Tourist Attractions in Brazil

The International Gateways to Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Known as the cidade maravilhosa (the marvellous city), Rio has one of the most beautiful settings in the world. The city’s spectacular harbor is dominated by the famous rocky outcrop, Pao de Açucar (Sugar Loaf), and, further up, the Corcovado (Hunchback) peak, rising 709m (2326ft) above the Baia de Guanabara and providing the focal point for the classic Rio skyline.

The Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue stands on top of Corcovado. Pao de Açucar can be reached by two cable cars ascending 396m (1300ft) above Rio and the Baia de Guanabara (one leaves approximately every 30 minutes). Flocks of tourists arriving by tour buses can sometimes spoil the view, so visitors should avoid the busiest times (between 1000-1100 and 1400-1500). The Corcovado peak is located within the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, and is accessible by cog train (leaving from the Rua Cosme Velho).

From the top there are magnificent views of Rio. Taxis also take visitors up to the peak and driving there will take up to an hour. Rio’s other landmarks are its numerous beaches, most notably the infamous Copacabana and Ipanema. Beach life is a ritual in Brazil and different beach sections reflect different ways of life and fashions.

The Girl from Ipanema beach is particularly popular with young people and is located at Posto Nine in Ipanema. Owing to strong waves and undertows, swimming off Ipanema can be dangerous. Rio’s other main beaches include Arpoador, Barra da Tijuca, Botafogo, Flamengo, Leblon, Leme, Pepino and Vidigal.

Rio has many interesting museums, including the Museu Historico Nacional, located in the Sao Tiago Fortress. The Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro contains Brazil’s most important collection of modern art. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Niteroi, designed by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer and overlooking Boa Viagem beach, showcases contemporary Brazilian art.

The Museu do Folclore Edison Carneiro displays folk art and art naif. The Museu do Ã?ndio contains some 14,000 objects made by Brazilian Indians and is one of the nation’s most important Indian heritage museums. The Museu da Republica is set in the well-restored Palacio do Catete and reveals a fascinating insight into Brazilian history.

Sao Paulo
The view from the top of Sao Paulo’s tallest building, the Edificio Italiano reveals South America’s largest city (over 9 million inhabitants) and Brazil’s financial, commercial and industrial heartland. Famed throughout the continent for its abundant nightlife and shopping, Sao Paulo’s rapidly growing population resides in a sprawling urban maze characterized by perpetual traffic jams and a chronic lack of space.

While Sao Paulo’s concrete jungle is a far cry from the color and charm of other Brazilian cities, there are some cultural attractions on offer, notably the MASP - Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo with an internationally renowned collection of impressionist paintings (with works by Van Gogh and Degas amongst many others).