Monday 20 April 2015

BRAZIL TOURISM

ANGRA DOS REIS


 ** Angra dos Reis es una ciudad litoránea brasileña ubicada en el Estado de Río de Janeiro, a una distancia de 151 km de la capital del estado. Tiene una superficie total de 816,3 km², correspondiendo 193 km² del total a 365 islas -la mayor de las cuales es Ilha Grande- e islotes.Las actividades económicas más importantes de la ciudad son las actividades portuarias, el comercio y los servicios, algunas industrias, la producción de energía nuclear (los dos reactores nucleares brasileños de la Central nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto están ubicados en el municipio) y el turismo en sus playas, islas y buceo.

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**    Tourism is becoming a major industry in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are two of the most visited destinations in the country, offering visitors (whether in the country on business or pleasure) a fabulous peek into the complex heritage and natural spectacle of Brazil. Tourism rates sky-rocketed from the year 2000 onwards as awareness of its multifaceted appeal rose. There was a period between 2006 and 2008 that economic issues hindered the tourism industry somewhat. However, Brazil is the most visited country in the continent of South America today.



**  While the major draw-cards to Brazil continue to be its unique cultural integrity coupled with its absolute beauty, it is also a viable business-related destination. Services, industry and agriculture make up the vast majority of its annual GDP, and ensure that corporate personalities from around the world visit the manufacturing plants, corporate giants, and so on that have their headquarters based in Brazil.

The main natural attractions in Brazil are:
• The Amazon Jungle
• The Amazon River
• The many other rainforests of this tropical and subtropical region
• The extensive beaches and bays that line the coast
• The many unique and fascinating plant and animal species in Brazil.

** Rio de Janeiro never fails to impress us with its modern outlook that reflects its progression through the times of yore. The historic sites, sparkling beaches, green belts and jubilant attitude of the locals embrace the tourists to the world where heaven meets the earth. If Ronaldo played football at the Maracanã stadium, then Christ the Redeemer puts Rio on the world map. Rio's carnival with its effervescent samba dancers jiggling their hips attracts thousands of tourists around the world. The rain-forests, museums, beaches and the glitz of the cit have made Rio what it is today - Brazil's top-notch tourist attraction..


Top 10 Rio de Janeiro Landmarks

  
Christ the Redeemer
Standing atop the Corcovado Mountain with his arms spread out, this enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) has been embracing the people of Rio since its inauguration in 1931. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the imposing structure of soapstone and cement provides panoramic views of Rio beyond compare. Book a cog train to the statue through the trails of theTijuca Forest National Park. The Corcovado Mountain is a tourist destination in itself with every inch occupied by frantic visitors. So arrive early to get a surreal view of the statue and an amazing view of the city. Entry is free.

  
Maracanã Stadium (Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho / Estádio do Maracana)

Fans of legends like Ronaldo, Pele, Romario, Carlos Alberto and Nilton Santos will surely love to pay a visit to the Mecca of Football; the Maracanã Stadium. Officially inaugurated during the 1950 World Cup, this all encompassing stadium features a capacity to hold 100,000 cheering fans. If you are lucky enough, it is possible to catch one of your favourite players in action. Otherwise, pay a visit to the sports museum with treasuries in store. The stadium is hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies.
  
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
Named after the traditional sugarloaves used during the yesteryears, the Sugarloaf Mountain is a tall 395 meter peak rising at the Guanabar Bay in the Atlantic Ocean. Right at the top, tourists will have the chance of their lifetime to capture photo opportunities of the sparkling Rio beaches, statue of Christ and the green forests. Although, most visitors arrive by a cable car, which takes 2-3 minutes, others can test their enthusiasm and energy by climbing the mountain. The best time to visit the peak is at sunset when the flickering colours of the sun make way for a blanket of stars.




  
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro)
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens is a complete resource on Amazonian tropical species including 5000 varieties of plants explicating the rich botanic diversity of Brazil. The garden showcases a fine collection of excruciatingly large Victorian water lilies and Japanese plants. Sitting on the edge of Tijuca Forest, Dom João VI designed the garden himself in 1808 to include plants of artistic, archaeological and historical importance. Visit the parks on the weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.


  
Sambadrome (Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí) 
During the Carnival season, the fervour gains ground in Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí where samba school dancers compete to become the best in town. Dancers performing to the school’s samba anthem impress the crowd with their music, elaborate costumes and most importantly heart stomping samba dance. The Sambadrome, also known as the Apoteose Square, holds a capacity to accommodate 90,000 people who come to watch the enthralling Carnival parade every year.
  
Copacabana Beach
Rio will never be complete without the mention of Copacabana Beach. The stimulating 4.5 km of crescent coastline never sleeps, as visitors play beach soccer, soak in the sun or swing and dance until the wee hours of the morning. One of the culturally richer neighbourhoods of Rio, the borough is filled to the brim with bars, restaurants and upscale hotels. Tourists of all ages will have some or other activity to do at the beach, be it soaking in the sun, snorkelling or water sports. The place will be one of the hosts for the 2016 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and also is favoured by revellers who want to bring in the New Year celebrations with great enthusiasm.
  
Ipanema Beach
The wealthier sibling of Copacabana, Ipanema is a glitzy neighbourhood located between Leblon and Arpoador. Favoured by the Rio's locals (las cariocas), Ipanema’s beauty lies in its dusky stretch of sand dotted by greenery with cafes, bars and restaurants weaving up the place. The waters at Ipanema are dangerous at times, so swim or surf in areas allotted by the many lifeguards.
Centro
As the historical and financial hub, Rio’s central district holds many jewels in its purse. Despite the bustling traffic and skyscrapers, the lanes provide an insight to how Rio was discovered and then consequentially developed in the years that followed. There are a numberof historic landmarks that distinguish Central Rio – The National History Museum, displaying relics from Imperial days, the 17th-century Mosteiro de São Bento church, the 1905 Theatro Municipal, The Paço Imperial; seat of former Portuguese rulers, the baroque styled Igreja Sao Bento church, the 18th-century Passeio Público garden and the 1750 built Arcos da Lapa aqueduct. Today, these restored structures include many restaurants, art galleries, tea houses and speciality shops for tourists and locals alike.
  
Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca)
Covering some 32 km², Parque Nacional da Tijuca is the world's largest urban forest in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Hand-planted in the 19th century to recover the damage caused by extensive coffee plantations, the wildlife park population includes many insects, ocelots, birds, howler monkeys and other endangered species known only to the Amazon basin. The park's summit, where the symbolic Christ the Redeemer statue is situated, offers fantastic views over the city and ocean. Although many visit the park by car, hiking tours for the more adventurous type are arranged by a number of local travel agents.

  
Petrópolis (The Imperial City)
About an hour drive away from Rio is Petrópolis, a town also known as 'The Imperial City of Brazil'. Petrópolis unique location at the foothills ofSerra dos Órgãos National Park bestows it with a cool climate, compared to the muggy surroundings of Rio. A popular resort town, the main attraction of Petropolis is the Summer Palace of the former Brazilian Emperors, which is now restored into a museum displaying Imperial memorabilia. Other notable buildings are the Palacio Cristal glasshouse and the Cathedral.

Top 5 Bars

  
Bar do Gomez
Located in Santa Teresa, Bar do Gomez opened its doors in 1919 but back then itwas a simple grocer store for Rio’s thriving migrant population. The bar is still known by the name Armazem São Thiago for this exact reason. To this day it still keeps hold of its humble roots with old fashioned tins and jars on display containing olives and other tinned sundries. Gomez has run the place for many years so there’s a distinctive homely feel about the establishment. The bar attracts all sorts of local characters that are more than willing to share a friendly, although usually slightly inebriated conversation with a newcomer.
  
BeerJack HideOut
A beer drinkers paradise....For those drinkers who have grown bored of Rio’s incessant cans of Skol or draught Brahma chopp; this is the place for you! With over 180 different local and imported beers on offer you’ll be spoilt for choice. Beer (drinking and brewing) is a serious business for the folks that run and those that frequent BeerJack’s, there is a monthly tasting session upstairs and the excellent bar-style food is always served with a matching strong flavoured brew on the side. Once again…an absolute beer drinkers paradise!
  
Aconchego Carioca
Located near the world famous Maracanã stadium, Aconchego Carioca is a city-famous bar, known for its great atmosphere and amazing bar food. The queues for tables are an obvious clue that this is a special place in the hearts of the locals. From their own take on the Brazilian staple feijoada stew – little deep friend balls of flavour to the 150+ beer menu. A trip to Aconchego Carioca will not be forgotten…
  
Bip Bip
It its music and a drink you’re after (in that order) then this is the barto spend an evening in. There are tables and chairs for the band…but that’s it and perhaps standing room only for six to seven people. Be warned, music is taken very seriously in this establishment. If you talk to load during the tunes be prepared for a very public telling off by the proprietor.

  
Bar Urca
Affording wonderful views of the Guanabara Marina, Bar Urca is a two storey place with a bar downstairs and a more inviting restaurant upstairs. A charming cosy little corner, few places in Rio can beat its bayside location. It’s one of those easy places where you grab a slice without all the humdrum. Just cross the street to order an incredibly cold beer and tasty bar snacks like empadas pies and shrimp pasties. Pictorial views of the Niterói and the statue of Jesus Christ make it a perfect junction for an afternoon.

Top Activities

City Tours & SightseeingCity tours & sightseeing offer you many more ways to discover Rio de Janeiro's beaches, mountains and rainforests! These affordable tours allow you to experience the cultural vivacity of the city at your own leisure and good time. Choose from a range of tours lasting from a couple of hours to a whole day. Hire a bus coach, jeep or simply walk with similar minded tourists to the vantage points of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountains, Tijuca Rain Forest, Corcovado Mountain, Santa Teresa and historic Rio. The onboard guide is always omnipresent to quench your thirst for knowledge.

Day Trips
A day trip gives you the chance to rejuvenate without spending a night away from Rio de Janeiro. These types of recreational activities are possible through guided tours of the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro such as Buzios, Angra dos Reis, Sepetiba Bay & Petropolis. Get away from the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro to enjoy the cool climate, turquoise blue waters and fascinating history that awaits you.

Cruises
The romantics love the cruising part of Rio de Janeiro where they get to travel down the sparkling Atlantic waters and visit the nearby Sepetiba Bay, Guanabara Bay and islands of Angra dos Reis. Embark on leisurely day / half-day trip cruise, arresting the beautiful views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountains and the panoramic Rio de Janeiro.

Cabarets & Concerts
Rio de Janeiro has always enjoyed the glamour of stardust sprinkled over its traditional cabaret shows and concerts. A trip to Rio de Janeiro is incomplete without experiencing the shimmer and jiggle of brilliant samba dancers. Along with the exciting music and dance carnival, the delectable Brazilian steak surely will do the wonders. If you are a trueblue sports fan and want to kiss the field where your favourite players practised his moves, book a Maracanã Stadium tour to attend a Brazilian football match.

Nature & Eco Tours
Most will agree that experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Tijuca Forest National Park is like climbing the stairway to heaven. A man-made forest, it is home to some endangered species and presents amazing, breathtaking views of waterfalls, Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue, beaches, Corcovado & Sugarloaf Mountains. If you're enthusiastic enough, book a hiking tour to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain or Pedra Da Gavea granite mountain. Many of these tours also cover the charming 19th century district of Santa Teresa.

Jeep Tours
Ride in an open jeep to visit the Santa Marta favela where Michael Jackson shot the video for his famous song 'They Don’t Care about Us.' Jeep tours also include an outing to the Tijuca Rainforest where tourists can hike, giving them the opportunity to spot howlers monkeys, butterflies, etc. Since the Tijuca Rainforest and the Botanical garden grant such an explicit display of rich flora and fauna, some companies offer a combo tour to help you make the most of your trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Water Sports
What with the sparkling blue beaches surrounding Rio de Janeiro, water sports are one of the favourite outdoor activities for a water baby. Go scuba diving at Arraial do Cabo, take private surfing lessons or go Ocean Kayaking to Cotunduba Island; you are spoilt with innumerable choices.
Aerial Tours
From the deep bottoms of the ocean, take out time to touch the fluffy clouds through a sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro in a helicopter. Revel in the incredible, unseen and unimaginable views of the Atlantic Ocean, Christ statue, the Rainforests, Copacabana beach, Sugarloaf and Corcovado Mountains.

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