A Brief History on Rio de Janeiro

• Rio de Janeiro translates to River of January because of its colonization by the first Portuguese explorer, Gaspar de Lemos on January 1^st, 1502.

• Prior to the European arrival, the area of Rio de Janeiro was originally inhabited and shaped by the Tupi-Guarani people for thousands of years.

• As a gesture of good faith and respect for the indigenous people, the discovered Guanabara bay at the time of the earliest European settlement was named in the Tupi language and translates to “arm of the sea”.
• This early settlement in 1503 was later abandoned and in 1565, the Portuguese established a new settlement they called Sao Sebastio do Rio de Janeiro which translates to “Saint Sebastian of the River of January”. This early European settlement became the now metropolitan city of Rio de Janeiro.

5 Fun & Exciting Things to See & Do in Rio de Janeiro

Number One. Christ the Redeemer Statue

The must see iconic & UNESCO World Heritage site, The Christ the Redeemer Statue sits atop Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. The statue stands at 98 feet tall and 98 feet wide.

When you visit this iconic landmark, you’ll get panoramic breath-taking views of the city and surrounding areas.

You can get here by train from Cosme Velho or by taking a vehicle up the mountain. Or you can even rent bikes to get to the heritage site.

Number Two. The Lapa Arches

The Lapa Arches are a historic aqueduct and popular spot for music and nightlife. The Arches were built in the 18^th century to carry water from the Carioca River to the city and were later used as a viaduct for a tramway. The arches stretch for nearly a mile and are lined with bars, restaurants and clubs.

The arches are a popular spot for live music, especially traditional Brazilian samba and choro.

You’ll find the Arches in the Lapa neighborhood which is known for its bohemian atmosphere and colonial-era architecture. In this neighborhood, you can also see the colorful Selaron Steps – a staircase covered in tiles created by the Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron. This is where you’ll get to experience the local culture and the vibrant nightlife of Rio.

Number Three. The Iconic Beaches

Take your pick! Two of the most famous you might want to check out include the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Located next to each other, they stretch for miles and are covered in beautiful white sand with clear tropical waters.

The Copacabana beach is one of the most famous world-wide and stretches over 2.5 miles. It’s known for its lively atmosphere with vendors selling everything from food and drink to beachwear and souvenirs.

If you’re the sporty type, you can even join in on some local beach soccer and beach volleyball.

Ipanema beach is more upscale and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with less people than Copacabana.

Both beaches continue their excitement during the evenings and late into the night, making them essential hot spots for Rio’s bustling nightlife.

Number Four. Tijuca National Park

This park is immense, covering an area of over 32,000 acres. You’ll want to rent a bike to explore as much as you can. Previously I mentioned The Christ the Redeemer Heritage Site as my Number One place to see – well that’s located in the Tijuca National Park. You might consider combining these two activities together but remember the park is huge so plan a full afternoon or even full day excursion to get the most out of Tijuca National Park.

Located in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, Tijuca is the largest urban park in the world. You’ll get to see a diverse range of flora and fauna including many bird species, monkeys, and other animals.

The park is also home to several waterfalls including the Cascatinha Waterfall, and several trails that offer panoramic views of the city below.

You can choose to partake in a guided tour or go on your own.

Number Five. Feira Nordestina Market

Also known as the Northeastern Fair, the Feira Nordestina Market is a traditional fair that takes place in the Lapa neighborhood and is held on Sundays.

Explore the local Brazilian culture when you visit the vendors that offer a wide variety of handicrafts including pottery, jewelry, and woven textiles. You’ll also find clothing and traditional Northeastern Brazilian foods.

The Northeastern Brazilian culture is known for its rich history, vibrant music and dance, and delicious cuisine like acaraje and caruru. Be sure to check it out.

In Conclusion…

When you visit Rio de Janeiro, consider visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the Lapa Arches, of course the iconic beaches Copacabana and Ipanema, Tijuca National Park, and the Feira Nordestina Market held on Sundays.

Have you been to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Let me know in the comments below!

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