Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a large city in Brazil, on the South Atlantic coast. Rio is famous for its breathtaking landscape, its laidback beach culture and its annual carnival celebrations. The hotel-lined tourist beaches, include Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.

Some of the most famous local landmarks in addition to the beaches include the giant statue of Jesus, known as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado mountain; Sugar Loaf mountain with its cable car; the Sambódromo, a giant permanent parade stand used during Carnival; and Maracanã stadium, one of the world's largest. Rio also boasts the world's largest forest inside an urban area, called Floresta da Tijuca, or 'Tijuca Forest'.

Things to see and do

• Sugarloaf Mountain
• 125-foot tall statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain
• Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beachfront districts
• Tijuca Forest

General Information

Cruise Season

Jan - Dec

Currency

Real (R$)

Language

Portuguese

Land Area

1,260 square kilometers

Population

6,200,000

Electricity

2 pin round pins European style and 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below

Time

GMT minus three hours

International Country Telephone Code

+55

Port Location - Rio de Janeiro has one of the world's most beautiful natural harbors surrounded by low mountain ranges. The port is located in Guanabara Bay.

Transport Links - International and most domestic flights land at Tom Jobim International Airport which is 20 km away from the city center and main hotels. Visitors can also get a train, bus, rental car or ferry to and from Rio.

To get around Rio you can catch a taxi which is probably the best way to travel in the city, bus, subway or rental car.