Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro)
Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro), also known as Rio – One of the largest cities of Brazil, as well as a large port, the administrative center of the state of the same name and the former capital of the country (1764-1960). Population – about 6 million. 400 thousand inhabitants (2012).
The city spread on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean on the square of 1260 kV. km, at the bay of Guanabara, the entrance to which fores «business card» Brazil – Mountain called Sugar Head.
One of the features of Rio is that the city is partially located on small rocky mountains and on the hills that give it special painting and uniqueness.
Currently, this is the second population of the Brazilian city, as well as the 2nd largest industrial and financial center of the country, after São Paulo.
Tourists around the world of Rio de Janeiro are known, first of all, thanks to his exciting landscapes – the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanoma are adjacent here with a sugar head, the statue of Christ the Savior and the giant bowl of Maracan Stadium, which, by the way, is often called local residents of the Temple of the Second Brazilian Religions – Football.
Perhaps one of the main cultural attractions of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil as a whole is the world famous Brazilian carnival. There are several dozen schools of Samba, numerous representatives of which every year on the days of the carnival are arranged colorful performances at the local sambodroma, as well as processions on the streets of Rio.
But, like any major city, I have Rio de Janeiro and your dark sides. First of all, this is a high level of crime, including directed against foreign tourists.
And it’s not surprising, because in this Brazilian "city of contrast", respectable urban areas are adjacent to the huge slums (Favermi), which are mainly on the slopes of the mountains, in which almost 20% of the Population of Rio live, and often there are no basic amenities here, and also flourishes Drug Administration and Crime.
And although in the last 5 years, the standard of living in Favels Rio de Janeiro has noticeably gone, yet it is better to do not see themselves in them in order for the case not to spoil your vacation in Brazil, because the criminal situation in this crime shotger should be desired.
But if the desire to see Life in Favelch is still great, it is better to order an organized tour in one of the local travel agencies. They, as a rule, already have an agreement with criminal clans, because such excursions are safe and pass without problems.
Officially, Rio de Janeiro is divided into 160 municipalities and 34 administrative district. Traditionally, the city is divided into four main areas:
Centro (Centro) or Historical Center – Financial and business center of the city, with many historical buildings, such as the city Theater, National Library, National Museum of Fine Arts, Palace Tiragens, Cathedral and Pedro-Ernesto Palace. Bohemian areas of Paw and Santa Teresa also belong to this area. Here is the famous sambodrom.
Zona Sul Zone or Southern Zone – includes the main tourist areas, such as Copacabana, Leblon, Ipanema and Flamengo. Here is a part of the high-class areas of Rio and many of the main tourist facilities, such as Rodrigo de Frytash Laguna, Sugar and Mount Corcovado with the statue of Christ.
Zona Norte or Northern zone – This area is rarely visited by tourists, almost all stadiums of the city are concentrated here, led by the famous «Maracan».
Zona Oeste (West Zone) or Western zone – the farthest area from the city center, here are both the rich and poorest quarters of Rio. Also is the area of Barra da Tijuca, with 18 kilometer beach, the most extended in the city.
Gulf of Guanabar was opened by the Portuguese navigator Gasparm de Lemesh on January 1, 1502. Portuguese accepted the bay of the river – Hence the name of the city, translated from Portuguese Rio de Janeiro means «January river».
The city of Rio de Janeiro was founded by the Portuguese on March 1, 1565, as a strengthening to combat hostile tribes of Indians and French pirates operating in local waters, and originally called San Sebastian de Rio de Janeiro, in honor of the Portuguese king Sebastian I.
In 1763, the colonial administration was translated from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro, and almost two centuries he became the capital of Brazil.
In 1960, the capital of Brazil was postponed to the center of the country, to the city of Brasilia. Rio received the status of the city city (Guanabar). In 1975, Guanabara was united with Rio de Janeiro, and the city became the capital of the United States.
In 2014, the World Cup will be held in Rio de Janeiro, and in 2016 – Summer Olympic Games.
In Rio de Janeiro Tropical wet climate, from November to April – It is hot, the maximum temperature during this period can reach 28-35 °C, and from May to September relatively cool.
The difference between the average temperatures of the coldest and warm months in Rio is no more than 3-5 degrees.
Average monthly water temperature: January-February +25 ° C, March-April +22 ° C, May-October +20 ° C, November-December +23 ° C.
Taxi
Taxi – is one of the best ways to move on Rio. There are yellow taxis with blue stripes on the sides and radio taxi (multicolored).
Yellow is a bit cheaper (their drivers are rarely spoken in English) and they are in the city everywhere, so they will not be difficult to stop them (because there is no particular sense to order a taxi to the hotel). After sitting in the car, do not forget to make sure that the meter is turned on.
There is a day rate and night (from 21:00 to 06:00, 10% more expensive). The cost of the minimum trip on the yellow taxis – 4.40 BRL (March 2011), cost per 1 km – 1.60 brl. On average, the trip from Ipanoma to Copacabana will cost 5 BRL, from Copacaban to the historic center – 20 BRL, to the airport – 50 BRL. It is customary to give a tip shove – about 10% of the amount on the meter.
Radio taxi – their advantage is that all air-conditioned cars and the passenger pays a fixed rate regardless of the time of day or downtime in traffic jams. You can order the car by phone or through the site. Unfortunately, not yet all radio taxi have full-fledged sites where you can see the cost of the trip to online.
Radio Taxi sites – Rio Airport TRANSFER (RioIirportTransfer.COM), COOTRAMO (COOTRAMO.Com.Br), Radio Taxi Coopertramo (Radio-Taxi.Com.br)
Buses
Buses – the most common type of urban public transport. Stops and landing in them are carried out, as a rule, at the request of passengers, usually landing into the front door, and the output to the back (the word entrada indicates the input, Saida – output).
Payment of travel is made at the entrance to the driver or conductor, the trip will cost 2.75 BRL (air-conditioned buses set higher rates).
Almost at all stops in the tourist southern zone of the city hang numbers and descriptions of routes.
In the rush hour, the buses are always crowded and there is a risk of being robbed (it is better not to take with you valuable things and money in such trips).
Tourists who wish to save, we advise you to ask the hotel or guide for the bus before traveling, how to navigate the bus routes.
Underground
In addition, some places in Rio de Janeiro can be reached by underground – It is small and only 48 km of paths and 35 stations. To date, only two lines are open (from the planned four) – the first line and the second line.
The second metro line is the greatest interest among tourists, as it connects the tourist southern zone (Ipanema, Copacabana) with the historical center of the city.
In the trains there is a Portuguese-English alert system, all of them are equipped with air conditioning and light scoreboard indicating the direction of the composition and the following station.
At the stations there are posters in English and Portuguese with a description of nearby attractions.
Metro opening hours: on weekdays from 05:00 to 24:00, on weekends – from 07:00 to 23:00
By 2016, it is planned to put into operation the fourth line, which will connect the southern zone with Western (areas of Barra da Tijuok and Reraneo).
The third line of the subway (its construction is only only in the plans) will connect Rio de Janeiro and the neighboring cities in Niteroi, San Goncalu and Itabia (part of the line will be held under the Bay of Guanabara).
Car rental
If you need more freedom in the movements on Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings – Rent a car.
The largest car rental companies are Localiza, Hertz, Avis .
Day rental – from 100 BRL. Cars are air-conditioned and without them, from economy class to business. There is an additional feature of installing GPS.
Russian driver’s license can be used when driving a car in Brazil for 6 months (after this period, foreigners need to get Brazilian rights).
When driving a car you need to have a passport with you.
In addition, a credit card is required when making a rental contract. Be prepared for the fact that if you break the rules of the road, then it will write out the cost of the fine (this can happen even within 3-4 months after you have returned the car).
Beaches for residents of Rio de Janeiro – It is more than just a strip of sand for sunbathing and bathing. Here go to communicate with friends, get acquainted, play sports (beach sports, «Treasurers» Open-air and surfing), and just sit aside to admire the ocean and beach partition.
On all oceanic beaches of Rio rather strong surf, and in Ipano, there are also dangerous flows from the shore (it can easily carry into the ocean), because no one sails from the shore here.
If it still happened that she takes from the coast, fighting the waves and sail to the shore useless, only lose their strength, swim along the shore.
If you got into a strong surf, it is especially famous for this Copacabana, it is necessary to get out of such waves carefully, and it can be so slammed about the sand that the neck will roll or something like this (it is recommended to be grouped in such a situation).
Professional brigade of rescuers work on the beaches, there is also a life helicopter that pulls people from water online.
Rio Beaches are the safest swims in the Gayanabar Bay (one of the most famous – Beach Flamengo), they are usually narrow, with smaller waves, but water there is not always clean.
From the point of view of security for Rio, the flap of bad fame stretches – Tourists here more than once became victims of robberies, attacks and other unpleasant incidents (the most incidents with tourists occurs in February during the carnival).
Currently, urban authorities pay great attention to security issues, since it is here that in 2014 the World Cup will be held, and in 2016 – Olympic Games. In many tourist sites, police control strengthened and installed police chambers, resulting in a little calmer and safer.
Precautions during rest in Rio:
• Large amounts of money (a lot of ATMs) and jewelry (with a robbery earrings can snatch from the ears right on the go) it is best to leave in the hotel’s safe. Rio – tourist city, because shorts, shirt and shale are more appropriate, than heels and expensive decorations.
• No need to carry documents with you, no one checks them here. Because the passport and other documents leave in the safe. It is recommended to make a copy of the first pages of the passport.
• Be careful during a trip to city buses and while walking in the city center in peak hours, since this is the time of numerous pockets. They, as a rule, work according to such a scheme: one pushes you into the bus or to the ground, and the other takes a wallet or something else valuable and run away.
• Avoid Favel (slums). They are about 700 in Rio and rule there drug trains and other bandits. If you want to visit them – order a special tour in the local travel agent, as this is the only safe way to see them. It is extremely dangerous to visit them yourself, since the probability of problems is almost 100% (it is not particularly worth counting on the police).
• If you are on the street and hear shooting (unfortunately it is not uncommon in Rio), it is recommended to hide in the nearest store or restaurant.
• Do not wear iPad, iPod, camcorders, cameras, players and mobile phones – this is a bait on thieves. Better wearing them in a bag or backpack and not to get without the need
• Ladies’ handbags better hold hand, and even better hang on yourself.
• Try to keep vigilance when using an ATM.
• After the dark ones, avoid the city center, especially the Saara region (SAARA). You should also hold on the main and well-lit streets. This also applies to Copacabans, at the later time it is recommended to refrain from walking along the beach from the beach, and moving exclusively on the opposite side of the Avenida of Atlantic, from the side of hotels and only where is crowded.
• It is strictly not recommended to use public transport at night and receive suggestions «throw up» you from strangers. Only taxi.
• Early morning jogging on beaches are also considered dangerous, runners are popular goals of robbers. If you plan to run, make sure that you do not have anything with you, which can provoke robbing (hours, phone, iPod and TP). It is best to wait 10 in the morning when the police are in its place and vacationers a lot.
In the event of an attack, give everything you have, and in no way try to resist and all the more involved in a fight, since most of the robberies have a cold and firearm (even at 8-10-year-old "kids").
When attacking, try not to look at the face of robbers, as they may think that you remember their appearance. If you don’t have anything at all, it is also not very good, as it can bring off the attackers.
If you stay without a passport – contact the consulate, there you will be given a certificate for which you can return home.
Rio Police Phone for Tourists – 2511 5112
Rio Police – 190 or 2231 2020
Consulate General of Russia in Rio de Janeiro
Address: Rua Professor Azevedo MarquêS, 50-Leblon, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Cep: 22450-030
Telephone: (55 21) 22-74-00-97
Clock Reception: Mon, Wed, Fri – 9.00 – 14.00
The main attractions of Rio – Beach Copacabana and Ipanema, mountain Sugar head, the statue Christ the Savior on the mountain Cukovado, Legendary Football Stadium Maracan, historical Center with colonial churches, theaters, numerous museums and architectural monuments, as well as world famous Brazilian Carnival.
Sugar head (PãO de AçUCAR) – Mountain, towering over Guanabar Bay in the eastern part of Rio de Janeiro, one of the main attractions of the city, His «business card». Height – 396 m.
According to one version, this name received because of its unusual shape, which Brazilians are compared with a piece of sugar, and on the other – the name goes from the phrase "paunh-acuqua", which in the tongue of the Tupped tribes of the Tupi is translated as a "high hill" or "Bay Guard ".
The cableway is built to the top of the mountain, the rise on which includes three stops on the way, during which Rio from different angles can be viewed: Pria-Vermel ("Red Beach"), Mount Urda and the end item – the top of the sugar head.
On the top of the sugar head you can relax from impressions or eat in one of the cafe.
To visit the mountain yourself, you need at the Botafogo metro station (Botafogo) to take a bus with a note of URCA, which goes to a cable car.
Statue of Christ-Redentor (Cristo Redentor) – The famous statue of Christ with open hands, located at an altitude of 709 meters on top of the mountain Corcovad in Rio de Janeiro. Is the main symbol of the city and Brazil in general.
Statue height – 38 m (including a pedestal – 8 m), scope of hands – 30 meters, weight – about 1145 tons.
Building the statue of Christ lasted about nine years – from 1922 to 1931. Since for many reasons, including technological, it was impossible to create such a huge sculpture in Brazil, all its details were made in France, from where they were disassembled in Brazil and by rail (today there are tourists to the top of the mountain ) Raised to the top of the mountain Cukovado.
From the end item of the railway to the foot of the statue, a winding staircase of 220 steps was built, which received the "Karakol" nickname ("snail"), and in the thicker of the marble base – a small chapel.
On October 12, 1931, the solemn discovery and consecration of the monument, which became a symbol of Brazil.
In 1965, the statue was re-consecrated by Pap Pavel VI, and in 1981, Pope John Paul II was present at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Monument.
In 2003, the rise leading to the viewing platform was equipped with escalators.
Corresponds&# 769; Du (Corcovado) or Corresponds&# 769; before – The famous Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, located on the territory of the National Park of Tisuka. Known, above all, the statue of Christ-Redeemer, located on its top. Mountain height – 709 meters.
To the top of the mountain leads a gentle railway with a length of 3,800 m, a width of a rut of 1000 mm (podting very cool). On this road there are two trains (each of two cars) with a 360 passenger bandwidth per hour (each half hour leaves, time on the way is about 20 minutes).
From the top station of the railway to the foot of Christ’s statues lead 220 steps. Possible rise on the escalator.
From the top of the mountain, a beautiful panorama on Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings opens.
Maracan Stadium&# 769; (EstáDio Do Maracan&# 227;) – One of the largest football stadiums in the world and the largest in Brazil.
Construction of the stadium, who received his name on the name of a small river occurring nearby, began in 1948, in preparation for the 1950 World Championship, and was fully completed only by 1965.
Today, the stadium "Maracan" is called a real miracle of sports architecture, as well as the temple of the second Brazilian religion – football.
This is the home arena of Flamengo and Fluminens, as well as the Brazilian national team of all ages.
Earlier, Maracan was the largest stadium in the world and accompanied up to 200,000 spectators, but due to the requirements of FIFA on the presence of only numbered seats at the stadium, the so-called "Geraal" was abolished – standing places behind the gates and benches, where the poorer was placed.
SambóDromo) – Fenced 700-meter street in Rio de Janeiro, created in 1984 and intended for carnival, parades, street processions and other large-scale actions. On both sides of the street are the stands for the audience.
The total area of the Sambodrome is 85,000 m², Capacity – up to 62 thousand. human. The territory is divided into 12 sectors of three categories:
1) General — relatively cheap tickets without specifying a certain place;
2) TourSector – places in it are numbered;
3) VIP-lodges – designed for companies up to 10 people for which there are soft sofas and a bar.
During the traditional Brazilian carnival, held in February-March, every night on sambodromes are held by 3-4 schools, the number of participants in each of which reaches 4-5 thousand. human.
Usually the carnival lasts 4 nights from 21.00 before dawn. On the first night, novices are held on Sambodroma, hereinafter – the most experienced dancers and completes the action of the champions parade, which involves the best schools of Samba.
Tram Santa Teresa (Bondinho de Santa Teresa) – The historic tram line in Rio de Janeiro, connecting the prestigious area of Santa Teresa (originated in the middle of the 18th century, and before the so-called city "Bohemia" lived here) with the city center.
Continuously working since its foundation in 1872 (first trains pulled horses, then in 1896, then electricity replaced them), Rio tram line is one of the oldest in South America.
Since the founding, little has changed in the life of "Bondinho", so the name of the Brazilians tram. Stripped in bright yellow color. Vintage cars without windows and doors move with clanging and crash, honestly justifying the status of the "National Historical Monument".
Route Tram Santa Teresa The length of about 6 km comes from the center of Rio in narrow and winding streets on Santa Teresa Hill, offering wonderful views of the city. One of the bright attractions of the route is the famous Carioc Aqueduct (Carioca Aqueduct, 45 m high), built in the 18th century, on which tramways are laid.
Everything is good if it were not for the tragedy that happened in August 2011, when one of the trams came down from the rails and turned over, with the result that 6 people died and about 50 were injured.
Currently, Santa Teresa’s tram line does not work, as it is on reconstruction (until autumn 2012), which should make this attraction of Rio more.
Carioca Aqueduch (Carioca Aqueduct), Also known as Arkos-Da Lap (Arcos da Lapa) – was built in the middle of the 18th century, in order to bring fresh water from the river Carian to the population of the city.
Since the end of the 19th century, the aqueduct serves as a bridge for a popular tram, which connects the historic city center with the top (on the hill), the Bohemian District of Santa Teresa.
Route Trams "Santa Teresa", plying between these two areas of Rio, is one of the popular tourist rides of the city.
Municipal Theater (Teatro Municipal) – Located in the historic center of Rio de Janeiro, is the main decoration of Floriano Square (Floriano) and the whole old city, as well as one of the most beautiful and most important theaters in Brazil.
It was built in 1909 for the sample of the Paris Opera Municipal and is today the main theater platform of the city for international tour, and also has its own ballet troupe, choir and symphony orchestra.
Be sure to go inside this magnificent building to admire the rich interiors and the vintage paintings of the most famous Brazilian artists.
Capacity of the Municipal Theater Rio de Janeiro – 2361 seats.
Lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas (Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas) or simply Lagoon – Located in the southern zone of Rio de Janeiro, opposite the districts of Ipanoma and Leblon.
Laguna has access to the Atlantic Ocean, with which it connects to the channel separating Izpala from Lebed.
There is everything you need for outdoor activities – bicycle paths, tracks for sports walking, boat stations, parks, children’s and sports fields, sports clubs, bars and restaurants.
That’s just for swimming it does not fit, the water is not particularly clean, although the fish is found.
Periodically, competences for rowing. In 2016, within the framework of the Summer Olympic Games, competitions in canoeing competence will be held here.
Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon attracts a lot of visitors during the Christmas holidays, at this time it floats a giant artificial 85-meter Christmas spruce, built on a floating platform with an area of 810 square meters.
National Library of Rio de Janeiro (Biblioteca Nacional Do Rio de Janeiro) – Located in the historic center of Rio de Janeiro, on Square Square (CinelâNDIA).
He is the largest library in Latin America and the 7th largest in the world, its collections include more than 9 million. storage units (according to UNESCO).
The library is located in a beautiful neoclassical building of the construction of the early 19th century and has a rich collection of old books of the expelling of the Portuguese Royal Court.
Petrobraras (Petrobras) – One of the most original modernist buildings of Rio de Janeiro, here is the headquarters of the Brazilian State Oil Company.
Many Brazilians consider it a utter – and indeed, a 29-storey gray reinforced concrete monster resembles a gigantic rubble cube from which several elements are elected.
Petrobias is located next to an equally unusual cathedral of San Sebastian Cathedral.
Palace Tiradente (Palacio Tiradente) – It was built in 1926, on the site of the building of the Imperial Parliament (used as a prison, during the time of the colonial period), built in 1640 and destroyed in 1922. Today is the home of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Huge glass dome, strict columns in the Greek style and magnificent sculptures decorate this luxurious building, rightfully considered the architectural pearl center of Rio.
It is worth looking into the palace, the decorative finish of which is striking even the sophisticated connoisseur – French mosaic, magnificent paintings and wooden furniture, all this luxury display can be seen inside.
His name Palace was in honor of the National Hero for the independence of Brazil Tiradertis, who spent 3 years here in the conclusion and was executed on April 21, 1792.
Imperial Palace (PAço imperial) – was built in 1743 as a residence of the rulers of colonial Brazil.
Since 1808, he was used as the royal residence of King Juan VI, and since 1822 he became the palace of Monarchs Pedro I and Pedro II, which used him as a workplace.
The imperial palace was one of the main political centers of Brazil for almost 150 years, from 1743 to 1889.
It is here that Princess Isabella Brazilian signed «Golden Law» On the abolition of slavery in Brazil and it is from here that the last monarchs fled.
After the creation of the republic in 1889, the imperial palace lost its former importance and was turned into a central post office. Interior decoration of premises and facades were changed. In 1980, after capital restoration, the building returned the former appearance.
Due to its architectural and historical significance, this is one of the most important historical buildings in Rio de Janeiro. Today there are a cultural center and library.
The palace is open to a visit from Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 to 18.thirty.
ILHA FISCAL – A small island in the Gayanabar Gulf, located on the coast of the historic center of Rio de Janeiro and the bridge and mound with him.
The island is known for its elegant castle, similar to the princess castle (from some kind of fairy tale), but in reality, it was built as headquarters for the customs service of the Capital of Brazil (Rio was the capital until 1960).
In the 19th century, the Brazilian Ministry of Finance decided to establish customs to control goods passing through the local port. Considering the picturesque surrounding landscape, Emperor Pedro II decided to turn it into a bright pearl of the district, as a result of which a project building was developed in the style of a non-comma castle of the Renaissance with spiers and medieval teeth.
The solemn opening of the building took place in April 1889, and on November 9 of the same year, the last imperial ball with more than 5,000 guests was held here. Five days later, the fun of Emperor Pedro II ended in the fall of the monarchy and the proclamation of the Republic of the United States of Brazil.
Today in the castle of Ilha-Fiscal is the Museum of the History of the Military Navy Brazil, which is open to visiting only for excursion groups.
Church of Our Lady in Kandelaria (Igreja de Nossa Senhora Da CandeláRIA) or simply Church of Kandelaria – One of the most beautiful and most famous churches of Rio de Janeiro.
The temple was built and drawn up for a long period (from 1775 to the end of the 19th century) and combines a baroque facade with neoclassical and neo-renaissance interior.
His sights include chief altar, colorful German stained glass windows, bronze doors of the main entrance with bas-reliefs and two monumental bronze departments in the style of modern work of Portuguese sculptors.
Currently, church services are held in the temple, as well as concerts of classical and spiritual music.
In 1993, the Church of Candelaria became the place of mass killing of children and adolescents, this event is called «Cutteria massacre». About midnight near the church, several military police cars were stopped, from where fire was opened on children and adolescents who slept near the church (more than 70 children). Then 8 children died, the youngest was 11 years old. This is a terrible incident attracting the attention of the world community to the issue of police cruelty in relation to street children in Brazil.
Today, the church is a small monument (concrete slab and a cross, in which the names of the dead) in memory of the cut.
Church of Kandellaria is located at the intersection of Avenida Vargas and Presidente Avenida Rio Branco.
San Bento Monastery (Mosteiro De São bento) – An ancient monastery in the historic center of Rio de Janeiro, is one of the main architectural monuments of the colonial period. It was founded by the Benedictine monks in 1590, 25 years after the founding of Rio de Janeiro.
In the early 17th century, the complex buildings were rebuilt in the style of aesthetic mannerism fashionable at that time in Portugal. The Church of Our Lady Montserrat was built, which today is considered the main treasure of the monastery.
Today, San Bentu is a valid monastery, in its territory there is one of the most important traditional educational institutions of the country – College of St. Benedict, founded in 1858, many famous personalities of Brazil studied here.
One of the features of the San Bento Monastery is an amazing contrast between the strict appearance and the wealth of the internal interior, generously decorated with carvings, gold, the works of the greatest sculptors and artists.
The monastery opened a museum in which a unique collection of religious artifacts is collected, one of the best in Brazil. On Sundays at 10 am, mass under the sounds of the old authority.
San Bento Monastery is open daily from 7.00 to 18.00. It requires appropriate clothing.
Cathedral San Sebastian (Catedral De São Sebastião) – An unusual cathedral in the center of Rio de Janeiro, built in 1976 on the site of the old temple, existing since 1676.
The Cathedral Building is a gigantic truncated cone of 96 meters high with a diameter of 106 meters, with a capacity of up to 20,000 people and is a bright model of the modernist architecture of Rio.
The modernist project developed the architect Edgar de Oliveira. Its source of inspiration were Maya’s pyramids in Mexico. The architect gave the building a form that resembles the headdresses of the bishops as a symbol of proximity to God.
From the inside, the dark arches of the cone are decorated with four stained glass windows forming the cross, which in the daytime illuminates the temple of multi-colored rays. The conical shape of the building gives him excellent acoustic properties, in what can be seen by listening to the chants of the clergy.
In the underground floors of the Cathedral of St. Sebastian there is a museum with collections of sculptures, frescoes, works of art and items used by the baptism of members of the royal family.
Here, in the Cathedral there are the throne of Don Pedro II and the Golden Rose, presented by Princess Isabel Pope Lvom XIII, in honor of the signing of the law on the abolition of slavery in Brazil.
Botanical Garden Rio de Janeiro (Jardim BotâNico Do Rio de Janeiro) – Located in the southern zone of Rio de Janeiro, next to the lagoon (opposite the Leblon area), at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain.
The Botanical Garden was founded by the Portuguese king Juan VI in 1808 and today occupies a territory of 140 hectares, which grows more than 6,500 different types of plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palm trees. More than 140 species of birds live here.
The most convenient time to visit the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro – weekdays, at this time there is no crowd of tourists (opening hours – daily from 8.00 to 17.00, ticket price – 6 BRL).
Stroll by the royal alley, seated with century-old palm trees, pass the cool waterfalls or fountains, admire Amazonian tropical plants, giant water lilies Victoria Regia, predatory bromels and Japanese trees.
On the territory of the garden there is a Botanical Museum and Library.
Quinta da Boa Vista (Quinta Da BOA Vista) – Palace and Park Complex in Rio de Janeiro, which has great historical importance and being a popular tourist attraction.
In the early 19th century, the rich Portuguese Elias-Antoniou Lopesha built a mansion on a hill, from which Guanabar Bay was visible, from where the ownership and got his name. In 1808, the future king of Portugal Zhuan VI, having received the estate as a gift, began construction of a palace complex.
In 1822, Brazil received independence, and Kinta-da-Boa Vista became the ownership of the local imperial family, and after the establishment of the Republic, the imperial family left the country and the complex became state ownership.
Today in the palace and park complex Kinta-da-Boa Vista, the Park, Palace of San Cryston and Zoo Rio de Janeiro.
In the Palace of San Cryston, named after St. Christopher, in which the children of Pedro II were born, the National Museum is located.
Currently, Kinta-da-Boa Vista is a famous landmark of Rio di Janeiro, which is popular with tourists.
Zoo Rio de Janeiro (Jardim ZoolóGico Do Rio de Janeiro) – Located in the historic center of Rio, in the area são crist&# 243; v&# 227; O, near Maracan Stadium, on the territory of the Palace and Park Complex Kinta da-Boa Vista. Was founded in 1888 and today occupies a territory of 13.8 hectares.
About 350 species of animals, reptiles and birds live in the zoo, among which are mainly representatives of the local Brazilian fauna (Amazonia, Pantanal), but there are also inhabitants from other countries and continents (for example, rhinos, giraffes and grizzlys).
Here «dwells» One of the biggest collections of monkeys in Brazil, as well as a rich collection of birds (some Tukanov here there are several dozen species).
Rio Zoo Small, but very cute – due to the abundance of greenery and beautiful architecture (one of the architectural attractions are the monumental gates, which are an exact copy of the gate to the Imperial Palace, in the building of which today is the National Museum).
Flamengo Park (Flamengo Park), also known as BRIGADEIRO EDUARDO GOMES PARK – Rio de Janeiro’s largest park stretching along Guanabar Bay from Botafogo Beach, via Flamengo District to Santos Dumont Airport.
The park was founded in 1965 and today covers an area of about 1.2 million. KM² (more than 3000 varieties of trees grow here).
Landscape design of Flamengo Park is designed by the famous Brazilian landscape guru Roberto Burle Marx, the author of the mosaic sidewalk Copacaban.
Today it is a favorite place to leisure and walks in residents of Rio and tourists. It features cycling paths, sports fields, boat stations, as well as several interesting museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Carmen Miranda, the Monument of World War II and many sculptures.
Park Lage (Parque Lage) – Small urban public park in Rio de Janeiro, located at the foot of Mount Corcovado, near the Botanical Garden. Covers an area of 53 hectares.
Until 1960, the land (and mansion), on which the modern park Lazhe belong to the private owners, then departed in favor of the city and was turned into a public park.
Today’s park Laž is an old mansion of the 19th century, with a swimming pool and a fountain, built in European style, surrounded by gardens with brown vegetation, which are part of the National Park of Tijuok.
Groats, ponds and caves have been created in the gardens, and bridges, gazebo and benches are installed. 12 aquariums are built into the walls of one caves, the largest of which is about 6,000 liters volume, they present various types of fish, mainly living in fresh water bodies of Brazil.
From the territory of the park Lazz, there is a magnificent view of the statue of Christ on Mount Corcovado.
Laja Park is a great place for picnic, walking and unity with nature. the entrance is free.
Tijuka National Park (Parque Nacional Da Tijuca) – Located on the territory of Rio de Janeiro, on the square of about 32 km&# 178;, is the world’s largest city forest and the most visited Brazilian National Park (more than 2 million. visitors per year).
By the 19th century, the forest in the area was almost all cut down, and in its place they were smashed sugar and coffee plantations. In the mid-19th century, the city authorities took up the restoration of forests, more than a hundred thousand different trees were planted. In 1961, the Tijuok Forest was announced by the National Park.
Thanks to this, today’s forest Tijuk is a home for hundreds of species of plants and animals, many of which are under threat of disappearance, and is found only in the Atlantic forests of such.
One of the most famous attractions of the National Park Tijuka is the statue of Christ-Redeemer on the city of Corcovado.
The park is a popular tourist attraction, but it is better to delve into the forest debris better with the conductor – first, because in violent thickets are not always friendly snakes, and secondly, not to get lost and guaranteed to get to the main local beauties, such as Example like waterfalls.
Most often in local travel agencies are offered trips to the park on jeeps with stops from its most famous attractions.
There are no direct flights to Rio de Janeiro from Moscow. In 2011, Transaero tried to fly along this route, but soon turned his flights, due to the low loading of flights by tourists (long and expensive, the mass tourist screamed).
Tourists usually get to Rio with a change in one of the airports in Europe. The average airfare to both ends is about 1100-1300 euros (the lowest prices of the airline Iberia).
You can save significantly on the flight by buying a ticket for sales that regularly arrange the largest international airlines.
On average, travel time from Moscow to one of the airports of Europe – About 3-5 hours, then from there to Rio de Janeiro – about 11-12 hours (excluding time for docking at the airport of Europe).
Rio de Janeiro serves two airports:
Galean International Airport (Galeão International Airport) – The main airport, serves international and domestic flights, is located 20 km from the center of Rio de Janeiro. All international flights arrive here.
Air France – Paris (France)
Alitalia – Rome (Italy)
Avianca Brazil – Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Sao Paulo
Azul Brazilian Airlines – Belo Horizonte, Campinas, Kuiaba, Fortaleza, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife
British Airways – London (United Kingdom)
Condor – Frankfurt (Germany)
Emirates – Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dubai (UAE)
Gol Airlines – Belen, Belo-Horizonti, Brazilia, Buenos Aires (Argentina), Grande Campu, Campinas, Cordoba (Argentina), Curitiba, Florianopolis, Fortaleza, Foz Do Iguazu, Goiania, Juan Pesoa, Maceio, Manaus , Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, Santiago (Chile), São Paulo
Iberia – Madrid (Spain)
KLM – Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Lufthansa – Frankfurt (Germany)
Tam Airlines – Belen, Belo Horizonte, Brazilia, Buenos Aires, Campinas, Caracas (Venezuela), Curitiba, Florianopolis, Fortaleza, Foz do Iguazu, Frankfurt (Germany), Zhuan-Pesoza, London (United Kingdom), Maceio, Manaus, Miami (USA), Natal, New York (USA), Paris (France), Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, Santiago (Chile), Sao Paulo
Tam Airlines Paraguay – Asuncion (Paraguay), Buenos Aires (Argentina)
TAP PORTUGAL – Lisbon, Porto (Portugal)
Webjet – Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Florianopolis, Fortaleza, Foz Do Iguazu, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador
WhiteJets – Maceio, Natal, Porto Segur, Punta Can (Dominican)
Santos Dramont Airport (Aeroporto Santos Dumont) – The second airport of Rio de Janeiro, serves domestic flights, is located near the city center.
Avianca Brazil – Belo Horizonte, Brazilia, Florianopolis, Sao Paulo
Azul Brazilian Airlines – Belen, Campinas, Grand Campu, Kuyaba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador
Gol Airlines – Belo Horizonte, Brazilia, Curitiba, Foz Do Iguazu, Manaus, Salvador, São Paulo
Tam Airlines – Belo Horizonte, Brazilia, Grand Campu, Kuyaba, Curitiba, Recife, Sao Paulo
Trip Linhas AéReas – Belo Horizonte, Grand Campu, Kuyaba, Curitiba, Fernando Di Norona, Ileus, Maceio, Porto Segur, Recife
Webjet – Belo Horizonte, Brazilia, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo
Most of the most popular hotels in Rio de Janeiro are located in the tourist southern zone, along the beaches of Ipanoma (here prices are usually 30% higher) and Copacabana (the main decent hotels in the middle price category are concentrated here, but there are many Little, cheap and clean hotels throughout the Flamengo and Kateta.
Accommodation in Rio is probably the most expensive in Brazil. There is a relative shortage of inexpensive hotel rooms, therefore it is recommended to book places in hotels in advance.
In addition, prices take off up (sometimes more than three times) during the new year and carnival. At this time, most hotels in tourist areas sell only 4-day packages, and even if you want to stay only for a couple of days, you have to pay a package completely. During this period, it is also recommended to book places in advance.
In addition to the new year and carnival, the busiest month is January – Summer holidays in Brazil.
Rio Guide – Rio de Janeiro travel guide, here you can find information about hotels, hostels, and show, concerts, sports games, nightclubs and TP.
Rio de Janeiro offers many shopping options, for every taste and wallet.
Every Sunday from 07:00 to 19:00 on Praça General Osório Square in the area of Ipanoma Fair hippie, where you can buy unusual original handmade souvenirs, paintings of local artists, musical instruments, shale, swimsuits and much more.
Also worth a visit Huge Fair "Saara" Uruguaiana metro station, occupies 11 streets. Here you can find everything that your soul, from carnival costumes to casual clothes, and at very reasonable prices. Works every day with 9.00 to 18.00, except Sunday.
In the area of Ipanoma, the main trading artery – RUA VISCONDE DE PIRAJA and the alley around it.
Opening hours of most Rio stores: from 9:00 to 18:30, on Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00.
In the markets, fairs and in traders on the beach it is recommended to bargain, it will help to bring down prices, which, as a rule, can be a bit (about 20%) overestimated for tourists.
Trade in shops and shopping centers has not been adopted.
Jewelry
For jewelry it is worth looking into the street Garcia d’Avila In the area of Ipanoma, where the main jewelry stores Rio are concentrated.
Brazil is traditionally famous for its diamonds, emeralds, topases and other precious stones, the quality of which meets all international standards, and prices are significantly lower than in Russia.
The most famous jewelry house – H. Stern since 1945 is one of the leaders of jewelry art (Rua Garcia d’Avila, 113).
Certificates for products are issued only in large jewelry companies. There are two of them in the country – H’Stern and Amsterdam Sauer.
Shopping centers
The largest shopping center of the southern zone – Megamoll Shopping Rio Sul Riosul.Com.BR) on Rua Lauro Müller, 116, offering a huge selection of shops (4 floors, more than 450 stores) and brands, from low-cost to elite.
Other largest shopping centers Rio:
Shopping Leblon Shoppingleblon.Com.br), on AV. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 290 – new shopping center, with more than 200 stores.
São Conrado Fashion Mall on Estrada da Gávea, 899 – high-quality center with 140 stores, including trademarks, like Diesel, Fendi, Emporio Armani and TP.
