Rio de Janeiro Regional Overview

Rio de Janeiro, nicknamed Cidade Maravilhosa or "Marvelous City",  is the capital city of the state that bears the same name. Approximately 6.3 million people live in the Rio metropolitan area and another 1.6 million international traveler’s make it the most visited city in the southern hemisphere. It served as the capital of Brazil until 1960 – but most importantly – it is the world’s capital of fun!

Rio is known the world over for its gorgeous natural settings including amazing beaches and the world’s largest urban forest – the Tijuca National Park. It's home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with its majestic Christ the Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain -- as well as the postcard landmark of Sugar Loaf Mountain with its awe inspiring views along the cable car ride. Perhaps, Rio’s greatest asset is its people. You’ll find fun loving Cariocas welcoming visitors to the world’s best parties – Dance the samba at one of the many clubs, or ring in the New Year at Réveillon on famous Copacabana Beach and everyone’s favorite party which lasts at least four days – Carnival!

Rio’s residents are very passionate – they love to meet friends at the beach, enjoy wonderful gourmet restaurants and play all types of games, especially football (soccer). In fact, one of the world’s largest stadiums, Maracanã Stadium is getting a makeover to be ready to host the finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In fact, the whole town is quietly sprucing up and adding additional transportation and sport venue infrastructure as it prepares to welcome the world with the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Rio is truly a "hot destination", but its weather is surprisingly very comfortable with moderate average temperatures and plenty of sunshine.  Though, it does appear to get a bit hot on the beach in the summer months of January thru March – there has to be some reason for those skimpy bikinis!

Map Courtesy of Rio Service Tour

1. Review the Rio Region Map (as seen in the illustration above and the detailed google map below) – Learn the four different zones of the city. Rio is a fairly large city with four distinct zones. The South Zone is the traditional tourist section. (We have broken the South Zone into Part I and Part II so you can study it more easily).  Downtown is the commercial and historic center, the West Zone is the "new and up and coming" section of Rio and the residential North Zone has a few "can’t miss" attractions.
2. Visit the Useful Info tab with a list of things to consider as you begin to plan your trip. You will find information on the International Airport, Visas and Customs, a wealth of Practical Information as well as details on Public Transport, Currency issues, Language Basics and Rio’s Public Holidays.
3. Check out the Weather now and the likely conditions for your planned trip.
4. Book a room on the Accommodation tab. (Try our Hotel Finder on the top right of this page!)
5. See What's Hot with information on Rio’s Top Ten Attractions and Best Beaches.
6. Register (on the top right corner of the Rio de Janeiro page) to create your own Rio trip planner - now as you view your favorite places to visit and things to do, you can develop a custom itinerary -  save favorites fast, share with others and take your planner with you - even on your mobile!
7. Before you come to Rio and while you are here,  review your choices for great Restaurants, exciting Nightlife and other amazing Things To Do - add to you planner.
8. Go Shopping - Could you bring something back for me?
9. Know where to keep fit, relax at a spa or find a health care professional by checking out Spa and Wellness.
10. Discover the upcoming Rio Events, view the beautiful Photos and exciting Videos from our Multimedia page and then send us some of your own great photo shots.