Kicking off in August later this year, the Olympic Games are returning for the 55 th time in their modern iteration. Held in South America for the first time ever, the Brazilian city of Rio will be the host city – hot on the heels of hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The enigmatic city is an absolute hotbed of culture, beauty and celebration – home to one of the world’s most famous monuments, undoubtedly the world’s most famous beach and the biggest party on the planet. So, whether you are visiting during the Olympic Games or not, there is certainly plenty to explore and experience in exhilarating Rio de Janeiro.
Christ The Redeemer
With arms open in embrace, Christ the Redeemer absolutely dominates the city of Rio. The 85-year- old statue is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and measures in at an impressive 98ft tall. Located at the peak of the Corcovado mountain, the all-seeing statue was devised as a celebration of the city’s Catholicism, but has since become a beacon of hope for all religions and faiths. Unsurprisingly, Christ the Redeemer is a huge draw for visitors to Rio – and it is possible to get right up to the feet of the statue. A train service operates to the top of the Corcovado mountain, making it easy for you to capture a great selfie in front of the famous monument.
Copacabana
Famous for much more than Barry Manilow’s homage, the Copacabana region is world-renowned for its 2.5-mile long beach. The stunning stretch of sand and lapping waters of the Atlantic Ocean is where many of the city’s bright and beautiful gather for posturing and relaxation. Despite thousands of people regularly making their way to the beach, the sheer depth of the sand ensures it doesn’t feel overtly crowded.
Tijuca Forest
The vast country of Brazil is notable for its large volume of rainforests, and the Tijuca Forest is a stunning example located within the city limits of Rio. Considered the world’s largest urban forest, Tijuca covers more than 12 square miles and is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and plants. The beautiful rainforest also boasts more than 30 awe-inspiring waterfalls, as well as many statues, sculptures and fountains adding a human element to the wild forest.
Maracana Stadium
One of the most famous sporting venues in the world, the Maracanã Stadium may be more notable as the home stadium for the football teams of Rio, but this year it will also be the venue for much of the Olympic Games. The impressive stadium holds the record for the largest football attendance ever, with 199,854 spectators turning up for the final of the 1950 World Cup – although, thanks to health and safety, the stadium now only packs in 78,838. The stadium will be used to host both the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as some of the football matches to be played.
Sugarloaf Mountain
If you’ve not tired of mountains then a trip to Sugarloaf Mountain is a stunning place to enjoy panoramic views of Rio. Famous for the cableway, providing passage to the peak, Sugarloaf Mountain is located on a peninsula sticking out into the Atlantic Ocean. Time the trip to the peak of the mountain as the sun sets behind Christ the Redeemer for one of the continent’s most stunning vistas. Rio de Janeiro is just one of the hundreds of stunning destinations which can be reached aboard a stunning cruise trip from some of the world’s leading cruise lines. For a huge range of deals, visit the Cruise1st homepage or call our dedicated team today on 0808 2746 777.
