About Rio de Janeiro

About Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro never fails to impress visitors with its modern outlook. The city also reflects its progress over the years via the infrastructure, high-rise buildings, and growing economy.

The historic sites, sparkling beaches, and the warm attitude of locals, welcome the tourists to the city where heaven meets earth. The rainforests, museums, beaches, exhibition centers and the city's glitz have made Rio what it is today - Brazil's top-notch tourist attraction.

Attractions

Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)

The giant statue of Christ, a world-famous landmark, overlooks the city from the 709-meter summit of Corcovado. Made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, the figure itself is 30 meters tall with arms stretching 28 meters. It is widely recognized as a symbol of Rio de Janeiro.

Sugarloaf

Rio de Janeiro's best-known landmark is the rock peak of Sugarloaf, towering 394 meters above the harbor. You can take a cable car from Praça General Tibúrcio to the top of the Morro da Urca, a lower peak from which a second cableway runs to the summit of the Sugarloaf. From here, you can see the entire mountainous coast that rings the bay and its islands.

Copacabana

Few cities are blessed with a beautiful sand beach at its heart, let alone one that stretches four kilometers along one entire side of its downtown. A few steps from its golden sands are Avenida Atlântica, Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, and the neighboring smaller streets where you'll find appealing century-old buildings, fine hotels, and popular restaurants and cafés.

Ipanema

Continuing westward from Copacabana's four-kilometer strand, the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon are separated by the Jardim de Alá Canal, which drains the lagoon, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Along the seafront promenade are large hotels, sidewalk cafés, and restaurants.

These two districts, although best known for their beaches have a lively cultural life, with art galleries, cinemas, and an avant-garde theater.

Santa Tereza and Escadaria Selarón

A district of steep, quiet streets and hundred-year-old houses, Santa Tereza is Rio's most atmospheric neighborhood. Its cafés and restaurants are favorites of artists and intellectuals who add to the Bohemian atmosphere.

The Museu Chácara do Céu, located in this district, has an art collection of mainly modern works, including those by Picasso, Miró, and Matisse, as well as Chinese sculpture from the 17th through 19th centuries. The adjacent Parque das Ruínas is the shell of a socialite's mansion that fell into disrepair and has become an art, music, and performance venue.

Climate

ICE Rio 2025 will take place in late-September and early October 2025. At this time of year temperatures are mild, with daytime highs reaching approximately 80°F (26°C )and nighttime lows falling to 70°F (21°C). 

On average, the chance of participation is 32 %.

Currency

The official currency of Brazil is the Real (BRL). Its symbol is R $, with fractions of 100 cents. Brazil uses coins with denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and 1 Real.

In 2024, the exchange rate averaged $5.5 BRL $1 USD.

Unlike some other South American countries, US dollars are rarely accepted in Brazil. Therefore, it is recommended to have some reals in cash, which you may withdraw from an ATM on arrival.

Electricity

In Brazil the standard voltage is 127 / 220V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Keep in mind that in Brazil the official standard plug and socket type is type N. You may need an adapter for your devices.

Transportation

In Rio de Janeiro, buses are the cheap and main form of public transportation. Other ways of transportation include the subway system - MetroRio, street cars, cable cars and Uber. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber are safe and easily available. Also, you can buy a Rio Card ticket which is accepted in every type of public transportation.