A Romantic Getaway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is a city that will host the 2016 Olympic Games. The capital of Brazil is a symbol of Brazilian culture, way of life and economic progress. The city is known to be very cheerful and colorful, best known for being the location of the world's most carnival, known as the Rio Carnival.
It is a marvelous city which is known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife and the people, who are very lively, open minded and free spirited. Rio is the ultimate romantic destination for those who like to party at the beach. Couples enjoy the experience of being with each other, dancing to wonderful music, drinking alcohol and getting cozy with each other on the beautiful beaches of Rio.
Rio's beaches attract many tourists not only from abroad but also from Brazil. The pristine and clear waters of the sea that bathes the arena itself would not be a unique view if it were not enriched by the majesty of the surrounding mountains and the imposing beauty of the Amazon forest. The Cariocas, i.e. the inhabitants of the city, crowding the streets make the city more fun and enjoyable with their demeanor. There are two beaches in the city which are famous all over the world. The first is Ipanema Beach which is a place full of restaurants, bars and cafes. The other is Copacabana Beach, which is the ultimate destination for those looking to party in Brazil.
Couples also enjoy sightseeing in Rio and there are many neighborhoods in the city, which are so different from each other. The street that is most visited is the core financial and commercial center of the city that showcases modern skyscrapers. In one of the streets you will find the Museum of Natural History which holds all the exhibits of the imperial era, and many buildings bear witness to the wealth of the colonial era, such as the Mosteiro de Sao Bento, dating from the seventeenth century, and the Municipal Theatre, inspired by the Paris Opera. Also visit the Paço Imperial, which was the seat of power during the Portuguese rule: Today the restored building is home to several restaurants and art galleries that often renew their exhibitions.
Another ideal location to explore in Rio is Lagoa (show right), the saltwater lake which is situated a little north of the Ipanema beach. There you can enjoy the sophisticated nightlife of outdoor restaurants watching the sunset over the lake. But if you want to see the real Rio, there are two places to go. Lapa is the former red-light district, which has now became the capital of samba in Brazil. Restored old theaters and taverns in the form of bars and dance halls are open until dawn, and crowded especially on weekends when the nightlife is more vibrant than ever. The other is the notorious Favelas, the slums situated in the crowded hills. These slums are home to communities which are welcoming and well-disposed. The area is imbued with a vibrant artistic atmosphere and the inhabitants their sell artistic creations to support the local economy.
A trip to Rio will be incomplete without visiting the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is one of the seven wonders of the modern world, embracing the city with the same warmth with which it welcomes foreigners. The iconic statue is not only an attraction in itself, but it is also a place where people can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, from the top of Corcovado Mountain on which it is resting. The mountain itself is within the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, an area of 120 sq km, which includes part of the Amazon forest.
