The major attractions that Rio de Janeiro offers, include: the Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado Mountain), Sugar Loaf Mountain, Maracana Stadium, Tijuca National Park, and Favela da Rocinha. Lesser know attractions include: Baia de Guanabara, bridge between Rio and Niteroi, and Parati. If tropical beaches are more your style, there are upwards of 72 beaches in Rio de Janeiro; some of the more popular beaches are Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, and Barra da Tijuca. But, perhaps Brazil, and Rio, is best known for the Brazil Carnival. This huge 4 day Brazilian Carnival is celebrated annually during the month of February. The event includes dancing, music, costume, parades, parties, and more! The Carnival is celebrated in all Brazilian cities, but the major events are in Rio de Janeiro - the Rio Carnival

The best time to travel to Brazil is during the summer months, from November to April. During these summer months daytime temperatures average 40C (104F), and nighttime temperatures average 25C (77F). However, Brazil is a tropic country and visiting anytime of the year is appropriate. The coldest it gets in Rio de Janeiro during the winter is an average of about 15C (59F).

In 2007 Rio de Janeiro will host the Pan American Games. Preparation for the games is well under way and major improvements are being made to an already beautiful city.

Need airfare to Rio for Carnival or New Years?  The 360 Travel Group provides up to date Consolidated Airfare Quotes.  Save hundreds of dollars, get a quote and see for yourself.

Carnival in Rio

The Carnival in Rio is the biggest of the country. It takes place at the peak of summer, attracting thousands of people from all corners of the world. The "Carnaval" (as spelled in Portuguese) changes dates every year. Missed it last year here are some future dates    

The Samba Parade:
The parade consists of different Samba Schools, competing for the year's championship - The most beautiful, exciting and colorful - wins the title. The parade of samba schools happens at Rio's "Sambadrome" . This is something that everybody should experience at least once in a life time. The event is live broadcasted to several countries and to all Brazilian cities. Watching on TV is cool, but not half as much fun. You have to be there in body and soul, mingling with the crowd, sweating, maybe even marching with a samba school. Fourteen special group schools march on Carnival Sunday and Monday - seven each day. This true samba marathon lasts a total of over 20 hours! Competition is fierce. Each year two schools will go down from the special group to the first group. See Our Selected Tours

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