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 When
people refer to Rio in Portuguese it's very common to
hear "Rio de Janeiro a cidade maravilhosa" which
literally means the marvelous city. After seeing Rio with
your own eyes you'll understand why. But for now, sit
back and soak in the sites through our eyes with this
all too brief teaser of what is to come on your trip to
this truly spectacular city.
Usually the first thing people think of when they hear
the word Rio is
and
packed with tan scantily clad bathers. We've put together
some photos of the places and the native people that make
this a perennial tourist destination for those seeking
a taste of the exotic, rhythmic, tropical atmosphere of
South America, here at its best in the land of .
At any time feel free to click on the bold face words
to get more details on the areas, tourist packages, and
inside information to make your experience a more memorable
one.
 It's
the unique combination of dense sub-tropical forest covered
mountains gradually disappearing into the sea, creating
extensive natural bays and powdery sand beaches that make
this a truly unique, breathtakingly scenic spot on the
continent. It's really worthwhile taking a drive through
the Tijuca Forest and visiting the other
Rio has to offer. The drive up the mountains is refreshing
after a rough day bathing oneself in the sun. The temperature
change with altitude is quite noticeable. You can walk
under some fresh mountain water to wash the salt-water
feel away and see some spectacular views of the city,
beaches, and the lake, , down below.
In the middle of the elite south side of the city, it's
between this lake and theocean where the neighborhoods
and
lie. City ordinances limiting the height of buildings
has really helped maintain a special charm in Ipanema
and Leblon is an even younger neighborhood as development
spread towards ,
only a short  scenic
drive from these traditional sections of the city. Often
seen in post cards, the long stretch of tall buildings
lining the well-known traditional and older neighborhood
of
is separated from Ipanema and
by mountains and linked to other parts of the city by
tunnels, nevertheless the system of tunnels necessary
for the development of this city is an engineering feat
in itself. What continues to impress visitors
more than the man-made constructions such as the statue
of Christ the Redeemer at ,
the cathedral downtown, or the numerous high-rise buildings
of this enormous city is how relatively
small all of these things seem among the immense mountains
and vast bays of the area. Don't miss a view of exactly
this from , where the character Jaws bit the cable car lines
in the old 007 flick. Before you know it you'll be samba-ing
your way to the airport having to go back home remembering
jumping off the cliff and
over Sao Conrado Beach or maybe the
on the beach in Barra, regardless of what sticks in your
mind you'll find that Rio is a place like no other!
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