hotels (huge and chic) of the city, if you have the budget, spend a little while there, enjoy the pool, the view and caipirinhas from the bar (vodka + lemon + sugar)

Igreja da Candelária
Placed dowtown, the second pretiest church in town.

Jardim Botanico (Botanic Garden)
Green, nice and amazing. You have to go and have a picture of Palm trees.

Lapa
besides the nice architecture of the neighborhood, this is one of the best places to go out at night, a bohemian night life presenting samba and a typical "carioca" night, a place for artists.

Maracana (soccer stadium)
For thos who admire Brazilian soccer (or used to, at least), this is where all the great brazilina matches happened, and where Pele became Pele.

Barra da Tijuca
For those that have seen Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon and Botafogo, have a day in Barra da Tijuca, the longest beach in town.

Prainha
Beach for surfers, a very nice beach for those who like privacy and the priviledge to have nature all around.

Zona Oeste
nature all around. Parks, nice beaches, exotic places. Reserach and you will find Rio is not just a nice city, but a nice nature site.

Ensaio Mangueira
Is how cariocas call rehersal, I mean, the place where Samba is played all night, cheap beer, lots of people and a Rio / Carioca environment you have to see once in a life time.