Articles
Find Sun, Surf & Celebration in Rio de Janeiro
by Roy Witman © 2008
Tropical temperatures, golden-sand beaches and
round-the-clock parties make Rio de Janeiro a
popular destination for singles and young couples.
Although the literal translation for this city's name
is “River of January,” it's better known by its
nickname, “The Marvelous City.” Home of the samba,
you might imagine that dancing is a widespread
pastime as are sightseeing, beach activities and
partying. What might surprise you even more is that
the residents of this city speak Portuguese, not
Spanish.
World-Famous Beaches
While you may not have known they were
beaches, practically everyone in the world is familiar
with the names Copacabana and Ipanema, both
made famous by songs. (“Copacabana” by Barry
Manalow and “Girl From Ipanema” by Tom Jobim.)
These two Brazilian hotspots are heavily trafficked
tourist sections that draw sunbathers and surfers
from all around the world.
The weather is perfectly suited for beach
dwellers. With a tropical climate, Rio (as it's
commonly referred to) averages highs of around 86F
(30C) and lows of 68F (20C). While record highs have
exceeded 104F (40C), the cool sea breezes normally
keep temperatures fairly moderated.
Sports are popular on the beaches of Rio. It's
common to find volleyball games and surf-worthy
waves here. For those who would rather lounge, take
a break from catching rays and indulge in an
oceanfront massage.
It's at Copacabana beach that you'll find Rio's
annual New Year's Eve celebration. More than two
million people crowd the Atlantic coastline each
December 31st to watch a mammoth fireworks
display. Launched from boats positioned out in the
ocean, this spectacular array is worth repeating year
after year.
Mountain Views and More
If you want to see a panoramic view of Rio, a trip to
the top of Sugarloaf Mountain is in order. A two-stage
cable car ride is an adventure in and of itself, but
nothing compares to the views once you reach the
summit. Corcovado Mountain is another spot that
delivers postcard-quality pictures of Rio and the
surrounding areas.
But if looking isn't your speed, you can take a flying
leap! Hang gliding is a prevalent pastime and Rio's
mountainous and rocky regions give plenty of
opportunities to sail high in the sky then make a
gentle beachfront landing.
Carnival
Without a doubt, the biggest crowds descend on
Rio during Carnival. This highly celebrated Brazilian
festival resembles New Orleans' Mardi Gras in many
ways. Held annually two weeks before Lent, this four-
day festival ends on Mardi Gras Tuesday. Like its
Louisiana counterpart, Carnival is a massive street
party filled with wall-to-wall food, fun, color, people and
dancing. (The samba, of course!)
Nightlife
The partying isn't exclusive to Carnival, however.
Every night, Rio lights up with an attitude and
atmosphere that upholds its longstanding reputation.
So electric are the clubs in Rio that frequent celebrity
sightings are common. Among the stars spotted in
Rio nightclubs are Calvin Klein, Mick Jagger and
Naomi Campbell.
For the young or the young at heart, Rio de Janeiro
is a vibrant city with endless energy. When you're
planning your next holiday, check for itineraries that
include stops in Rio. You'll find a thrill a minute while
you're there.
Read more about Carnival Cruise Line.
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