The Wonders of Rio de Janeiro
Get swept away by the contagious, intoxicating rhythms of Rio, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and boundless energy.
Rio de Janeiro is always a popular spot on our TCS World Travel group jet expeditions as well as for our Private Custom Travel guests. Golden beaches, lush rain forests and towering granite mountains collide in Rio de Janeiro, creating one of the most outstanding urban landscapes on the planet.
The activity options in Rio de Janeiro are wide and varied. Guests can take in the views from the heights of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountains, as well as cruise the waters of Guanabara Bay. They can soar over the city on a flightseeing excursion to see its most famous landmarks from the air, from the golden beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, to the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain.
Rio is synonymous with Carnival, the largest and liveliest artistic event in the world and one of the world’s biggest street festivals. Guests rave about a day spent at Samba City to see how local dance groups prepare for the celebration Willing guest are also brought out onto the dance floor for a lesson, leaving with a few new samba moves and an appreciation for the spirit of this vibrant city.
Belmond Copacabana Palace
On most of our TCS World Travel expeditions, we stay at the Belmond Copacabana Palace. Located opposite Copacabana Beach, the famed Copacabana Palace has been known for hosting celebrities and royalty since its opening nearly a century ago. Amenities include one of Rio’s largest swimming pools, beachside service and a sophisticated spa.
Belmond Copacabana Palace History:
Built in 1923, the Copacabana Palace has been hosting international and Brazilian elite for almost a century. When Rio was the capital of Brazil, then-President Pessoa urged the construction of a large hotel to accommodate the visitors expected to gather in the city for the 100th anniversary of Brazil’s independence. Although the hotel wasn’t finished until after the celebration, it quickly became internationally known for its glamorous interiors and famous guests. Once the capital moved to Brasilia in the 1960s, the hotel lost some popularity and was on the verge of shutting down, but the building was eventually saved from demolition after it was deemed to have sufficient historical significance to the city. In 1989, the palace was bought by Orient Express group (now Belmond). It has since been updated, renovated and restored to be once again enjoyed by international socialites and Brazilians alike.
Who designed Copacabana Palace?
Copacabana Palace was designed by French architect Joseph Gire, built in the style of the great French beach hotels of the time, resulting in a beautiful art deco masterpiece.
Who owns the Copacabana Palace?
Copacabana Palace is now owned by Belmond.
Activity Details
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Sugarloaf Mountain
Take the nearly mile-long cable car ride to Mount Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain, the iconic quartz and granite monoliths that rise from the sea above Rio. Spend some time at the peak, at 700 feet above sea level, with breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the city.
Rio de Janeiro Sugarloaf Mountain Facts:
Named so because of its resemblance to traditionally refined loaf sugar, Sugarloaf Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest urban climbing destinations. For those who wish to take an easier route up, there is a cable car. A wooden cable car was installed in 1912, at the time only the third cableway in the world. The most recent models of cars inaugurated in 2009 are glass and metal and carry 2,500 visitors daily to the top of Sugarloaf’s peak. The cars run every half an hour throughout the day, and have a 65 person capacity each.
What can you do at Sugarloaf Mountain Brazil?
Visitors can partake in the world class rock climbing on the side of Sugarloaf Mountain or take a three-minute cable ride to the summit. From a ground station the first car takes goes to Sugarloaf’s smaller sister peak at over 700 feet tall, Morro da Urca. Then a second car ascends to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, giving riders panoramic views of hilly Rio on the way up.
How tall is Sugarloaf Mountain Brazil?
Sugarloaf’s mountain is 1,299 feet tall.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Colonial Rio
On a guided walking tour of Colonial Rio, stroll through Arco dos Teles, the site of the arcade and arches of old Rio. Pass by Carmen Miranda’s house, the Royal Palace, the Sao Bento Monastery and the historic Candelaria Church, first established by a group of Spanish settlers in 1609.
WILDLIFE, SAFARI & NATURE
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Visit the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, one of the great tropical botanical gardens and arboretums of the world. Located on the top of Corcovado Mountain, the botanical garden is home to some of the world’s rarest plants from Brazil and around the world, as well as many species of tropical birds, fish and mammals. View the beaches of Leblon and Ipanema from a stunning pagoda outlook.
LOCAL IMMERSION
Samba City
Head to Samba City and see how local dance groups prepare for one of the world’s biggest street carnivals. See the bright floats, vivid costumes, masks and wigs that various dance clubs create for the massive parade and competition. Then enjoy a samba class to learn percussion and dance techniques.
What is Samba City
Samba city is a small area of Rio home to over a dozen of the region’s most important samba schools. The neighborhood has many warehouses that the schools use to practice their carnival performances and construct their floats. Visitors to Samba city are greeted with a live samba band and a caipirinha before learning about samba music, exploring the costume-designing area, and taking dance lessons.
What is Samba?
Samba is a fast and fun dance that’s made its way to nearly every corner of Brazil, each region adding its own flavor and variation. The true heart of Brazil’s Samba, however, is Samba City in Rio de Janeiro.
What does Samba mean?
Samba refers to the percussive music and associated dance
Where did Samba originate?
Samba has many roots in African dance, especially styles from the Congo and Angola.
How to Samba?
Basic Samba is a simple series of steps, alternating between feet while bouncing twice on each side. Just like any dance, there are many types and skill levels and nearly all of them are on display during Carnival!
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Flightseeing Excursion
Embark on a thrilling helicopter tour. Soar over Rio’s top landmarks from the air, viewing the golden beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana; Sugar Loaf Mountain; and the Christ the Redeemer statue crowning Corcovado Mountain.
Where is Christ the Redeemer?
Christ the Redeemer sits atop Corcovado, a 2,300-foot mountain, and overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
When was Christ the Redeemer built?
The statue was completed in 1931, although the idea for a Christian monument in the location was first proposed in the 1850s. The proposal for the current statue was submitted in 1920 and construction began in 1922, opening nine years later in October of 1931.
How tall is Christ the Redeemer?
Christ the Redeemer from head to toe is 98 feet high, and stands on a 26-foot pedestal. It sits atop a 2,300-foot-high mountain.
How was Christ the Redeemer built?
A concrete cross was used as the main structural support for the soapstone sculpture exterior. The reinforced concrete was designed by Albert Caquot, a famous French engineer, and the sculpture was made by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Parisian Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida (who made just the head).
Why was Christ the Redeemer built?
The Catholic Church hoped the peaceful outstretched form of Christ the Redeemer would help remedy “Godlessness” among Brazilians and the world.
What is Christ the Redeemer made from?
It is made of soapstone, reinforced inside with Swedish concrete.
Can you climb Christ the Redeemer?
You cannot climb on the outside of Christ the Redeemer, and can only approach from the ground platform, which is completely accessible with elevators, escalators, and walkways.
Can you go inside Christ the Redeemer?
Although there are areas to go inside Christ the Redeemer, they are not open to the public and are mainly used for the statue’s maintenance. The internal ladders and staircases go all the way up to the head, and into the sleeves.
How much does Christ the Redeemer weigh?
635 metric tons (or 1.4 million pounds!)
How many tourists visit Christ the Redeemer each year?
An astounding 2 million people each year visit Christ the Redeemer! An important symbol for Catholics especially, it is internationally beloved and said to be one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
SURPRISE & DELIGHT
There are also special activities planned for the entire group. One of those is an exclusive sunrise breakfast at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue, a highlight for almost everyone. There is something so special about having the place to ourselves… especially when you fly by in a helicopter later in the day and see thousands of people there.
Among the activities offered in Rio was a private breakfast at the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue as dawn broke over Corcovado mountain. One guide remarked that the last time he’d witnessed a similar event, the guest of honor was (a former U.S. President).
Jancee Dunn, Travel + Leisure