Brazil is a growing South America travel destination as the beauty and magnificence of this amazing country is being discovered by more and more people around the world. Brazil packages will usually visit the highlights of the country, focusing on culturally interesting sites and sites of natural beauty. A visit to Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s most exciting travel destinations is an essential part of any Brazil travel itinerary.
Rio de Janeiro is located on the eastern border of Brazil, along the Atlantic Ocean coastline. There are plenty of exciting activities to fill your day in Rio. Of course, one option is always to stretch out on the beach for the day, with a good book and some sun screen. There are two popular beaches right in the city, Ipanema and Copacabana. Looming in the distance is one of Rio’s icons, Sugarloaf Mountain. This beautiful natural mountain is a necessary stop on any trip to Rio, where from the top you can enjoy panoramic views of an amazing cityscape. Another one of Rio’s icons, is Christ the Redeemer who stands looking down on the vivacious residents of Rio. You’ve seen this statue in almost every photo of Rio; it is a true landmark of this amazing city.
Rio has a fascinating history, having been occupied by the Tupi, Puri, Botocudo and Maxakali peoples until the conquest of the Portuguese in the 1565. The city of Rio de Janeiro was founded by the Portuguese on March 1, 1565. It was a very important port city for exporting gold, precious stones, and sugar. It was a colonial capital until 1808, when the Portuguese nobility fled to Rio to avoid Napolean’s invasion of Portugal. Rio was made Portugal’s capital city and was the only European capital city that actually was found outside of Europe.