Daphne KookSummer Olympics is progressing and Rio de Janeiro is in the spotlight, as well as hotshots like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt.
Besides being the venue of the Olympics, Rio also has plenty to offer visitors, from historic landmarks and heritage monuments to coastal beaches and extravagant festivals. It is no surprise then that Rio is often hailed as “Cidade Maravilhosa” or Marvelous City! Here are some of the main highlights in Rio.
1. Be charmed by the Theatro Municipal
Image credit: Brian Godfrey
Located in the downtown city centre of Rio, the Theatro Municipal (or Municipal Theatre) remains one of the most gorgeous architectural work built in 20th century Brazil, a period that saw a surge in theatrical activity amongst early Portuguese inhabitants. The theatre has since hosted internationally renowned ballet, opera, and symphony concerts, including influential Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and soprano Maria Callas. One of the few Parisian-inspired structures left downtown, the majestic exterior and interior of the Teatro Municipal are bound to captivate your attention and draw you in.
2. Take postcard-worthy shots atop Sugarloaf Mountain
Image credit: Rodrigo Soldon 2
A rather unusual name for a scenic attraction, the Sugarloaf Mountain derived its title from its semblance to sugar loaf blocks in the 19th century, before the introduction of sugar cubes and granules; it has no connection to sugar production whatsoever. This 396 metres tall mountain today is more well-known as a picture-perfect spot, and for stunning bird’s eye views of Rio and the surrounding beaches. To enjoy your share of breathtaking vistas, simply take the cable car at Avenida Pasteur in Praia Vermelha, which will take you approximately a kilometre to the top of Urca Mountain, and then take another cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. Oh, and if you’re looking to get the most of your time on Sugarloaf Mountain, then head up in time to catch the sunset! Your photos are guaranteed to look so sugarcoated. you won’t need any filters at all.
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3. Be in awe of the views of Christ the Redeemer
Image credit: Play Sports Brazil
Just like the New York’s Statue of Liberty, the statue of Christ the Redeemer also has thousands of international admirers that would travel to Rio to pay a visit. Standing at 38 metres at the peak of Corcovado Mountain and made of concrete and soapstone, the statue overlooks the city of Rio and has become an important religious and cultural representation of Brazil today. If the views from Sugarloaf Mountain have impressed you, you’d be even more mesmerised by the spellbinding panoramic views from where the status stands – almost every major attraction of Rio can be captured from here!
4. Walk through Rio’s hippie Santa Teresa
Image credit: dany13
Looking for places of interest apart from Rio’s traditional beach attractions like Ipanema and Copacabana? Then the remotely-situated Santa Teresa neighbourhood will appeal to you. Famous for its bohemian living and dishevelled colonial architecture, the hillside Santa Teresa district is where you can find an array of eclectic restaurants, hippie cafes and lively entertainment bars. Besides food, Santa Teresa also offers art museums housing pieces by French artist Matisse and Spanish artist Joan Miro, as well as stylish stores selling interesting handicrafts and jewellery – great for those hoping to haul back some Rio memorabilia! Definitely an intriguing side of Rio that is worth a visit.
5. Join a forest jeep tour at Tijuca National Park
Image credit: Frank Kehren
Hailed the largest urban rainforest in the world, the Tijuca National Park occupies around 40 square kilometres, which translates to 7% of Rio’s territory. Home to diverse Brazilian flora and fauna, the Tijuca Rainforest offers a nice respite for those who have had enough of cityscapes and are lusting for the tranquillity of the forest. Although there are myriad ways to explore the national park, a cool option is through a guided forest jeep tour that will take you to the deep recesses of the park, mirroring an Indiana Jones experience, while still allowing you to disembark for a brief hike to interact with the forest.
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6. Catch the most elaborate carnivals in Rio
Image credit: GTSA South America
No trip to Rio would be complete without watching and/or participating in Rio’s carnival festivities. Nicknamed the Carnival Capital of the World, millions of international visitors flock to Rio to catch its vivid and interesting artistic carnivals in action. The carnivals in Rio are not only a huge form of entertainment, it is also a hallmark of Brazilian culture and presents a glimpse into the locals’ way of life. These extravagant but carefully orchestrated festivities, where people don costumes and sing and dance all night to samba, are celebrated as an act of farewell to the pleasures of the body and usually last over a period of five days. So if you are planning a trip to Rio, do try to coincide with one of its carnivals to get the best experience of your Brazilian vacation.
