Rio de Janeiro Geography
The Unique Rio de Janerio
Say the name Rio de Janerio and most people envision the statue of Christ the Redeemer welcoming travelers with outstretched arms. Rio de Janerio’s geography boasts a unique Brazilian city perched between pristine beaches and soaring mountains. Rio’s maps geographically pinpoint the city at 22 degrees and 54 minutes south latitude and 43 degrees 14 minutes west longitude. The ancient geology of Rio rests on strata called the Brazilian Crystal Basement.
A Tropical Paradise
Rio de Janerio’s geography blends tropical lagoons, barren dunes, fertile valleys, pristine beaches and soaring mountains. Coastal highlands, coastal lowlands and coastal elevations further dissect Rio de Janerio’s geography. Reforested, Tijuca is the largest forest. The low latitude equatorial Tropic of Cancer dictates 104-degree inland temperatures. The Brazil Current and southeasterly trade winds keep Rio de Janerio beach temperatures between 77 to 80 degrees.
Mountains in the Clouds
Mountains that hug the western side of Rio de Janerio lock rainfall from December to March. Mountains like Ucar 220 meters high and Sugar Loaf 396 meters high rest at an elevation of 10 feet above sea level and cool to 66 degrees.
A Mix of Vibrant People
In 1565, Portugal colonized this city overlooking three spectacular azure bays Sepetiba, Ilha Grande and Guanabara. Rio de Janerio’s geography is home to diverse Portuguese speaking Caucasian, Prado, Black, Asian and other people.
The Geography of Rio’s Zones
Zona Sul (the south zone) carries some of Brazil‘s highest priced ocean front real estate. It includes the renowned beaches of Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema, playgrounds for the rich and beautiful.
Zona Oeste (the west zone) provides stark contrast between the wealthy neighborhoods and slums. The oldest areas represent an industrial and agricultural mix. Barra da Tijuca and its pristine beach is north zone’s renaissance. Houses, condos, skyscrapers, restaurants and modern shopping centers attract the wealthy.
Zona Norte (north zone) is the home of the samba. It is rich in historical and tourist attractions. Of note is the historical Imperial Palace, a natural history museum located in Quinta da Boa Vista Park.
Centro (the central zone) represents a bustling downtown. Here, some of the largest Brazilian companies share space with historical gems like the colonial Candelaria Church, the Passeio Publico public gardens, museums Nacional de Belas Artis (Fine Art), Historico Nacional (National History) and Arcos da Lapa a romanesque aqueduct.
Welcome to Rio, geography’s natural wonder.
Read on the next page: Rio de Janeiro Environment »
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