Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, South America

Rio de Janeiro  commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th largest in the Americas, and 26th in the world.

The city was the capital of Brazil for nearly two centuries, from 1763 to 1815 during the Portuguese colonial era, 1815 to 1821 as the capital of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and Algarves, 1822 to 1960 as an independent nation. Rio is nicknamed the Cidade Maravilhosa or "Marvelous City".

Rio de Janeiro represents the second largest GDP in the country (and 30th largest in the world in 2008), estimated at about 343 billion reais (IBGE/2008) (nearly US$201 billion), and is the headquarters of two major Brazilian companies – Petrobras and Vale, and major oil companies and telephony in Brazil, besides the largest conglomerate of media and communications companies in Latin America, the Globo Organizations. The home of many universities and institutes, it is the second largest center of research and development in Brazil, accounting for 17% of national scientific production – according to 2005 data.

Rio de Janeiro is the most visited city in southern hemisphere and is known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, Bossa Nova, and balneario beaches such as Barra da Tijuca, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. Some of the most famous landmarks in addition to the beaches include the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; Sugarloaf mountain (Pão de Açúcar) with its cable car; the Sambódromo, a permanent grandstand-lined parade avenue which is used during Carnival; and Maracanã Stadium, one of the world's largest football stadiums. The 2016 Summer Olympics will take place in Rio de Janeiro, which will mark the first time a South American city hosts the event. Rio's Maracanã Stadium will also host the final match for 2014 FIFA World Cup. Rio de Janeiro will also host World Youth Day in 2013.

Rio has a tropical savanna climate that closely borders a tropical monsoon climate according to the Köppen climate classification, and is often characterized by long periods of rain from December to March. In inland areas of the city, temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F) are common during the summer, though rarely for long periods, while maximum temperatures above 27 °C (81 °F) can occur on a monthly basis.

The Portuguese language is the official and national language, and thus the primary language taught in schools. English and Spanish are also part of the official high school curriculum. There are also international schools, such as the American School of Rio de Janeiro, Our Lady of Mercy School, the Corcovado German School, the Lycée Français and the British School of Rio de Janeiro.

Ipanema Beach - Brazil, South America

The Ipanema beach is one of the best beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil, and one of the most famous of the world. Immortalized in worldwide well-known song of Tom Jobim, "Garota de Ipanema", that in fact was based on the beauty of the beach and the grace and the sexuality of the Brazilian women, Ipanema is one of these beaches that not only stand out for his beauty, but also for the adrenaline that surrounds it: many persons, bars, restaurants, movement, exactly the opposite from a beach to find peace and calmness, but the ideal beach to know the Brazilian culture and to make friends. Also, Ipanema is located in an expensive quarter of Rio de Janeiro, reason for being considered to be the beach more "chic" of the "wonderful city". Ipanema divides his approximately 2 kilometers long, in different sectors like the familiar, the one for lonely girls, the homosexuals part, the sports one, etc.

PIPA BEACH - Brazil, South America

This beach is located in the southern end of the coast of Rio Grande do Norte, and is just 90 KM from Natal and has 10 km of beaches where you can swim, take a romantic walk, contemplate nature surrounded by golden sands, natural pools of warm waters, coconut palms and spectacular cliffs. Besides, this beach is usually visited by turtles and dolphins, so you can take a look at them from the different viewpoints or even play with the animals while taking a bath in the ocean. The beach is known as Pipa because of the stones that you can find in it, that seemed to be barrels of wine or, at nights, spirits. This fact increase the mystery that evolve the beach and help to create a lot of legend related to the pirates that in the past came here to steal the most famous Brazilian wood (Pau Brazil).

FERNANDO DE NORONHA - Brazil, South America

Fernando de Noronha is a group of 21 volcanic islands 340 miles from Recife, Pernambuco, which was declared National Marine Park since 1988, in order to protect land and marine vegetation as well as land animals and marine life. In fact is difficult to catalogue Fernando de Noronha as a beach, because is a group of islands with many beaches, but we at Brazil Beaches decided to do it because will be unfair to make a ranking of the best beaches in Brazil and not include the most beautiful place in the whole country. The most important island in Fernando de Noronha, who has the same name as the group of islands, has 7.1 square miles and the total population rise to 2,100 inhabitants. Here you can find interesting historic sites to visit, like the ruins of Fort of Sao Pedro, but of course the main attraction at Fernando de Noronha is its islands and beaches. Besides Fernando de Noronha itself you can find other 20 islands and you can divide the beaches in two groups: the ones pointing Brazil (10 beaches and a Dolphin Bay) and the ones pointing Africa (4 beaches, lot of swimming pools and one creek)

Copacabana beach - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Copacabana beach resort is located in the vibrant and glamorous south zone of Rio de Janeiro with a 4 km strip of golden sands all there to fulfill your dream of a perfect journey.You can try surfing, swimming and even diving Copacobana. For those that prefer the sand rather than the water, the Copacabana beach resort can get you hooked on sand volleyball or a barefeet soccer game, or you can simply enjoy a great icy caipirinha from one of the many beach bars, while admiring the tanned beautiful brazilian girls around.


The city neighborhood, with the same name as the beach, has one of the worlds most dense population per square meter of 25 000, and a mixture of people from all social classes and origins.

You will see million dollars buildings here, with the favela (the brasilian slum cities) hanging above in the hills.

The district is among other things famous for it’s nightlife, Copacabana Palace and of course the Copacabana beach resort it self.

The beach created it’s name in the 1920 when the opening of the most beautiful hotel at the time (and many argue that it is still) the Copacabana Palace hotel.

Abrico Beach Rio - Nudist Beach, Brazil, South America

Abrico Beach is located in the Grumari area and is one of the more interesting beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Although it may not be for everyone, its diversity makes it an adventure and a unique experience. With so many parts of nature spoiled by development, Abrico is one that remains unspoiled. Enjoy these 6 cool facts!

Nudist Beach - It is the beach chosen by those who wish to sunbathe and swim in the nude. This beach legally became a nudist beach in 2003. There was a period when it was not open due to this exact reason. The beach is open to everyone. You do not have to be a nudist. The clothing is optional and can be left on if you prefer.