One of the best views of Rio is at the topmost of one of the roads that connect Jardim Botânico to the Parque Nacional & Floresta da Tijuca, known as the Vista Chinesa. From this Chinese-style folly you can admire the Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Ipanema, Leblon and the Guanabara Bay, all the way to Niterói. The road is an attraction per se, winding through centenary trees and offering some spectacular views on the way.
This museum is dedicated to local history and antique furniture and objects. Located in Alto da Boa Vista within the confines of the Parque Nacional & Floresta da Tijuca, this small mansion was donated to Rio by Raymundo de Castro Maya in 1943. Most notably, the collection contains colonial furnishings and old traditional tiles.
Founded in 1921 and designed by the Scot Arthur Morgan Davidson, then aged 20. Despite the fact that it was his first job, the club is the most beautiful in Brazil, and the course is ranked in the top 50 of the world. The club is located between the Pedra da Gávea and the Parque Nacional & Floresta da Tijuca, almost 900 metres above sea level. It faces São Conrado beach. Although a short course (6,000 yards and par 68) it is tricky and challenging to play.
Paco Imperial, or the Imperial Palace, was built in 1743 by Gomes Freire de Andrada to be used as a residence by Viceroys. Today Paço Imperial is a cultural center with a busy agenda of temporary exhibitions, videos and other activities, plus a cafe on the inside patio. The main attraction is the building itself, full of historical charm and interesting architectural details that were carefully restored.
This beautiful baroque church was built in 1714, and has a peculiar figure-of-eight shaped nave and choir. Dom Pedro II was married here and his daughter, Princesa Isabel, was baptized here also. The main features are the ornate tiles and the altar carved by Mestre Valentim. If you happen to be in Rio on August 15, you can join the festa of Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro, where you will get a taste of Brazilian religious celebrations. There is a small sacred art museum as well.
Straight from fantasyland is this late 19th-century green neo-gothic palace sticking right out of Guanabara Bay. Designed by Adolfo del Vecchio and completed in 1889, it was used to keep an eye on naval operations, and now belongs to the Brazilian Navy. It was also the sight of the last Imperial Ball. Worth a visit if you have extra time.
The Nelson Piquet track is one of the most thrilling for car and motorcycle races alike. Built between the sea and the mountains, the track has been used for many Grand Prix (Formula 1), Indy and World Championship motorcycle races, in two circuits: the main clockwise circuit, three miles long with 12 corners; and the anti-clockwise oval, 1.9 miles long with four corners. There are eight viewing boxes (three of which partially covered), a paddock, press room, broadcasting cabins, medical center and a control tower. Admission prices vary by race event.
Of all of Rio's green city parks, this is perhaps the best and most elegant. Created by Dom Jo VI to cultivate the spices Portugal used to import from the East Indies, it is now a favorite relaxation spot. The charming mix of gardens, sculptures, ponds, fountains, tropical forest and "imperial palm boulevards" includes more than 6,000 international plant species spread over 338 acres. Every season, nature provides a show that shouldn't be missed. There is a museum, a gift shop and a public library. Admission: BRR4. Cash only
Spectacular, breathtaking, majestic. There's no better description of the torrents of water cascading down Iguassu Falls, one of the largest and most impressive falls in the world. The name Iguassu comes from the Guarnani Indian word meaning "great water." They are situated on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the 275 falls plunge over a precipice more than a mile and a half wide with an average drop of 300 feet to the Iguazu River below. Every second, 450,000 gallons of water come tumbling down. Seventy percent of the falls are actually in Argentina, but much can be seen from the Brazilian side. Each year, millions of visitors gaze at the falls, which are 60 feet higher than Niagra Falls and about one and half times as wide. Clouds of spray continually emerge from Iguassu against a backdrop of lush tropical growth.
Natal is the most popular entry point to Brazil from Europe and it's also one of the safest capitals in the country and believe me now days this is really important and tourist magnet.
Now that you are safe let's have some fun, while in Rome.. I mean Brazil, do what the locals do and rent a Sand-Buggy and start driving along the coast, the best (and laziest) way to make a complete tour and don't miss anything :)
Certanly it has more than beaches, you can go shopping, visit the local fairs and a lively nightlife. Despite the nature look it also has great architecture and amazing hotels!
Nick : Capoeira freak
Name : Joao Paulo
Born in: Buzios,Brasil :)
Age : 25
Hobbies : cook, capoeira, parties on the beach
