Rio de Janeiro is today Brazil's premier tourist destination. Its famous carnival, Rock in Rio festival, the Christ the Redeemer statue, and the magnificent beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema attract nearly two million visitors each year.

Both modern and steeped in the past, the country's former capital has managed to blend progress with coexistence alongside nature. Its breathtaking landscape was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

History

In the first centuries of our era, the region was inhabited by the Macro-Jê Amerindians. But around the year 1000, they were driven out by the warlike tribes of the Tupinamba, Puri, Botocudo and Maxakalí, who then shared the territory among themselves.

Nearly 500 years later, on January 1, 1502, an expedition led by Portuguese explorers Gaspar de Lemos and Gonçalo Coelho brought them to Guanabara Bay. They were accompanied by the great Amerigo Vespucci. Believing it to be the mouth of a great river, they named it Rio de Janeiro, the "River of January".

For their initial exchanges with the locals, the Portuguese maintained purely commercial relations with the Amerindians, particularly for a precious brazilwood, the famous brasil. After familiarizing themselves with the environment, they colonized the new land. They founded the captaincy of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro on March 1, 1565, and established it as the capital of the colony.

Around 1808, the Portuguese royal family and Queen Maria I settled there. Brazil was then elevated to the status of a kingdom and Rio automatically became its capital. The great regent had important buildings constructed and imported slaves in massive numbers, primarily from Africa.

After the country's independence on September 7, 1822, Emperor Dom Pedro I made Rio the capital of the empire. The city then experienced considerable development through electrification, plumbing, telephone installation, the construction of sewage systems, streetcars, and train stations.

Later, around 1889, Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Federative Republic of Brazil. It was thus equipped with important infrastructure brought by industrialization.

In 1902, Rio's mayor, Pereira Passos, launched a major modernization project. He had the Municipal Theater, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Library, and much wider streets constructed. But during the construction work, the city's poor population living in the downtown area was forced to leave. They settled on the surrounding hills and built the country's first favelas.

The city subsequently experienced a slight decline, especially from April 21, 1960, when Brasília became Brazil's new capital. Despite this, it nevertheless expanded its horizons toward the south and north of the region.

In 1992, it hosted a United Nations summit focused on environment and development. In 2013, World Youth Day was organized there. In 2014, Rio was again at the center of the world's attention through the FIFA World Cup. And in 2016, athletes from around the world flocked to the city for the Summer Olympic Games.

Rio de Janeiro Today

Rio de Janeiro emerges as a wonderful amalgamation between a cityscape typical of major metropolises, a sublime beach resort, and a locality built at the edge of a vast forest. This extraordinary panorama cannot be compared to any other place on the planet. And the best way to appreciate the beauty of this famous megacity is to climb to the top of Corcovado mountain and admire the superb views beside the Christ the Redeemer statue.

All of Rio is divided into four major sectors, each with its own character. Every attraction within the northern, southern, central, and western zones possesses a unique charm. Each deserves to be visited.

Zona Norte

The North Zone is in some ways the gateway to Rio de Janeiro. Thousands of tourists flow through each day at Rio de Janeiro's international airport on the island of Ilha do Governador. Its landscape is comparable to that of a Provençal locality. Its wide roads, the bridge leading to downtown, and its buildings of varying sizes introduce visitors to the megacity's atmosphere.

To unwind after several hours of flight, nothing beats a leisurely stroll through Boa Vista park along Pedro II Avenue. The sight of greenery, the fresh air beneath the trees, and its beautiful lake inspire a certain serenity.

The famous Maracanã stadium was built not far away. It has hosted major international sporting events such as the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the opening of the 2007 Pan American Games, the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Centro

Rio's downtown center zone serves as both the economic and historical heart of Rio de Janeiro. Its towering skyscrapers make it the New York City of Brasil.

Amidst this ultramodern landscape, buildings from the 16th and 19th centuries stand out. Their fascinating architecture and opulent interiors tell the story of the great megacity.

The Paço Imperial, for example, was built in a purely colonial style. The Tiradentes Palace houses a permanent exhibition recounting the country's historical episodes. The majestic Candelária Church harbors an interior worthy of a great king. And that's not even mentioning the grand Municipal Theater with its magnificent marble decoration, the National Library with its roughly nine million volumes, or the National Museum of Fine Arts housing works by famous painters such as Nicolas-Antoine Taunay, Félix Taunay, and Jean Baptiste Debret.

Zona Sul

Having fun in Rio necessarily involves a trip to the Zona Sul. Its famous beaches are what made the city renowned. There, the beauty of the waterfront, the vast stretches of sand, and the constant rhythm of the waves impart a certain tranquility to travelers seeking seaside relaxation. The beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, and São Conrado can sometimes be very lively during major events like Rio's Carnival, New Year's Eve, or outdoor concerts. But they can also have a very calm and convivial atmosphere, ideal for family outings.

Beyond its beautiful beaches, the South Sector holds many more surprises for its visitors. Climbing Corcovado mountain, for instance, allows you to admire up close Rio de Janeiro's emblematic monument, the Christ the Redeemer statue. From the summit, the view is simply breathtaking. The entire city with its vast urban park, beaches, and tall buildings appear in a different light. A bit further on, Sugarloaf Mountain offers an equally astounding view. It rises nearly 400 meters, and the climb is made aboard its legendary cable car, the bondinho.

After such intense experiences, it's important to take time to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature around the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas or within the Jardim Botânico. This immense garden is considered Rio's most beautiful green space. Its palm tree-lined paths, its expanses of grass, and its famous fountain have been classified as environmental heritage and biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

And for those with a taste for outdoor adventure, Rio also boasts a massive urban park, Tijuca National Park. Along its trails, you can discover the beauty of Brazilian flora, mysterious caves, and spectacular waterfalls. For the most courageous, with solid climbing experience, ascending Gávea Rock or Pedra Bonita could be a worthy challenge. A magnificent view awaits at the summit. For those unafraid of heights, it's also possible to try hang-gliding from here and land below on Pepino Beach.

Zona Oeste

The West Sector encompasses nearly fifty percent of Rio de Janeiro. Its wonderful beaches are renowned for their tranquility but especially for the beautiful waves that continually pound the shore. Taking the route to surf at Praia Barra da Tijuca, in Jacarepaguá, at Praia Reserva, or Praia Recreio is truly worthwhile. Moreover, certain spots offer magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, notably at Prainha.

Nature lovers can also immerse themselves in the world's largest urban park, the Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca. A true green lung of Brazil's former capital, it is renowned for its sensational hiking trails, magnificent waterfalls, and its famous Pedra Branca peak.

What to Do in Rio de Janeiro?

Participate in Rio's Carnival

Early in the year, all of Rio de Janeiro is in a frenzy. Its streets are filled with parades, concerts, and dancers of all kinds. Rio's Carnival attracts millions of revelers from around the world each year. During this globally significant event, the country's greatest samba schools compete in the megacity's sambadrome. Their allegorical floats, dancers, and the atmosphere they create intoxicate the entire city.

In the streets, blocos distinguish themselves with extraordinary processions. The Copacabana waterfront and that of Ipanema are then packed with crowds, giant screens, stages, and concerts. The 2020 edition of this grand carnival was scheduled to take place from Friday, February 21, to Wednesday, February 26.

Ring in New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach

Every December 31, an immense crowd gathers on Copacabana Beach to welcome the new year. To the rhythm of DJ entertainment and various shows, participants, mostly dressed in white, party until morning. At midnight, a grand fireworks display is launched from several boats moored offshore. This is an event not to be missed if you're spending the end-of-year holidays in Rio de Janeiro.

Attend Rock in Rio

The biggest names in the music world meet almost every year at a unique global event, Rock in Rio. During the 2019 edition, Imagine Dragons, Muse, Nickelback, P!nk, Black Eyed Peas, Charlie Puth, H.E.R., Anitta, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Drake, and other international artists enchanted audiences gathered in the new Rock City, at Barra de Tijuca, in the heart of Rio's Zona Sul.

Practice Sports in Rio

Doing sports in Rio means injecting a good dose of adrenaline into your veins. You can thus string together surfing sessions at Praia Reserva, Praia Barra, or Praia Recreio. Then hike and climb at Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca or on the Tijuca peak. Next, you can continue with hang-gliding from Pedra Bonita to land on Praia do Pepino. To rest, nothing beats a leisurely stroll through the city's vast green spaces.

Climate

The entire region encompassing Rio enjoys a tropical climate. During summer, from December to March, the city is subject to heavy rains and temperatures can sometimes reach 40°C. Fortunately, the sea breeze and numerous green spaces provide some relief during heat waves. In winter, from June to September, the heat subsides and rainfall is less frequent.

There's no truly ideal period for vacationing in Rio de Janeiro. Two of the city's greatest celebrations are held in summer—Rio's Carnival and New Year's. During winter, there are fewer festivities but weather conditions are much more favorable.

Rio de Janeiro is served by Galeão International Airport on Ilha do Governador, fifteen kilometers from downtown. You can also fly from another city in the country and land at Santos Dumont Airport. Numerous bus companies also connect Rio to other major cities in Brasil.

By Taxi

Taxi remains the most convenient transportation method to reach a neighborhood or attraction, costing between 30 and 40 Reais. But fares increase quite easily, especially if your destination is in a remote area.

By Metro

To travel from one Zona to another, you can also opt for the metro. There are only two in Rio, Line 1 and Line 2. One goes north while the other heads south. A single fare costs 2.6 Reais.

By Bus

Numerous buses circulate throughout the city. Destinations are generally posted on windshields. They can take you from one part of the city to another for 5.7 Reais.