Botanical
Gardens
Each of the 141 hectares of Rio's Botanical Gardens shelters outstanding examples
of plantlife from Brazil and all over the world. The Imperial Palms are among
its most spectacular attractions, planted in 1809 by Prince Regent D. João VI.
Huge trees decked with orchids contrast with giant victoria-regia, lilies, bromeliads,
royal
poincianas and tropical foliage, making the Botanical Gardens a favorite hideaway
for nature-lovers, sweethearts and all those seeking peace and tranquillity
Tijuca
Forest
Home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many threatened by extinction,
found only in the Atlantic Rainforest, this is the world's largest urban forest,
covering some 3,200 hectares. Its historical attractions and enchanting nooks
are well worth a leisurely visit. Just a short drive from the financial center
downtown, the North Zone and Rio's smart beach districts, its attractions include
the Cascatinha Waterfallll, the Mayrink Chapel, the Excelsior Lookout Point,
the Paul
and
Virginia Grotto, Fairy Lake and, all favorite destinations for weekend family
outings
Paquetá
Island
The many charms of Guanabara Bay include this tiny island (1,096,100m²) where
automobiles are banned. Residents and visitors alike travel by bicycle and horse-drawn
carriage along graveled streets lined with vivid royal poincianas. Also known
as the Island of Love, this day-trip destination is easily accessed by ferryboat
and hovercraft lines running regularly scheduled trips from the Praça Quinze
de Novembro Square.
Petrópolis,
Itaipava and Teresópolis
High in the hills behind Rio there are a tiny town where the Brazilian Imperial
Family once spent its summers. With its refreshing mountain climate and magnificent
views, Petrópolis at an altitude of 809 meters above sea level, is just 53 kilometers
from Rio along a modern highway. Its attractions include the Imperial Museum,
once the Summer Palace of Brazil's Emperors, whose collections feature the Crown
and Scepter of Brazil's last Emperor, Pedro II, as well as documents, jewels
and works of art that once belonged to the Imperial Family. Perfect for a day
trip, visitors eager to enjoy this mountain climate and explore the Itaipava
gastronomy center can stay overnight at its many picturesque inns. The nearby
town of Teresópolis is also pleasantly cool at 902 meters above sea level. Local
attractions include the Serra dos Órgãos National Park with the sheer rockface
known as the Finger of God (1,692 meters) and the Friar's Nose (1,980 meters).
As many Rio residents have summer homes here, this quiet town comes alive on
weekends with parties, dinners and nightclubs
Above there are some exemples and it is impossible
to cite them all, there are some other places.
