Rio de Janeiro State

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Aerial view of famous Copacabana Beach and Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Overview

If you thought Rio was just a city, think again! Right next door, the equally enticing state of Rio de Janeiro is home to some of Brazil’s greatest treasures, all within an easy one- to four-hour journey from the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City).

Attractions

Must-see attractions

The sunset with Christ The Redeemer on the Corcovado Hill viewed from Paineiras Road at Tijuca Forest with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca

Rio de Janeiro

The Tijuca is all that's left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. This 39-sq-km tropical-jungle preserve is an exuberant green…

Pão de Açúcar

Rio de Janeiro

Seen from the peak of Pão de Açúcar, Rio is undoubtedly a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). There are many good times to make the ascent, but sunset on…

Copacabana Beach

Rio de Janeiro

A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana extends for some 4km, with a flurry of activity along its length: over…

Parque Nacional Serra dos Órgaos – Teresópolis Entrance

Rio de Janeiro State

About 6km south of Teresópolis, off the BR-116 Rio–Teresópolis highway, you'll find the main (and most accessible) entrance to magnificent Parque Nacional…

Maracanã Football Stadium

Rio de Janeiro

Rio’s Maracanã stadium is hallowed ground among football lovers. The massive arena has been the site of legendary victories and crushing defeats. Maracanã…

Peak Prateleiras mountain in Itatiaia National Park, Brazil

Parque Nacional do Itatiaia

Rio de Janeiro State

Brazil’s oldest national park, Itatiaia shelters a stunning variety of landscapes, from dense rainforests to spare and rugged upland peaks. Most visitors…

Museu de Arte do Rio

Rio de Janeiro

Looming large over Praça Mauá, the MAR is an icon for the rebirth of Rio's once derelict port. The huge museum hosts wide-ranging exhibitions that focus…

Parque Nacional Serra dos Órgãos

Rio de Janeiro State

Created in 1939, this high country park straddling the Serra dos Órgãos (Organ Pipe Range) just north of Rio is best known for its spectacular mountain…

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