| Rio City Breaks |
Rio City Breaks
Rio de Janeiro, a multi-faceted destination for a city break , the focus of the travel industry in Latin America and unique in terms of its natural beauty, with the richness of its history and the contagious fun of its residents have contributed to its image as a very special destination, and never more so than during its two major festivals, Réveillon and Carnival.
 
The visitor seeking a city break destination which also provides the sophisticated infra-structure of a modern city will find everything he requires in Rio de Janeiro. Factor in the rainforest flourishing between the city and the beaches and you have a virtually unique range of products all within the one destination.
Rio offers a city break of contrasts: the colonial architecture provides a reminder of the past, striking modern buildings provide a glimpse into the future. Two landmarks, true postcard images, are known the world over: the Sugar Loaf and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Rio de Janeiro, as a city break destination, is not seasonally sensitive, as the climate is temperate year round, and its attractions can be enjoyed at virtually any time of the year.
Visitors on a city break always discover what the residents know and are proud of: there’s always something new happening in Rio exhibitions, dance and music shows, sporting events.
Water and mountains constitute the basis of the exuberant geography of Rio de Janeiro with its exceptional scenic beauty.
The topographic diversity of Rio includes the vegetation. Forests cover hillsides and remaining species of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlãntica) are preserved in the Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca). The vegetation of lowlands, sandbanks and mangroves are preserved in the areas of environmental protection of Grumari and Prainha.
Despite having developed into one of the largest urban areas in the world, the city has grown around a big green blotch called Tijuca Forest (Floresta da Tijuca), the largest urban forest in the world, which continues to preserve valuable remnants of its original ecosystems although it was replanted in the 19th century. It was the first example of reforesting with native species. Human interference brought even more nature into the city with the construction of parks, squares and gardens.
Gradually the ecosystems came under the protection of environmental legislation and a great number of parks, reserves and areas of environmental protection were created to ensure conservation.
The Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro consists of 17 other municipalities - Duque de Caxias, Itaguaí, Mangaratiba, Nilópolis, Nova Iguaçu, São Gonçalo, Itaboraí, Magé, Maricá, Niterói, Paracambi, Petrópolis, São João de Meriti, Japeri, Queimados, Belford Roxo, and Guapimirim – constituents of the Greater Rio, with an area of 5,384km.
The city’s physical features are products of the mountain range (Serra do Mar), covered by the Mata Atlântica forest. They are characterized by marked contrasts: mountains and sea, forests and beaches, stone walls rising abruptly from extended lowlands, all forming the landscape of rare beauty that has made Rio a famous city break all over the world as the Wonderful City (Cidade Maravilhosa).
See the Carnival on a City Break
 
A general explosion of joy.
The most important popular festival, it mixes emotions, creativity, plasticity, colors, sounds and many costumes.
Rio hosts a great thematic festival
People dance with joy and freedom as the contagious carioca spirit affects all who come from different places to visit Rio de Janeiro at carnival time. So, put on a smile, move your feet, loosen up your arms, turn on that twinkle in your eyes and get into it.
The largest popular manifestation in the world.
A unique record of mixture that makes up the Brazilian culture. When the time comes for all the merrymakers to be characters in their own play, costume, story, samba. That's carnival every year.
SUNDAYS OF CARNAVAL
CALENDAR UP TO 2010
2006 – FEBRUARY 26
2007 – FEBRUARY 18
2008 – FEBRUARY 03
2009 – FEBRUARY 22
2010 – FEBRUARY 14
Copacabana on a City Break
It's almost impossible for visitors to Rio to resist the charm of the city's eighty kilometers of beaches. Framed by the wavy black and white mosaics of Avenue Atlântica, Copacabana is one of the main reasons for this fascination. In fact, there are two separate beaches here: Leme (one kilometer) and Copacabana, (just over three kilometers). A center of activity both night and day, the beach is lined with kiosks, a bicycle path and racks, lifeguard posts, public showers and bathrooms, hotels, bars and open-air restaurants. The Military Forts at each end are open to visitors, offering panoramic views.
 
Diabo's Beach on a City Break
The Devil's Beach (Praia do Diabo) is located on the left side of the Arpoador rock. It is a small beach, facing the open sea, surrounded by coconut trees. There is also a square with benches where one can sit and watch the view drinking a coconut drink
Ipanema on a City Break
Even more irresistible than the muse who inspired the "Girl from Ipanema" - the song which immortalized both her and her neighborhood - there is no doubt that Ipanema is a famous meeting point in Rio de Janeiro.
This sophisticated district offers a lively night life scene with an enticing blend of beach, bars and boutiques. A major attraction throughout the day, its sands also welcome countless after-dark visitors, including joggers and other athletes who cluster at its kiosks, pedal along the bicycle path and make good use of special lighting to exercise and relax. Thanks to its multi-faceted lifestyle, Ipanema truly reflects the Carioca spirit of the people of Rio, welcoming visitors eager to join in the fun.
 
Sugar Loaf
A ride on the cable car reveals unique landscapes
 
The Sugar Loaf cable car, an idea of Brazilian engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos inaugurated on 27 October 1912, had its ninetieth anniversary in 2002. The first installed in Brazil and the third in the world, it is a major icon of Rio tourism and has become a trademark of the city. From the inauguration to the above-mentioned anniversary it transported 31 million tourists. In December, January, February and July – high season – daily attendance goes to three thousand people.
Experience the 'Explosion of Joy' on a Rio City Break
In the nine decades during which it has operated, the cable car has received tourists from all over the world, including internationally known personalities, authorities and artist, such as Einstein in 1925; former presidents John Kennedy of the United States, José Sarney of Brazil and Lech Walesa of Poland; singers Roberto Carlos and Sting; soccer players Roanldinho and Romário; actors Roger Moore, Robert de Niro, Gina Lollobrigida, Brooke Shields and Sônia Braga, among others.
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