One of the most fascinating and exciting cities in the world, located in the Southeast region of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the second largest Brazilian city with a population of 12 million inhabitants, 7 million just in the metro-area. Capital of the country until 1960, it was supplanted by the centralized and contemporary Brasília, but remained the most famous and entertaining city countrywide. Close proximity to beaches and mountains completes Rio’s remarkable wonders.
Of all attractions available, you can’t to miss the Christ Redeemer, recently nominated one of the new seven wonders of the world. Made of soapstone and cement, one of the best attractions in the city is 38 meters high and stands on Corcovado Hill, where the many visitors from all over the world may enjoy a sweeping view of Rio.
At the Sugar Loaf, another amazing carioca attraction, visitors enjoy a beautiful view from Baía de Guanabara, or climbing and trekking tours, or yet a ride in the cable car to the higher peak.

Maracanã, one of the biggest football stadiums in the world, hosted the 1950 World Cup final match and will repeat the scene at the end of the 2014 World cup. With a initial capacity of 200 thousand people, the largest crowd to ever attend a football match in history, it is reduced to an actual capacity of 90 thousand people who usually come to cheer for the city four main teams, Flamengo, the most popular Brazilian team with around 35 cheerers, Vasco, Fluminense and Botafogo. It also receives international stars like Frank Sinatra, Kiss, Madonna and Sting for shows and concerts, and even the Pope.
The well-known Rio de Janeiro beaches occupy an 80 km extension of the ocean coast. Copacabana and Ipanema, the heart of “boemia” carioca, are the most celebrated and considered the inspiration of the bossa nova musical movement. A tropical climate with temperatures reaching 40 degrees in the summer renders Rio de Janeiro the perfect place for beach lovers and night life addicts.
The winter seasons temperatures in Rio fall no lower than 15 degrees, a never-ending Summer that lasts the whole year. Lapa, the home and birthplace of great names of the samba, has an inviting and varied night life. The area revitalization sprinkled bars, night shows and music halls around the place, an allure for the young people always gathering there.
Famous for being the most popular street party in the world, Carnival happens in February usually. The Samba Parade, a fierce competition between samba schools, happens in Sambódromo, a parade corridor displaying costumes, floats and plenty of entertainment. You may yourself participate as a reveler in one of the bands, street groups or popular dances around town in this period.
	New Year’s Eve attracts about three million people dressed in white, who come to welcome the new year at Copacabana beach, have the opportunity of watching a magnificent fireworks display, traditional rituals, and shows of popular Brazilian music in the stages specially assembled for the occasion along the shore.
	The world’s largest urban forest, Tijuca National Park is the green spine of Rio. Parks, waterfalls and hiking trails guarantee leisure for the tourist. If you are fond of radical sports, you may exercise your adventurous spirit practicing hang gliding, climbing or surf.
	Museums and art emerge from the middle of the urban chaos; MAM, the Modern Art Museum, The Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil (cultural center sponsored by the Banco do Brasil) and the Carmen Miranda Museum are highlights. Downtown Rio, rich in cultural attractions and historical buildings, is a lovely place to visit.
	Cheap and easy public transportation takes you anywhere by bus or subway. You may relax from the urban frantic traffic afterwards with a coconut water drank in front of a breathtaking sunset at the shoreline.
The exciting and peculiar way of living of the carioca is inviting. All of the Brazilian culture can be found in Rio. Come and visit the marvelous city of Rio de Janeiro!!!