Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Tourists have long flocked to Rio de Janeiro for its unique and vibrant culture, tremendous beauty, amazing beaches, sizzling nightlife, and dazzling landscapes—both urban and natural. The city is the most visited city in Brazil. In addition to being Brazil’s top tourist destination, Rio receives more visitors than any city in the southern hemisphere. The Cidade Maravilhosa (marvelous city), Brazil’s second-largest city, boasts wonderful food, very friendly locals (referred to as cariocas), and a vibrant culture set in a stunning backdrop.

[Page 1035]Squeezed between dramatic jungle-covered granite mountains and the southern Atlantic Ocean, Rio de Janeiro is composed of a coastal plain and a plateau. The coast stretches for 400 miles and is a popular retreat for tourists and locals alike. Several bays make up the ...