Rio de Janeiro: A Day of Carioca Wonders

What you'll see and hear

The stops on this route, in order — with audio previews where available.

1. 1

   Cristo Redentor

   Cristo Redentor, or Christ the Redeemer, is a massive Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ that stands atop Corcovado Mountain, overlooking the city. The idea for the statue first emerged in the 1850s, but it wasn't until 1921 that the Catholic archdiocese proposed its construction. The foundation stone was laid on April 4, 1922, to commemorate Brazil's independence centennial. Construction began in earnest in 1926 and was completed in 1931. Designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and sculpted by French artist Paul Landowski, it's made of reinforced concrete and soapstone tiles. Interestingly, the statue is designed to withstand winds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, four times the average wind speed recorded during its construction.

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2. 2

   Mirante Dona Marta — Vista do Rio

3. 3

   Praia vermelha

   Praia Vermelha. This beautiful beach, nestled at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain, boasts reddish sands thanks to garnet crystals. It was once known as "Saudade Beach," meaning "Longing Beach." Back in the 18th century, a fort was built right here to defend Guanabara Bay. In 1938, the beach was finally opened to the public. Interestingly, the UFRJ building nearby used to be a psychiatric hospital before it became a university.

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4. 4

   Bairro Peixoto

   Bairro Peixoto. This charming neighborhood traces its origins to lands acquired by the Portuguese commander, Paulo Felisberto Peixoto da Fonseca. He arrived in Brazil in 1875, and starting in 1903, he began purchasing the area that now makes up the neighborhood. In 1938, with no heirs, Peixoto donated his lands to five charitable institutions. An interesting fact is that he stipulated there should be no commerce in the neighborhood and that buildings could be no more than three stories high, creating a peaceful refuge amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

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5. 5

   Parque Garota de Ipanema

6. 6

   Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

7. 7

   Roseiral Pedro Cachimbo

8. 8

   Vista Chinesa — Parque Nacional da Tijuca

9. 9

   Ginásio Gilberto Cardoso

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10. 10

    Santa Teresa

11. 11

    Lapa

    Lapa is a famous neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Its story began in the 18th century, around 1751, with the founding of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Desterro. The area really grew after the Portuguese royal family arrived in 1808. The Lapa Arches, which were once an aqueduct, were completed in 1723. They're now one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Interestingly, despite being known today as a hub for nightlife and bohemian culture, Lapa was once a residential area for the aristocracy.

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12. 12

    Museu do Amanhã

13. 13

    Praça Quinze de Novembro

    Praça Quinze de Novembro. This square is one of the city's oldest, with origins dating back to the 17th century. For nearly 300 years, it served as Rio de Janeiro's main gateway, welcoming ships and people from all over the world. It witnessed pivotal moments in Brazilian history, like Dia do Fico and the signing of the Golden Law. A fascinating tidbit: the Imperial Palace, right here on the square, was the very first building in the city to feature glass windows.

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