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* * * Touristic Points * * *
Sugarloaf Mountain - In Brazilian we say (Pao de Açucar). Praça General Tibercio, Urca. Tickets Around US$ 10. (8am to 10pm). Rio is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the world. There are many good times to make the ascent, but sunset on a clear day is the most rewarding.
A visit to Pao de Açucar is a must, but if you can, avoid it from about 10am to 11am and 2pm to 3pm, which is when most tourist buses arrive. Avoid cloudy days as well. Two cable cars connect to the summit, 396m above Rio. The first ascends 220m to Morro da Urca. From here, you can see Baia de Guanabara and the winding coastline. On the ocean side of the Mountain is Praia Vermelha, in a small, calm bay. Morro da Urca has its own restaurants, souvenir shops, a playground, an outdoor theater and a helipad (for helicopter tours). Beneath the shadow of Morro da Urca, the narrow Praia Vermelha has superb views of the rocky coastline from the shore. its coarse sand, unlike that of any other beach in Rio, gives the beach the name vermelha (red).
The second cable car goes up to Pao de Açucar. At the top, the city unfolds beneath you, with Corcovado mountain and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) off to the west, and the long curve of Copacabana Beach to the south. If the breakthtalking heights unsteady you, a drink stand is on hand to serve caipirinhas or cervejas (beer). The two stage cable cars depart every 30 minutes. Those who would rather take the long way to the summit should sign up with one of the granite-hugging climbing tours offered by various outfits in Rio.
Christ the Redeemer - Atop Corcovado (which means hunch-back). Rua Cosme Velho 513 - cogstation, Cosme Velho; admission US$ 10. (8:30am to 6:30pm) gazes out over Rio, a placid expression on his well-crafted face. The mountain rises straight up from the city to 710m, and at night, the brightly lit, 38m-high statue is visible from nearly every part of the city - all1145 tons of the open-armed redeemer. The view from the top of Corcovado provides a spectacular panorama of Rio and its surroundings. Corcovado lies within the Parque Nacional da Tijuca, (Tijuca Natinal park). You can get there by car or taxi but the best way is to go up in the cog train (departures every 30 minutes). For the best view, sit on the right-hand side going up. Be sure to choose a clear day to go up.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas - One of the citys most picturesque spots, has a 7.2 km cycling/walking path around it. Bikes are available for hire near Parque Brigadeiro Faria Lima, as are paddle boats. For those who prefer caipirinhas (drinks made from sugarcane spirit and crushed citrus) to plastic swan boats, the kiosks on either side of the lake offer alfresco dining, often accompanied by live forro ( music from Northeast).
Quinta da Boa Vista - The residence of the imperial family until the Republic was proclaimed. Today Quinta da Boa Vista is a large and busy park with gardens and lakes. On weekends its crowded with soccer games, families, children, couples, tourists. . .
Jardim Zoologico - (Zoo). Rios zoo, is 200m away. It boats a medium-size collection of Brazilian mammals and endangered species. Highlights include the Tropical bird aviary (the gardens are a good place for birdwatchers) and the Nocturnal House, of fering visitors a close-up view of sloths, bats and other creatures of the night.
* * * Museums * * *
Museu Villa Lobos - (Villa Lobos Museum). Housed in a century old building, the modest Museu Villa Lobos is dedicated to the memory of Brazils greatest classical composer, Heitor Villa Lobos. Here you will find personal items, scores and musical instruments, including the piano on which Villa Lobos composed. The gardens were designed by landscape architect Burle Marx.
Museu de Arte Moderna - At the north end of Parque do Flamengo, the Museu de Arte Moderna is immediately recognizable by the striking postmodern edifice designed by Afonso Eduardo Reidy. The landscaping of Burle Marx is no less impressive. After a devastating fire in 1978 that consumed 90% of its collection, the museum is finnaly back on its feet, and now houses 11.000 permanent works, including pieces by Brazilian artists Bruno Giorgi, Di Calvalcanti and Maria Martins. You will find excellent photography and design exhibits, and the cinema hosts regular film festivals throughout the year.
Museu Nacional de Belas Artes - Houses more than 800 original paintings and sculptures ranging from the 17th to 20th centuries. One of its most important galleries is the Galeria de Arte Brasileira, with 20th century classics such as Candido Portinari cafe. Other galleries display Brazilian folk art, African art and furniture, as well as contemporary exhibits. Guided tours are available in English (call ahead).
Museu Carmen Miranda - Although Carmen Miranda is largely forgoten in Hollywood (U.S.A), the once great Brazilian singer still has her fans, and has become a cult icon among Rios gay community. In addition to photographs and music of her era, the Museu Carmen Miranda showcases the starlets iconographic costumes and jewelry.
* * * Churches * * *
