"Rio the Beautiful" a Rio de Janeiro Travel Page by Bert_Pearson

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its annual Carnaval celebration, the most extravagant costume party in the world.

Cradled by endless stretches of sand and dramatic mountain terrain, it is no wonder why Rio is called the Marvelous City.

Portuguese navigator Andre Goncaves first set eyes on Sugar Loaf on January 1, 1502. Mistaking Guanabara Bay for a river, he named the region Rio de Janeiro (January River)

In nearly 500 years, Rio has evolved from a Protuguese outpost on the edge of the New World, to one of the world<s greatest cities. A sight seeing tour is a must to discover the elegant colonial and neolassical architecture that endures amidst Rio’s soaring skyscrapers.

From Gloria Church, decked with l7th century azulejos (glazed tiling), to the Arch of Lapa and the Catedral Metropolitana, Rio’s modern cathedral.

We then enter Praca XV de Novembro (November l5 square), named for the day in l889 when Marechal Deodoro de Fonseca, the first president, proclaimed the Republic of Brazil. It is the host of one of Rio’s oldest craft markets.

Follows the Pyramid Fountain, built in 1789, and the Paco Imperial, which used to serve as the royal palace and seat of government. Built in 1743, the restored building is an excellent 4example of colonial architecture and now serves as a cultural center.

We end the tour in admiring the simple and pleasing design of the Sao Bento Monastery, founded by Benedictine monks in l586.

We can take in a panoramic views of its famous beaches : Copacabana, Ipanema, Botafogo flamengo, and Lebond on the Sugar Loaf Mountain which stands at the entrace of Guanabara Bay and downtown Rio.

We climb 1.200ft. by cable car for an aerial view of the city, bay and surrounding rocky islands.