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Special Feature<br />
OFF THE BEATEN TRACKS OF<br />
RIO DE JANEIRO<br />
Approximately half a million international tourists will visit Rio during the <strong>2016</strong> Olympic Games. This<br />
will add more mayhem and chaos to the city which already houses around six million Brazilians. Not<br />
quite the picture one might imagine when it comes to 'the more, the merrier'. But, Games aside, bask<br />
in the view of the city and its attractions amidst a smaller number of human traffic from these areas.<br />
ARPOADOR ROCK<br />
At peak time, Ipanema beach can be a<br />
bit overwhelming. To avoid the crowd,<br />
head on to Arpoador Rock, which is<br />
conveniently placed between Ipanema<br />
and Copacabana beaches. You get loads<br />
more space and an amazing and quite<br />
possibly the most photogenic view of<br />
Rio, looking back down Ipanema and<br />
Leblon beaches, towards the dramatic<br />
cliffs of Morro Dois Irmaos. At dusk,<br />
experience the Arpoador tradition of<br />
applauding the sun as it slips below the<br />
horizon.<br />
PARQUE LAGE<br />
This hauntingly-beautiful mansion dating<br />
from 1840 has a unique and surprising<br />
style. The house was designed by a<br />
famous Italian architect and the grounds<br />
created by an English landscape<br />
gardener, who took his inspirations from<br />
the Romantic gardens of the United<br />
Kingdom. Visitors have come here since<br />
the 1950s to see its huge tropical gardens<br />
and enjoy the pleasant cafeteria inside<br />
the mansion, where there are art<br />
exhibitions.<br />
CHRIST THE REDEEMER<br />
Weighing at 635,000 kilogrammes and<br />
located at the peak of the 700-metre Mt<br />
Corcovado in the Tijuca Forest National<br />
Park overlooking the city of Rio, the<br />
statue is one of the 'New Seven Wonders<br />
of the World' and both a religious and<br />
cultural icon in Brazil and around the<br />
world. But, visitors to the Redeemer at<br />
any given day are often by the droves.<br />
This, however, can be avoided. Get to<br />
the station half an hour before the first<br />
tram and bag seats near the rear door<br />
of the cabin!<br />
SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN<br />
Deriving its name from resembling the<br />
traditional shape of a concentrated<br />
refined loaf sugar, the 396-metres above<br />
the harbour mountain is known<br />
worldwide for its cable cars and<br />
spectacular views of the city. But, get off<br />
the beaten trail by soaking in the sights<br />
of the mountain at Urca, the<br />
neighbourhood that surrounds Sugarloaf.<br />
One is able to get perfect views from<br />
quiet yet picturesque residential area.<br />
While you're in the neighbourhood, get<br />
your hands on some Brazilian street food<br />
such as 'empanadas' or 'pastel' which<br />
are deep-fried meat pockets.<br />
BOTANICAL GARDEN<br />
(JARDIM BOTANICO)<br />
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden<br />
opened in 1808, as part of a Portuguese<br />
research project. Today, the cultivated<br />
area currently holds, out of the<br />
greenhouses, around 9,000 botanical<br />
specimens belonging to around 1,500<br />
species. The Garden neighbours the<br />
Tijuca National Park, with a wide area of<br />
preserved forests. This closeness allows<br />
many animal species to enter the Garden<br />
and use it in many ways. There are many<br />
nests and species that are well<br />
established inside the arboretum or in<br />
the preserved areas that search for food<br />
at the Garden. Perfect setting for a picnic<br />
or a stroll.<br />
EMERGENCY NUMBERS<br />
Federal Police – 194<br />
Military Police – 190<br />
Fire Brigade – 193<br />
Police Battalion for Tourist Areas<br />
(BPTUR) - (21) 2332 7928 / 2332 7937<br />
Special Police Headquarters for<br />
Tourist Support (DEAT) - (21) 2332 2924<br />
100
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