Rio de Janeiro
You can't get past Rio de Janeiro. Despite all the clichés, Rio is and remains one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
exploreRio de Janeiro
Although loaded with superlatives and clichés, Rio de Janeiro is certainly one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world. The city with its 6.5 million inhabitants nestles between the green hills and mountains of the Atlantic Rainforest and the paradisiacal beaches on the tropical coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Rio de Janeiro essentially shows the lifestyle of a South American metropolis, with a strong touch of tropical “laissez-faire”. A wide range of scenic, cultural and architectural highlights prove that the city does not strive exclusively on samba and carnival. A visit to the Sugar Loaf, the Corcovado Mountain and a bath on the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema is obviously a must. The visitor should not miss out, however on a stroll through the historical part of the city. Colorful, loud and busy, the city displays colonial architecture and – in contrast – modern office buildings, banks and business centers. But there are also quiet corners and hidden places, where one can relax and meditate, surrounded by the exuberant tropical nature like the world famous Botanical Gardens, that makes Rio de Janeiro so attractive for visitors and locals alike.
The Green Coast (Paraty, Ilha Grande)
The scenic drive along the Green Coast inspires with panoramic views of the rainforest, beaches and bays. Paraty, the colonial gem and the tropical island of Ilha Grande are the major tourist attractions of the Green Coast. Here, lovers of both nature and culture will get their money's worth. Here you can let your soul dangle. While the almost car-free Ilha Grande, one of the largest and at the same time most beautiful islands on the Brazilian coast, has no paved roads and impresses with its intact, beautiful nature and beaches, Paraty is named as one of the most important existing examples of colonial architecture worldwide. Its location, embedded between the Atlantic Mountain Rainforest and the sea, gives the town its special charm.
In the 18th century, Paraty was the main port of loading for gold from Minas Gerais en route to mainland Portugal. Today the baroque town, with its architectural gems from Brazil's colonial era, its patrician houses and churches from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. UNESCO World Heritage. On top of that, Paraty is also a natural paradise with islands and secluded beaches offering a wide variety of sea and rainforest activities. Internationally known for its extensive cultural offerings. Musical, literary and folkloric events, fine handicrafts, boutiques and excellent gastronomy round off the attractive picture of this enchanting town on the Green Coast.
Paraty and Ilha Grande
The right place for travellers who want to have a relaxed yet interesting stay before returning home.
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