Amazed by everything Rio de Janeiro
It’s a very big two years for Brazil. This summer the country plays host to the World Cup, and in two years time Olympians will flock to Rio de Janeiro for the Summer 2016 Games. All this excitement and exposure will prompt a huge spike in tourism.
Here at Your Coffee Break, we all agree that there’s no better way to celebrate the summer than with a trip to an exotic new place and we will always recommend Rio! So where should you go and what should you do when visiting the popular South American city?
When travelling to Rio, the first attraction most travellers will think to visit is the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Thought of by many as one of the modern wonders of the world, it is indeed imperative that you visit this infamous landmark. The largest art-deco statue in the world stands at 30m tall and has a 28m arm span, but its real beauty lies in its location. Sitting atop the 700-metre Corcovado Mountain, it offers a stunning unspoilt panoramic view of the former Brazilian capital. Given there are few places in the world that boast a view like the Corcovado Mountain, bets are you haven’t seen anything like this before. If just standing on a mountain isn’t extreme enough for you, you can always climb it instead!
With an average summer temperature of 25° you will be wanting to hit the beach in your new (adorable) bikini, and the four kilometre Copacabana beach is certainly worth parading up and down. With the sprawling metropolis behind and miles of clear blue ocean in front, visiting the world famous beach makes for a truly unique experience. The crashing waves make it an ideal location for those who want to try their hand at surfing, whilst back on the beach there’s always a volleyball or football game to get involved in. Nothing quite says Brazil like sun, sand and sport!
In keeping with the colourful city is the vibrant Escadaria Selaron. This 250 step, 125-metre construction is a cultural phenomenon. With plaques retelling stories of old, not only is it mesmerising but it’s poignant too. The mosaic stairwell pays tribute to the people of Brazil and its design makes for the perfect tourist photo opportunity. Holiday selfie, anyone?
The Arco do Teles is the perfect place to wine and dine with loved ones. This unspoilt area of the city is lovingly dubbed “old Rio” by some, and upon visiting it is clear why. With historic archways and winding alleys there’s plenty to explore and get lost in. Considering its architectural beauty, food and drink in the area is surprisingly cheap. It’s very much a refreshing step back in time in this otherwise rapidly modernising city.
Of course Rio is a place of polar opposites. On the one hand it’s an opulent and vibrant city, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that on the other impoverished people inhabit favelas, in fear of the violent gangs that run them. Whilst it’s not recommended that you walk through the favelas, you can take a cable car over them. Seeing first hand the shanties fashioned from corrugated sheet metal and built practically on top of one another is a heart wrenching experience, but one that should not be avoided if you want to really understand life in Brazil.
A metropolis of extremes, Rio is one of the greatest cities in the world. It’s a must-visit location for all those in search of excitement, colour, vibrancy and culture.
