Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/216204
38 maltatoday, TRAVEL SUNDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2013 2013 The colours of Rio Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro is a city of beauty and contrasts – contrasts of colour, lifestyles and dazzling scenery that will always fascinate and make one long to be there. It is one of the largest cities in South America, widely renowned for its various cultural celebrations. Rio de Janeiro is a city sculptured on a thin strip of land between the mountains and the sea. It is renowned for its spectacular natural setting, its carnival celebrations, the beat of samba, a vibrant beach culture that plays out on the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon and the easygoing lifestyle of its inhabitants. Some of its most famous landmarks include the giant statue of Jesus, at the top of the Corcovado Mountain, which has recently been named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; Sugar Loaf Mountain with its cable car, the Sambodromo, a giant permanent parade stand used during The Carnival; and Maracana Football Stadium, one of the world's largest. Rio also boasts the world's largest forest inside an urban area – Tijuca Forest. The iconic statue of Cristo Redentor overlooks the city of Rio, standing 710 metres above the city What to do? Atop Corcovado (which means 'hunchback'), Cristo Redentor gazes out over Rio, a placid expression on his well-crafted face. The mountain rises straight up from the city to 710m, and at night, the brightly lit, 38m-high statue is visible from nearly every part of the city – all 1,145 tons of the open-armed redeemer. One of the beaches most favored by Cariocas and tourists, for the beauty of its landscape and for surfing, both in summer and winter is Arpoador beach. It is 800m long, stretching between Forte de Copacabana and Rua Francisco Otaviano with Av. Vieira Souto. The beach is so called due to the fact that, in the past, it was possible to harpoon whales from its shores. Do not miss visiting the rocks at Arpoador, the most beautiful spot to watch the sunset and admire the sea. A trip to Rio is worth planning in advance. Get there for the carnival – the biggest and best in the world. The Rio carnival has become a benchmark against which all other carnival celebrations are rated Although Carnival ('Carnaval', in Portuguese) is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil and other Catholic countries, Rio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival Capital of the World. The Rio Carnaval is not only the biggest Carnival, it has also a benchmark against which every other carnival is compared and one of the most interesting artistic events on the globe. Almost everyone has heard of the Rio Carnaval. Foreign visitors alone are 500,000 strong every year. Located in the West Zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro, on the western slope of Morro do Capim Melado, it is part of the Maciço da Pedra Branca. Its native vegetation is composed of species belonging in mangroves, shrub forests and the Atlantic Forest. It used to be the private residence of landscaping artist Roberto Burle Marx, from 1973 until his passing away in 1994. The collection of the site includes approximately 3,500 cultivated botanic species. Standing next to Praça Tiradentes, the 174-year-old Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (Portuguese Royal Cabinet of Literature) offers its visitors a beautiful journey through this architetonic and cultural gem, alongside a historic tour of the wonderful city. Founded on May 14, 1837, the library offered Portuguese immigrants access to Portuguese publications. Real Gabinete Português de Leitura boasts close to 400,000 volumes, including rare editions such as the 1572 Luís de Camões's 'Os Lusíadas', which belonged to the Companhia de Jesus and the original manuscripts of 'Amor e Perdição' (Love and Loss) by Camilo Castelo Branco and 'O dicionário da Língua Tupy' (Diccionary of the Tupy language) by Gonçalves Dias. Besides offering a wide literary collection, Real Gabinete also acts as curator of the cultural and social relations between Portugal and Brazil, hosting activities such as concerts, workshops and studies. Built in the Manueline Portuguese style, the gorgeous Real Gabinete also has a small collection of paintings, sculptures and ancient coins. The Casa do Pontal museum comprises approximately 8,000 pieces of Brazilian popular art, among sculptures, dolls, wood carvings, moldings and articulated mechanisms. About 200 popular artists of all regions of Brazil have their work included in the collection, which covers the whole second half of the 20th century until the present days. Where to stay? The Copacabana Palace, www. copacabanapalace.com, is truly a grand hotel with a traditional décor, full of history and stories to tell. Many celebrities, kings and queens have stayed in this glamorous and refined property. It enjoys a prime location on the beach, separated only by the famous Avenida Atlantica, which makes the hotel the centre point of Copacabana. Located just in front of the best part of Ipanema Beach, Caesar Park, www.caesar-park.com, is only separated from the beach by Avenida Vieira Souto – the most exclusive district in the city. The hotel offers a mix of traditional and modern design. Guests will appreciate the thrilling view from the rooftop restaurant. The JW Marriott in Rio, www. marriott.com, enjoys a prime location in the centre of Copacabana Beach. The property is separated Arpoador beach is one of the best spots to watch the sun set and appreciate the sea from the beach only by the famous Avenida Atlantica. The view from the rooftop pool is magnificent. This hotel is designed in a classical style and satisfies all the needs of the sophisticated traveller. Where to eat? French-colonial decor and delicately spiced cuisine await those venturing inside this charming converted house Zazá Bistrô Tropical in Ipanema. Inventive combinations, blending East and West, match the seductive mood inside. Upstairs, diners lounge on throw pillows, with candles glowing along the walls. Those who prefer fresh air can dine on the porch out front. Set in the Parque do Flamengo with a stunning view of Pão de Açúcar, Porcão Rio's is consistently ranked by restaurant critics as the city's best churrascaria. Whether you believe the hype – or simply come for the view – you're in for an eating extravaganza. Arrive early, both to score a good table and to see the view before sunset. One of Rio's best restaurants, Zuka prepares delectable mouth-watering cuisine – zingy ceviche or the confection-like delicacy of Zuka's original foie gras to start, followed by rack of lamb with passion fruit, grilled fish of the day with mandoquinha purée and many other imaginative dishes. How to get there? Emirates offers daily flights from Malta to Brazil with a stopover in Dubai.