Rio+de+Janeiro

**//*Turn up your volume!//**

Rio de Janeiro, The Marvelous City

**PART A: The Essential Guide to Brazil ** Mixed white and black 38% Black 6% Other (includes Japanese, Arab, and Amerindian) 1% ||^  ||
 * **Official name of country: ** || Federative Republic of Brazil || [[image:Empire_of_Brazil_map_1822.png width="226" height="217"]] ||
 * **Neighbouring nations: ** || Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uraguay & Argentina. ||^  ||
 * **Population: ** || 198,739,269 ||^  ||
 * **Official languages: ** || Portuguese ||^  ||
 * **Races/cultures of people: ** || White (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, and Polish) 55%
 * **Religions: ** || Roman Catholic (nominal) 80% ||^  ||


 * PART B: The Essential Guide to Rio de Janeiro **


 * Culture (Including Food & Drink, Music, Clothing): **


 * **Food ** || **Clothing ** ||
 * Rio de Janeiro's cultural food started of when the native Indians and Portuguese occupied the land. Sweet potatoes, cassava meal, corn porridge and smoked or dry meat was introduced by the Indians. The Portuguese introduced dishes from North Africa such as coffee, dried fruits, and pastries. Rio de Janeiro also uses ingredients such as arroz (white rice), feijao (black beans), and Farinha (flour). These dishes are served in most restaurants and side dishes includes chicken, meat, and fish. || Rio de Janeiro is known internationally for it's stylish, sophisticated and comfortable clothes. Their clothes are mostly vivid, beautifully crafted, with attractive laces. Rio de Janeiro are mostly immigrants from England, Portugal, and Africa, their clothing style are influenced by them. Because Rio de Janeiro is popular for its beaches, people mainly dress in beach style shirts, and sunglasses. ||


 * **Music ** || **Literature ** ||
 * Music is a big part of Rio de Janeiro's culture. Their official song is “Cidade Maravilhosa”, which means “marvelous city”. The song is considered as the civic anthem of Rio de Jeneiro and is the favourite song used during Rio's Carnival. Rio de Jeneiro is a centre of urban music movement in Brazil. || After Brazil became independant in 1822, Rio de Janeiro developed a European style of cultural life, including new, and 19th century novels were published. Romantic and realist modes were very popular story lines through the late 19th century. ||




 * **Theatre ** || **<span style="color: #5179c8; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Carnival ** ||
 * Rio de Janeiro's Theatro Municipal is one of the most resplendent buildings in the downtown area of Rio de Janeiro. It has the largest stages in Latin America and has one of Brazil's most well known operas, ballet, and classical music. Paris Opera of Garnier inspired the building and was built in 1909. It;s interior includes stained glass from France, rose-coloured marble on ceilings, and a 1000 pound crystal chandelier. || Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is an annual celebration in the Roman Catholic tradition. The tradition of Carnival are influenced by the French or German. These customs were brought by Portuguese or Brazilians Imperial families. Carnivals include African-Brazilian drums and music, famous sambas, and parades in every street of the city. The first Carnival was in 1840 and people celebrated with a masks. Carnival is a historic root of Brazilian music. ||




 * <span style="color: #db487a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Currency and Exchange Rates: **

Currency= Real (BRL)
 * Canadian Dollar || 1 BRL || In BRL ||
 * ^  || 0.577 || 1.734 ||

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Rio de Janeiro is a diverse location in terms of the geographic conditions. Rio is mainly made of seas, mountains and forests. Rio City is the capital of the Rio de Janeiro state which is in the south eastern region of Brazil. The west of the city is the Sepetiba Bay, the east is the Guanabra Bay and to the south is the Atlanic Ocean.
 * <span style="color: #db487a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Geographic orientation (site & situation): **




 * <span style="color: #db487a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Possible Security Information and Safety: **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">It’s important that as a tourist, you understand the security information and the safety of the country. Although Brazilians are usually quite friendly to tourists, there are still assaults, robberies and theft that take place in Rio de Janeiro.

Here are some precautions to keep in mind to reduce the chances of being robbed: 1. Always exchange your money at a local place, as using cash machines at the street are unsafe. 2. Don’t your passport around, as it is not needed 3. Always keep your electronic devices out of sight. 4. Don’t wear expensive clothes and jewelry. 5. It is also recommended to use a credit card instead of carrying a lot of money around 6. Do not wander in dark streets, stay around a crowd 7. If you need any help, ask the reception, as they are trained to inform you of any information


 * Calling Code || 55 ||
 * City Code || 21 ||
 * Fire || 193 ||
 * Ambulance || 192 ||
 * Police || 190 ||
 * Hospital de Ipanema || 21 3111-2334 ||
 * Hospital Copa D'Or || 21 2545-3600 ||


 * <span style="color: #db487a; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%;">Tips for travelers: **
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Medicine if you get sick (Trimedal, it takes care of cough, sore throats, fever, aches and pains caused by fever, upset stomach.)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Visa (Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and US citizens need a visa which you can acquire from the Brazilian embassy in your home country. To ensure you are aware of the full entry requirements for entering Brazil contact your nearest embassy before travelling
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Exchange of money (When changing cash or travellers cheques you will usually find the best exchange rates in a ‘Casa de Cambio’. The other option is to use any of the major banks but in the larger cities only the head offices offer an exchange facility.)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Pack light! (The weather in here is mostly warm even in the winter) Sweaters are often needed as the major hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as the subway and most taxis and buses, are air-conditioned. Causal and informal is all you need)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Bring your sunglasses, high sun blocks, a hat, hiking shoes, flip-flops and good mosquito repellent as well.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Avoid rogue taxis (there are rogue taxis that are yellow and even have meters, but they don't have a permit displayed as required by law.)
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Rios taxis are excellent for zipping around and charge about R 5 per km. Radio taxis are more expensive but safe and charge about R 80 from the International airport.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- The fares are listed on the bus, you pay the cashier and then enter the turnstile (the ticket varies between 1.90 reais to 2.30.) - you can tell the driver where you want to get off and they will let you know when your stop comes.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">- Tipping is not compulsory and also not expected from the local people. Additional tips can be given just to appreciate good service or to round up the bill to a whole number.

**
 * <span style="color: #63af18; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: center;">PART C: Itinerary
 * [[image:US1.jpg width="225" height="225"]] || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">The price of the plane tickets are $3,103.04 in total. That includes to Rio de Janeiro and coming back to Toronto.

After an exhausting trip on the plane, travel by public transit and head to Windsor Asturias Hotel while capturing the first few views of the city. The total cost of hotel fee for 7 days is $3164 for both.

Also, to get familiar with the surroundings and get into the mood for the activities that is going to follow for the upcoming days in the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro. For dinner, many barbecue and steakhouse restaurant serves different kinds of beef, pork, mutton, seafood, salad and chicken dishes will sure satisfy your appetite to the fullest with Brazilian service. || ||




 * **<span style="color: #e09138; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 140%; font-weight: normal;">Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">

To start off the second day at Rio de Janeiro, visit the 140-hectare park which lies at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, far below the right arm of the statue of Christ the Redeemer. It contains 8, 200 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palm trees. This park includes Brazil’s largest botanical library and collections of dried fruits, rare Brazilian plants, and many photographs. The park contains 140 species of birds, many of which have become accustomed to humans and are consequently much easier to observe than in the wild. || ||


 * [[image:christ-the-redeemer-rio-brazil.jpg width="195" height="240"]] || ** Christ Redeemer **

The next stop is the statue of Christ Redeemer, which is a part of the new edition of the Seven Wonders of the World. The attraction was built approximately 38 meters high and covers 710 meters of the mountain; the statute was opened in 1931.It is located on top of the Corcovado Mountain. For a quick bite at the pizza store, head to Copacabana beach, which is the next destination. ||


 * ** Copacabana **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Copacabana beach is known for its 4 km beach which is one of the most famous in the world. Hang around the attractive beach, kiosks, bars and restaurants. Famous is the Copacabana fort and the Palace hotel. In fact the hotel has now been declared as part of Brazil’s natural history. || ||




 * **<span style="color: #68a3d4; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Tijuca Forest **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">

What better way to start off the third day at a mountainous hand-planted rainforest. It is the world's largest urban forest, covering some 32km² (12.4mi²). The Tijuca Forest is home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. The Forest contains a number of attractions, most notably the colossal sculpture of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain.

Other attractions include the Cascatinha Waterfall; the Mayrink Chapel, with murals painted by Cândido Portinari; the light pagoda-style gazebo at Vista Chinesa outlook; and the giant granite picnic table called the //<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Mesa do Imperador //<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">. Among its impressive peaks is the Pedra da Gávea. || ||

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> As the day goes on, make your way over to the Barra da Tijuca Beach, which is the longest beach in Brazil and stretches about 18 kms from Morro do Joá and to the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighbourhood. It’s a clear green beach and a hot spot for surfers, wind sailors, and body surfers. The beach also welcomes beginners in water sports and after enjoying the sea waves there are a lot of restaurants, barracas (tents), food and drinks stalls where you can have some snacks. || ||
 * **<span style="color: #68a3d4; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Barra da Tijuca **


 * **<span style="color: #68a3d4; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 115%;">Ilha Fiscal **


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; font-weight: normal;">A great place to visit after dawn is the Fiscal Island, part of the Guanabara Bay, is a small isle which holds a small green castle which was once an important venue for the Brazilian empire. The castle on the Fiscal Island is said to have hosted the last Imperiall ball in 1889. Its architecture has been designed by Adolfo del Vecchio and his creativity can be seen in the form of carved stone work, exceptional mosaic work and ten different types of hard wood used for mosaics. This neo gothic castle can be visited three times a week from Thursday to Sunday. For a nice dinner, visit a nearby restaurant which serves Brazilian cuisine along with cosmopolitan dishes. ** || [[image:ilha_fiscal.jpg width="273" height="230"]] ||



<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13pt;">** Hiking up Sugar Loaf Mountain ** <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">On your fourth day at Rio de Janeiro, start off at the Sugar Loaf Mountain which is located within the neighbourhood of Urca. It faces the beautiful shoreline of Urca Hill. Hiking Sugar Loaf Mountain will lead you to the entrance of Guanabara Bay where you can have a full view of the city. On the way up of the mountain, you can face a challenging rock-climb before reaching the summit. On the Sugar Loaf Platform which is 396m above sea level, the marvelous view of Rio de Janeiro and southern beaches lay in front of you. Taking pictures and having a snack at the top of Sugar Loaf is the best time to relax and enjoy.




 * [[image:riodejaneiro_013p.jpg width="266" height="210"]] || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">** Sugar Loaf Cable Car **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">After a long hike up Sugar Loaf Mountain, the ideal way to head back to city is by taking the cable car from the top of Sugar Loaf. On the cable car, you can enjoy the breathtaking views from Rio de Janeiro's highest viewpoints. Evenings are the best time to take the Sugar Loaf cable car and enjoy the magnificent sunset. ||


 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
 * Dinner in downtown **** Rio **

The perfect place for dinner will be Bistro do Paço. Located in downtown Rio <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">, it is the place to recharge after a long day of hiking. Bistro do Paço provides well known authentic Brazilian food. It is the perfect spot to escape the heat and noise in downtown. || ||




 * [[image:ipanema04a-756579.jpg width="320" height="240"]] || <span style="color: #a360c3; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">**Ipanema** **Beach**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">To start off your fifth day at Rio de Janeiro, head to Ipanema Beach, the most famously known beach for its elegance and social qualities. It is the best place for sun bathing, playing beach volleyball and swimming. If you are more into extreme sports such as surfing, body boarding, skim boarding, and scuba diving, then Ipanema Beach it the ideal place to be. Beer is sold everywhere on the beach along with the traditional Cachaca (popular Brazillian alcoholic beverage). Other highlights of Ipanema include the Hippie Fair, where you can buy Brazilian handicrafts or musical instruments. ||

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Hand gliding is one of the most highly recommended extreme sport in Rio de Janeiro. Nothing is better than overlooking Ipanema, Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, Copacabana, Lagoa in the open air. Hand gliding over the scenic beaches of Rio de Janeiro with its views of the city and rain forest is the most breathtaking experience. You're even allowed to bring your camera to the front of the hand glider so that you may take pictures of yourself and the beautiful backdrop of Rio. ||
 * [[image:Para_glider_330.jpg]] || <span style="color: #a360c3; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">**Hand Gliding**




 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">** Samba City and the Barra Shopping Mall **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 109%;">You can start your 6th day at Rio de Janeiro by taking a breakfast at a small local place and ordering smoothies made with real fruit. Then prepare to experience the festival, food, dance and culture of this city! The Samba Festival takes place every year during February to March. However, you don’t need wait for that time to experience the culture because Rio de Janeiro offers Samba City. Here, you can enjoy the taste, drum, colours and dance of the festival. For a simple lunch, get a taste of Brazilian foods such as Pao de Batata (potato bread with chicken or sausage), and the Cachorro Quente de Forno (oven baked hotdog). Here at Samba City, take time to learn about how they prepare for the Samba Parades. They also offer entertainment and samba shows year round. After Samba City, head to the Barra Shopping mall. It is the largest mall in Latino America with 577 stores. Take time to enjoy the facilities such as cinema theatres, restaurants, indoor theme park and a bowling alley. || <span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> || <span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> ||

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">
 * Logoa Rodrigo de Freitas **

To start off your last day at Rio de Janeiro, head to Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, which is mostly known as Lagoa. It’s a beautiful lagoon connected to the Atlantic, which only allows the sea water to enter. Take some time off to relax and enjoy the view of distracts such as Ipanema, Leblon, Garvea, Jardim Botanico, Copcanana, Botafogo and Humaita. The land around Lagoa is 7.5km long. The water isn’t suitable for swimming, but there are plently of fishes. Take advantage of the activities available, such as biking, rollerskating, volleyball, basketball, soccor and tennis. When the evening arrives, walk over to the bar lagoa, which is a traditional bar near the Lagoa lake. They offer Brazilian foods such as steak, their signature Brazilian sausage and ice-cold beer. This is the best place to enjoy the wonderful view. With the bar decorated in traditional art deco style, there’s no surprise that this is usually packed just about every day. When it’s around time to leave, head back to your hotel to collect your belongings and head to Rio de Janeiro airport for your flight.



<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px;">**<span style="color: #63af18; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 23px; text-align: center;">PART D: Visuals







<span style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: #000000; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">media type="custom" key="5551829" **