Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, just Sensational

The most important point of entry, Rio de Janeiro brims over with charm and beauty. Few cities in the world have such beautiful scenery. Situated between the mountains and the sea , the “Wonderful City” welcomes visitors with open arms. Copacabana, one of Brazil’s most famous beaches, is the scene of the greats New Year celebration in the world. Ipanema and Leblon are permanent attraction during the day and also receive many habitués at night. Barra da Tijuca, Prainha and Grumari are all excellent for surfing, windsurfing and body boarding.
Rio de Janeiro is without a doubt one of the most popularly visited spots worldwide. If you think about it, it really has it all—the mountains, beaches, Arts, museums, sophisticated and bargain shopping facilities of all kinds, historical sites, red hot night life, and the list goes on forever. And all this you´ll just discover being in Rio de Janeiro, so, don´t delay, travel to Brazil!

Many people start with Sugar loaf Mountain (Pao de acucar). Its name describes the way the mountain juts out of the ocean and dazzles you with its sweet appearance. You can reach the top of it by cable car, which will stop halfway up at Morro de Urca. Both of these sites will provide you with picturesque views of the sea and city below. Rio de Janeiro is a great destination for your vacation in Brazil, or for the lucky ones, a romantic honeymoon in Brazil!

Don’t forget about Corcovado Mountain with the famous Jesus Statue. This is the most visited spot in Rio. The view here is also fabulous and a must see for anyone with a sense of adventure. Your vacation in Brazil will be also and adventure! Rio de Janeiro is waiting for you to discover its wonderful nature!

Speaking of adventure, perhaps you are one who looks to turn the adrenaline up a few notches. Hang gliding from the popular, Pedra da Gavea (Topsail rock) is a real hit for adrenaline junkies. It boasts a height of about 3000 feet and includes your landing on Pepino beach below. Travel to Brazil!

It is not at all unusual to see some of the famous soccer players like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, or maybe even Pele himself playing a game of Futevoley (a combination of soccer and volleyball) at one of these popular spots. Copacabana also boasts one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world at their New Year’s celebration. The fireworks are done in the most organized fashion from atop hotels and in boats well out in the harbor. Though often the attendance reaches the two million mark, it is a safe and joyous affair. Plan your vacation in Rio de Janeiro! Travel to Brazil!

Some of the other famous districts where the middle and upper classes like to congregate include: Barra de Tijuca, Lagoa, Jardim Botanico, Gavea, Flamengo, Botafogo, and Laranjeiras. Most of which can be reached easily and somewhat luxuriously on Rio’s sophisticated underground metro system. Speaking a bit more abstractly, picture some junctures that simply don’t exist in such harmoniously perfect forms in most countries. For example, the mountains meet the ocean and the forest meets the mountains in such blissful synergy it is impossible to describe with words. Travel to Brazil with for an unforgettable experience. Even photos are no substitute for the real thing—you have to witness it for yourself! Another unusual intersection that is not typically contemplated is where the urban jungle meets the real jungle. The Tijuca Forest (in Rio de Janeiro) boasts the second largest forest adjacent to a major city in the world. The largest one is coincidentally also in Rio de Janeiro.

Let us prepare your vacation in Brazil! Contact us for customized packages, as for a romantic honeymoon in Brazil. See the links bellow for more information on hotels, restaurants, and activities for a best vacation in Brazil! Choose the spot for your trip, and we make it the best for you! Travel to Brazil with us and have fun!

History and experience of the Inti Raymi festival – Part 1

The Inti Raymi: Festival of the Sun is the second largest annual celebration held in South America. People swarm to Peru for this event during every winter solstice. Vibrant colors, traditional flute music, and waves of energy fill Cusco. Small girls line up for choreographed dances in the streets. Weathered men perform for eager onlookers. The spirit of South America is everywhere; you can hear it in the melodies, and feel it in your bones.

Ancient Origins

The sun is farthest from Earth during the winter solstice each year. The Ancient Incas were worshippers of the Sun, and fearing the loss of their God, they held the Inti Raymi. The Sun-God provided warmth and sunlight to help their crops flourish. They believed their very survival depended on keeping ‘him’ around. The Inca traditionally fasted for days prior to the event, abstained from worldly pleasures, offered gifts to each other, and sacrificed llamas – at least until 1542. Then it was outlawed by Catholic Spaniard Viceroy Toledo, who was against Paganism.

Modern Resurrection

The Inti Raymi was finally resurrected in 1944 by Faustino Espinoza Navarro and local actors, This theatrical recreation was based on the works of Garcilaso de la Vega, and the Festival of the Sun has been held every year since. Though the official day of Inti Raymi is June 24th, the festival lasts seven days – the grandest New Year celebration in South America. Expositions, Peruvian fairs, free concerts by local musicians, the foods of Cusco, and hypnotic performances draw visitors by the hundreds of thousands. Everyone eagerly awaits the main events.

June 24th Events

The elaborate main events of Inti Raymi are always held on June 24th. The ‘Sapa Inca’ begins by chanting, standing atop the Qorikancha, which was built over the Temple of the Sun. The actor is then carried – upon a golden throne – to an altar in Sacsayhuaman. He and others from his grand procession offer dramatic speeches to all who can hear. An ersatz llama sacrifice takes place afterward, and you’d never know it was just part of the show – especially when the high priest pulls the llama’s heart from its chest. Believe it or not, that’s just the beginning.

Planning Ahead

Guests need to prepare early for the Inti Raymi. Even people who book 6 months in advance might have trouble finding lodging that suits their needs. While planning ahead, remember that you can reserve seats; the Inti Raymi begins in the morning and ends after dark! On the other hand, you should have absolutely no trouble finding remarkable restaurants, and the foreign culture will be nothing short of intoxicating. So long as you’re careful not to topple down the ruins, the Inti Raymi: Festival of the Sun will forever hold a special place in your heart.