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Introduction
Facts & Information
Rio de Janeiro History
Rio de Janeiro Hotels
Rio de Janeiro Attractions
Rio de Janeiro Tours
Transportation
Picture Gallery
Resources

Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil Facts & Information

 Location Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean
 Climate Mostly tropical, but temperate in south
 Terrain Mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north, some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt
 Population 186,112,794
 Nationality Brazilian
 Ethnic groups White 53.7%, mulatto (mixed white and black) 38.5%, black 6.2%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 0.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2000 census)
 Religions Roman Catholic (nominal) 73.6%, Protestant 15.4%, Spriritualist 1.3%, Bantu/voodoo 0.3%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.2%, none 7.4% (2000 census)
 Languages Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French
 Government Type Federative Republic
 Capital Brasilia
 Currency Real (BRL)
 Description of Flag Green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)
 Brazil Flag Brazil Flag

More Information
 www.cia.gov

 

Rio de Janeiro Culture

Rio is known for not only the natural beauty of its surroundings, but the natural beauty of its people as well. Their beauty is much more than physical; most possess an internal joyfulness recognized through their welcoming smiles. Cariocas are known especially for their lighthearted attitude (Cariocas claim São Paulo is for work, while Rio is for play). They joke about everything, which can catch you off guard when some of the topics can seem a bit

politically incorrect. However, they usually mean no harm with their words- humor is just a main way of dealing with things, whether good or bad.

Music and dancing are obviously popular in Brazil, but it’s not all samba and bossa nova. Pagode, a slower form of samba, is very popular in Rio- check out Jorge Aragão or Sorriso Maroto to get a taste. The popularity of Forró, a closely held couples dance, has spread from its northeastern origins to all parts of Brazil; Rastapé is a popular forró group. Hip-hop has also gained a large following in Rio- Club Six in Lapa is a great venue for dancing all night to both American and Brazilian artists.

In addition, no mention of Brazil goes too far without bringing up the famous Churrasco, the all-you-can-eat meat smorgasbord, or the caipirinha, the “national” Brazilian drink. Though both of these are definitely something you want to try, moderation is best for both indulgences. With all the beautiful places to visit, Brazil is an ideal vacation destination. Visit Expedia to get great travel deals for your next vacation

More Information:
 www.state.gov

 

Rio de Janeiro Culture

Rio is known for not only the natural beauty of its surroundings, but the natural beauty of its people as well. Their beauty is much more than physical; most possess an internal joyfulness recognized through their welcoming smiles. Cariocas are known especially for their lighthearted attitude (Cariocas claim São Paulo is for work, while Rio is for play). They joke about everything, which can catch you off guard when some of the topics can seem a bit

politically incorrect. However, they usually mean no harm with their words- humor is just a main way of dealing with things, whether good or bad.

Music and dancing are obviously popular in Brazil, but it’s not all samba and bossa nova. Pagode, a slower form of samba, is very popular in Rio- check out Jorge Aragão or Sorriso Maroto to get a taste. The popularity of Forró, a closely held couples dance, has spread from its northeastern origins to all parts of Brazil; Rastapé is a popular forró group. Hip-hop has also gained a large following in Rio- Club Six in Lapa is a great venue for dancing all night to both American and Brazilian artists.

In addition, no mention of Brazil goes too far without bringing up the famous Churrasco, the all-you-can-eat meat smorgasbord, or the caipirinha, the “national” Brazilian drink. Though both of these are definitely something you want to try, moderation is best for both indulgences. With all the beautiful places to visit, Brazil is an ideal vacation destination. Visit Expedia to get great travel deals for your next vacation

More Information:
 www.state.gov

 

Rio de Janeiro Shopping

Shopping can be quite a pleasant experience in Rio, especially if the exchange rate favors your currency. Rio Sul is one of the most popular shopping destinations (in Brazil, malls are called “Shoppings”). Located at the end of Botafogo near the Pasmado tunnel, it can reached easily by bus and is a short taxi ride from Copacabana. Shoes and jeans (especially women’s) are a great deal in Brazil with plenty of variety and usually reasonable prices. The sizes are

somewhat similar to European, but for American sizes, a good estimate would be Size 6 in jeans is equivalent to 38, size 8 to 40/42, etc. For shoes, add about 30 to your normal size (i.e.- women’s size 8 is equivalent to 38). These are not exact, but you should be able to try everything on if you shop at a mall.

For more handicraft-style shopping, the famous “Hippie Fair” occurs every Sunday in Praça General Osório (Ipanema), or you might want to check out the Babilônia Feira Hype in Gávea. There are also usually vendors on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, or Friday night in Lapa.

 

Rio de Janeiro Shopping

Shopping can be quite a pleasant experience in Rio, especially if the exchange rate favors your currency. Rio Sul is one of the most popular shopping destinations (in Brazil, malls are called “Shoppings”). Located at the end of Botafogo near the Pasmado tunnel, it can reached easily by bus and is a short taxi ride from Copacabana. Shoes and jeans (especially women’s) are a great deal in Brazil with plenty of variety and usually reasonable prices. The sizes are

somewhat similar to European, but for American sizes, a good estimate would be Size 6 in jeans is equivalent to 38, size 8 to 40/42, etc. For shoes, add about 30 to your normal size (i.e.- women’s size 8 is equivalent to 38). These are not exact, but you should be able to try everything on if you shop at a mall.

For more handicraft-style shopping, the famous “Hippie Fair” occurs every Sunday in Praça General Osório (Ipanema), or you might want to check out the Babilônia Feira Hype in Gávea. There are also usually vendors on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, or Friday night in Lapa.

 

Rio de Janeiro Restaurants
   
Read reviews for some of the best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro. You'll find the perfect restaurant for your vacation here. Choose a restaurant by cuisine type or visitor rating.
Name Address Phone Cuisine
 Marius Av. Atlantica, 290 21 2542 2393 Seafood
 Porc Rua Bar?o da Torre, 218 21 2554 8535 Steak
 Zaz? Bistr? Tropical Rua Joana Angelica, 40 21 2247 9102 Thai
 Quadrifoglio Rua J.J. Seabra, 19 21 2294 1433 Italian
 Madame Butterfly Rua Bar?o da Torre, 472 21 2267 4247 Japanese
 Antiquarius Rua Aristides Esp?nola, 19 21 2294 1049 Portuguese
 Natraj Rua General San Martin, 1319 21 2239 4745 Indian
 Siri Mole e Companhia Rua Francisco Otaviano, 50 21 2267 0894 Seafood
 Esplanada Grill Rua Bar?o da Torre, 600 21 2239 0569 Steak
 Le Sommelier Rua Frei Leandro, 20 21 2527 9003 French

 

Rio de Janeiro Restaurants
   
Read reviews for some of the best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro. You'll find the perfect restaurant for your vacation here. Choose a restaurant by cuisine type or visitor rating.
Name Address Phone Cuisine
 Marius Av. Atlantica, 290 21 2542 2393 Seafood
 Porc Rua Bar?o da Torre, 218 21 2554 8535 Steak
 Zaz? Bistr? Tropical Rua Joana Angelica, 40 21 2247 9102 Thai
 Quadrifoglio Rua J.J. Seabra, 19 21 2294 1433 Italian
 Madame Butterfly Rua Bar?o da Torre, 472 21 2267 4247 Japanese
 Antiquarius Rua Aristides Esp?nola, 19 21 2294 1049 Portuguese
 Natraj Rua General San Martin, 1319 21 2239 4745 Indian
 Siri Mole e Companhia Rua Francisco Otaviano, 50 21 2267 0894 Seafood
 Esplanada Grill Rua Bar?o da Torre, 600 21 2239 0569 Steak
 Le Sommelier Rua Frei Leandro, 20 21 2527 9003 French

 


Rio de Janeiro Travel Guides
 Frommer's Rio de Janeiro
 Lonely Planet Rio de Janeiro
 Let's Go Rio de Janeiro
 Fodors Rio de Janeiro