8. Tijuca National Park

One of the largest urban forest worldwide, the Tijuca National forest covers a huge area of a mostly mountainous landscape. Visitors can trek to Rio's highest peak, the Pico da Tijuca, to take pleasure in extensive views of Guanabara Bay and the city below.

Nearly ruined in the early 1800s by intruding coffee plantations, much of the forest was replanted by hand in the latter half of the century with as numerous as 9 million trees. Attractions consist of the Mayrink Chapel, which has actually murals painted by the renowned Brazilian neo-realism painter Cândido Portinari, and the toppling 100-foot Cascatinha Waterfall.

7. Lapa Neighborhood

Located in the downtown section of Rio referred to as "Centro", the Lapa neighborhood was as soon as the city's red-light district. Today, the location is known for its vibrant nightlife. Lined with samba and choro bars, the music and dancing spills out into the street on weekend nights.

The majority of the area's architecture go back to the 1800s, supplying a scenic backdrop to all the festivities. It's the perfect place to meet good friends and cariocas to sample local food and to drink caipirinha, the nationwide mixed drink made with sugarcane hard liquor and lime. Escadaria Selarón, https://zenwriting.net/eblicikwlv/img-1nl3 a set of popular actions connects both the Lapa and Santa Teresa communities.

6. Santa Teresa Area

Perched on a hill neglecting the city's harbor, the Santa Teresa neighborhood welcomes visitors to go back in time and experience the faded sophistication of Rio's.

The region escaped development till 1896, when an aqueduct was developed that connected the community to the city. The district was a haven for artists, artists and writers in the 20th century, and although trendy clubs and boutiques have actually considering that overtaken the area, it still maintains a friendly artist-colony ambiance.

The city's last remaining streetcar, the Santa Teresa Cable car, used to be a popular traveler destinations in Rio de Janeiro but was closed after a major mishap on the line.

5. Jardim Botanico [SEE MAP]

Located to the west of the Lagoa community, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botanico, houses more than 8,000 types of plants. Built in the early 1800s, the garden includes lots of fully grown specimens, including opportunities of towering palm trees.

Visitors flock to the park to view the 600 types of orchids. The garden includes a number of monuments, fountains and features, consisting of a Japanese garden, a pond filled with water lilies and the brand-new Museu do Meio Ambiente, which shows shows that concentrate on the environment.

4. Sugarloaf Mountain.

Rising 400 meters (1,300 feet) above the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf mountain is a monolith of quartz and granite that visitors can crest by means of a glass-walled cable automobile known as a "bondinho" or "teleférico.".

The cable cars and truck departs every 20 minutes from the base of Babilônia hill and reaches the top of the Morro da Urca hill. From there, visitors can take a second cable vehicle up to the mountain's summit.

3. Ipanema.

The beach made well-known in the bossa nova song "The Lady from Ipanema" in the 1960s remains among Rio's most popular traveler spots today. A long, arcing expanse of soft white sand and rolling waves, Ipanema regularly reaches the top of the "Best Beaches in the World" lists year after year. The beach is bordered by an efficient grid of shops, cafés and dining establishments along with a variety of art galleries, theaters and clubs.

Found in the upscale South Zone, or "Zona Sul", Ipanema lies between the beaches of Copacabana and Leblon. Posts or "postos" mark off the beach into areas, and various kinds of individuals tend to congregate in each location. Families prefer the area in between posts 11 and 12 while the location near post 9 attracts dedicated sunbathers and free-wheeling artists.

2. Copacabana.

Separated from Ipanema to the west by surfer-favored Arpoador beach, Copacabana has a more active vibe than its similarly famous next-door neighbor. Rio locals, called "cariocas," always appear to have a game of soccer or volleyball in play, and vendors vociferously hawk their beverages and treats from the kiosks that line the beach.

Fort Copacabana, a military base with a wartime museum that is open to the general public, stands at one end of the beach. On the length of beach fronting the fort, anglers offer up their early morning catch for sale.

Visitors and cariocas alike love to walk along the boardwalk that surrounds the 4 km (2.5 mile) long beach. Originally built in the 1930s, the sidewalk includes a wave-like design set out in black and white stones. Inland from the boardwalk are closely-packed multistoried hotels and apartments.

1. Christ the Redeemer.

Perched atop the 710 meter (2,330 feet) high peak of Corcovado Peak, the statue of "Cristo Redentor" stands with arms outstretched, looking serenely out over the city. Building of the statue began in 1922 during the heyday of the Art Deco motion, and the concrete and soapstone statue is thought about the largest statue developed in the category on the planet.

Most visitors take a vertical cog train to reach the base of the summit. From there, visitors to the monument when had to climb up numerous actions to arrive. Today, elevators and escalators are readily available to shorten the trip.