Rio de Janeiro Attractions
Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil, and tourists flock here for its beautiful beaches, samba music and carnivals. There are so many attractions to see on your trip! Here are our top three picks.
Corcovado
Corcovado hill is likely the most famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro. Located in the center of the city, it features a 2,329 foot granite peak, upon which sits the Christ the Redeemer statue of Jesus.
The statue can be accessed via the Corcovado Rack Railway. These electrically powered trains depart every half hour between 8:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. The ride will take 20 minutes to reach the summit. Pick a sunny day, and go early or you may have to wait in line several hours. Corcovado mountain and its statue are visited by around 300,000 visitors each year.
If you are an outdoor sports enthusiast, rock climbing is available on the South Face. There are many different routes offered for different experience levels, starting from Park Lage.
Copacabana
How could you visit Rio de Janeiro without seeing the most famous beach in the world? Copacabana took its name from a chapel holding a statue of the Virgen de Copacabana, patron saint of Bolivia, in 1892.
Copacabana beach stretches four kilometers in length, and one of the most popular times to visit would be during their annual New Year’s Eve celebration. What better way to start off the new year than at one of the bars, restaurants or night clubs along Copacabana beach?
Ilha Fiscal
In Guanabara Bay just off Rio de Janeiro you will find Fiscal Island, and its beautiful stone palace. Built in the nineteenth century, it features the Neo-Gothic inspired designs of French architect Violet de Luc. Ilha Fiscal was unveiled on 27 April 1889 by Emperor D. Pedro II. Originally erected as a Customs Post, it currently houses a museum and is open to the public for tours.
The castle itself takes up about one-third of the island, and boasts a 53 foot tower complete with turrets and German clock faces on all four sides. It’s considered one of the most elegant buildings in Rio de Janeiro, featuring gothic domes, stained glass, and balconies with beautiful sweeping views of the South Bay.
To visit Ilha Fiscal, a ferry is available from Espaço Cultural da Marinha (near Praça Quinze) three times a day, from Thursday through Sunday.
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