Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and spectacular cities on the planet. Even the most well-traveled individuals will love what the city has to offer. One of the best ways to appreciate the setting is by going up Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), where you'll...

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and spectacular cities on the planet. Even the most well-traveled individuals will love what the city has to offer. One of the best ways to appreciate the setting is by going up Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), where you'll get a spectacular 360-degree view of Rio and Guanabara Bay. Across the Bay, you will see the Rio-Niteroi bridge (14 km long). Cariocas (Rio natives) disagree on which point give the more spectacular view: Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) or Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). It is well worth experiencing both and deciding afterwards which view is better. Notice how the natural harbour is surrounded by lush, high mountains that meet the sea in the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.

Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain gives an even higher perspective, and is the most well known and recognized landmark of Rio. You can either drive or take a tram up to the statuethe best view is on the right-hand side. From up here you can see that Rio is divided by a mountain range into two areas: the Zona Norte (North Zone) and the Zona Sul (South Zone). The Zona Sul holds most of the citys sights, including the Sugar Loaf and the famous beaches.

For any true football fan, a visit to the Maracana Stadium is a required pilgrimage, where you can lay your feet in the imprints of those belonging to the great Pele and many other legends. Currently (2005/06) under renovation for the Pan American Games 2007, this Stadia has seen better days but never any better players than graced its turf for Brazil.

One of Rio's most precious resources is often overlooked: its people. Brazil is a melting pot of races, colors and creeds. No one race, color or religion dominates in Brazil. There is room for all, and that includes the many visitors who come to Brazil each year from every corner of the planet. Cariocas are particularly warm and fun loving. 

A crash course on Portugues will come in handy; do not insult Brazillians by speaking Spanish. Although it is true that many Brazillians understand and can speak Spanish, it is not their native language and may offend some Cariocas. Other than that, most Brazillians will go out of their way to help a tourist navigate the city.

Do not be disuaded from visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world by the negative press that Rio receives. Rio de Janeiro is a large city and is not free from the problems associated with poverty. First time travelers to Rio should be aware of their surroundings at all times and stay away from the favelas (slums). If you can afford it, hire a driver for your touring: not only will they keep you safe they will also show you things you may have missed on your own.

Leave the expensive jewelery at home and do not flash money or credit cards around. Be a smart traveler and Rio will turn out to be a diamond in the rough. Schedule as much time as possible for this destination, especially if visiting during Carnival, the greatest party on Earth!

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