6 Day, 1 City: the Hidden treasures of Rio de Janeiro with VCL

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Insider tips from Rio De Janeiro. Brazil is the land of chaos and opportunity.

Hidden treasures of Rio de Janeiro
Hidden treasures of Rio de Janeiro

Introduction hidden treasures of Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is a country of 200 million inhabitants, where 60% of the population is under 29 years of age. Brazil is made up of 26 federal states (estado) and 1 federal district (destrito federal). Recently, a new Indian tribe emerged from the Brazilian primeval forest. They are members of an indigenous people who had never been in contact with the outside world before. They probably decided to take this step because of the increase in illegal logging in the area. In addition, the routes of drug dealers near the border with Peru may also cross paths with previously unknown tribes. areas.

Politically, Brazil is a democracy, the military dictatorship handed over power in 1985. In the democratic parliament, 303 of the 512 members of its lower house are under some kind of procedure, either because of criminal cases or irregularities.

There are many rich and very poor. The gap is big. For example, 80% of the agricultural land is owned by only 5% of the population.

Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil. It was the capital of Brazil until 1960, and the coronation city of Brazilian emperors until the 19th century.

In 2016, it was the scene of the Summer Olympic Games.

Copacabana, Ipanema, the statue of Christ and the favelas are the first things that come to mind about Rio De Janeiro.   Freed slaves settled in the favelas about 100 years ago. They had no land, no chance to work, so they moved to the mountain. Anyway, favela means a Brazilian creeper, hence the name. Michel Jackson shot the music video for They Don’t Care About US here.

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Cristo, Cosme Velho & Santa Teresa

On your first full day in Rio, explore the neighborhoods of Cosmo Velho and Santa Teresa, two of Rio de Janeiro’s oldest neighborhoods filled with some of the city’s most iconic attractions.

„Christ the Savior”

This is the sight that most immediately comes to mind when you think of Rio de Janeiro, and this incredible feat of engineering attracts millions of visitors every year. Sitting in the clouds, surrounded by dense jungle and looking down on the city below, standing atop a granite peak is truly magical.

Take mosquito repellent with you, as mosquitoes are always swarming here due to the humid air. Be careful with the monkeys, never try to feed them, this is indicated by several signs.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online, however advance tickets are highly recommended or book this unforgettable experience as part of our shore excursion program.

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Cosme Velho

While almost everyone visits Christ, few discover the savior in the surrounding neighborhoods of Cosme Velho and Laranjerias. These old and wealthy neighborhoods are fascinating places to visit and showcase some of the more impressive architecture of Rio de Janeiro’s Belle Epoque

Let’s look at the Largo de Botanicário. This collection of bustling old buildings is set in a small square in an alleyway, making it a hidden gem.

Wander the Largo do Mochado market, filled with local fresh fruit stands, pastel carts and souvenir shops.

The bright yellow Santa Teresa tram passing over Arcos de Lapa is another iconic view of Rio de Janeiro. Take this refurbished tram up to the neighborhood for scenic views, incredible food and everyday life in Rio de Janeiro

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Selarón steps

“beautiful, I just want you to know….

Escadaria Selorón (Selarón Steps) is beautiful and really hit the map when Snoop & Pharrell shot their music video for Beautiful here in the early 2000s. the Salerón steps are definitely worth a visit. The Chilean artist Jorge Salrón, located in the bohemian district of Lap, produced mosaic art from 1990-2003 until his death in 1990-2003, as a tribute to his adopted country, the people of Brazil. With thousands and thousands of brightly colored tiles, it really brings out the vibrancy and character of Rio. Did you know that people from all over the world donated tiles to help Jorge Salerón’s work. Maybe you can find a tile from your country?

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Beaches, Parks and Koller sunset

The second day in Rio includes several essential Rio attractions. From the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the lush gardens of the Botanical Gardens and Parque Lage, ending with one of the best sunset spots in the world

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Parque Lage

A beautiful old castle in the jungle with Christ the Redeemer in the background. Located on the edge of the Tijuca National Park, this Roman architectural style building was originally the home of a wealthy businessman and entertainer’s wife. and today it houses an art school and a perfect cafe. In addition to the magnificent building, the grounds also include gardens, fountains, trails and a grotto.

Tip: Keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys playing in the treetops

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Botanical gardens

The Jadim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro is located in the vicinity of Lagoa de Rodrigo de Freites. From the palm-lined avenues to the famous orchid garden, this peaceful sanctuary is the perfect place to escape the bustling streets of Rio de Janeiro.

Throughout Braília, botanical gardens displaying many indigenous plants were created in the 1800s. Home to more than 6,000 different species, the garden also houses a scientific research center and is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

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Copacabana and Ipanem beaches

The beach scenes of Copacabana and Ipanema are some of Brazil’s most iconic views. From the famous black and white mosaic trail to chilled coconuts to the sound of samba filling the air, there is no better place to spend a hot sunny day.

At the edge of the beaches, there are tons of sand sculptures created by some talented local artists. Chateau, Homok, Copacabana, Strand

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Rio de Janeiro has no shortage of viewpoints where you can admire the sunset, but if you don’t want to wander far from the beach, Pedro do Arpoador is the right place to watch the sun set over the city.

One of the most famous bossa novas ever recorded, The Girl form Ipanema, has its roots in Ipanama. According to Rio de Janeiro folklore, the local Bar Velos was where the composer and writer spotted the girl who inspired the legendary song. The bar is now known as Garota de Ipanem.

Sugar loaf Mountain

A gondola ride halfway up Pao de Acucar is a must-do, and there’s no better time to visit than at sunset. Not only does it offer the most incredible 36-degree views of the city of Rio de Janerio and Guanabara Bay, but it’s also actually one of the less busy times of the day.

from the Praia Vermelho base all the way to the first stop, Morro de Urca, you can enjoy the city skyline before hopping on the second gondola and going all the way to Pao de . Acucar cócs is truly one of the most spectacular tours in the world

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Centro, Samba & Maracana

the third day in Rio de Janeiro. From the historic center of Rio, where you can see incredible architectural wonders from the time of Portuguese rule, to a taste of the carnival at the Sambadrome, and you can end the day at the football stadium, where the fans and Brazilian football are the main characters

The historic center of Rio de Janeiro

The Centro neighborhood and the surrounding neighborhoods of Saúde, Gamboa and Gloria are among the most historic areas of Rio de Janeiro.

  • Outeiro Da Gloria Church: it was a favorite of the Portuguese royal family and famous for its blue and white tiles decorating the interior
  • Praca Floriano: inspired by the Paris Opera House, ballet and classical music events regularly take place here to this day
  • Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil: the largest library in Latin America.
  • Parca Quinze de Novembro: it is home to many buildings such as the Paco Imperial (which was the residence of the former royal family of Brazil and Portugal), the Palacio Tirandes (which served several purposes – from a prison to the senate, this religious building is now called the Old Cathedral. )

Confeitaria Colombo

For a slice of history and refreshment in equal measure, visit Confeitaria Colombo. this famous cafe from the 1800s is still one of the 10 most beautiful cafes in the world

Sambadrome

This is a unique destination in Rio de Janeiro – where else in the world can you find a stadium built specifically for a samba parade. Viewpoints designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Neimeyer line the sides of the catwalks where the Rio Samba Schools dance every year during Carnival. From August until the beginning of the carnival, it is possible to participate in the practice class of the Samba Schools.

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Maracanã

When we think of Brazil, two things usually come to mind: samba and soccer. So what better way to experience Brazil than a soccer match in one of the world’s most famous stadiums.

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