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Salt Lake City |
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Salt Lake City
Rio de Janeiro has one of the world’s most celebrated beaches, the most famous mountaintop sculpture in South America, and an infectious sense of playfulness that every visitor seems to pick up. Proud locals are not exaggerating when they call their home the cidade maravilhosa, or marvelous city.
Activities and Attractions:
Start your exploration of Rio by climbing a mountain to get a view of the whole city. Iconic Sugarloaf is a good place to start. You don’t actually have to climb all 1,300 feet to the top—there’s a tram.
For an even more dramatic vista, take the train to the top of Corcovado. The nearly 100-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer statue stands on top with his arms outspread, taking in the view of greater Rio de Janeiro from his pedestal 2,300 feet above sea level.
This view naturally includes Rio’s world-famous beaches. But don’t just look at them—put down a towel and watch the bikini-clad carnival pass by. Ipanema is two miles of flirtatious fun, with men showing off their skills at body surfing and footvollei (volleyball played with the feet) for the benefit of women who really do seem to be tall and tan and young and lovely. If the strutting gets tiresome, try Praia Vermelha or São Conrado Beaches. They’re usually not quite as crowded.
For real Cariocas (residents of Rio), the beach is just a way of passing the time until it’s time to go out at night. Whether you end up at a disco, a samba party, or just sipping caipirinhas until the sun comes up, you’ll agree there’s only one word for this city: maravilhosa.
Insider Tip:
For a real taste of Brazilian life, attend a soccer—sorry; futebol—match at Maracanã Stadium, South America’s largest sporting venue. When two of Rio’s club teams meet to play the beautiful game, the enthusiasm of the fans is something to behold.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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