Rio de Janeiro Now !      

  In the middle of so much nature, the largest urban forest in the world. Is the "carioca" part  of the landscape or is the landscape part the "carioca"? The result is the same. What is  important is being in perfect harmony with the montains, the sea, and the sky. In this world,  where each species chooses the manner to cope within his habitat, that of the "carioca" is to  be happy. It's true that Rio has been sung of in different tones, different ages, and by various  voices. But yours is still missing. Get to know the music, theater, culture and history of people  who live in the melody of the sea, the creation of new fashions, and the happiness of their own nature. That way, you will get know the greatest expression of the culture of these people. The cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) is one of the most densely populated places on earth. The thick brew of 7 million Cariocas - as the inhabitants are called - thrive on dance, drink, beach, sport and sun. It's a city of Dionysian spirit whose people live life head-first. The international tourist crowd take advantage of Rio's ritzy side - there are innumerable opportunities to be decadent. But Rio also has much to offer the budget traveller. There are cheap hotels and restaurants aplenty, and the beach is a free entertainment zone. Like any city of its size, Rio has its problems which are unfortunately, are given much play in the world media. All the same, the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) has lost none of its luster. New projects are growing at an exponential rate – plans are in the works to build a Guggenheim Museum, the Pan Am games are on their way in 2007 and Rio is even putting in its bid to host the 2012 Olympics. The city's coffers are full, the beaches are as beautiful as ever and the cultural renaissance is in full swing. More than ever Rio de Janeiro is on the verge of something big. Are you going to be there to see it?

Rio is divided into a Zona Norte (North Zone) and a Zona Sul (South Zone) by the Serra da Carioca, steep mountains that are part of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca. These mountains descend to the edge of the city center, where the two zones meet. Rio is definitely a tale of two cities: The upper and middle classes reside in the Zona Sul, the lower class in the Zona Norte. Favelas cover steep hillsides on both sides of town - Rocinha, Brazil's largest favela with 150,000 to 300,000 residents, is in Gávea, one of Rio's richest neighborhoods. Most industry is in the Zona Norte, as is most of the pollution. The ocean beaches are in the Zona Sul. Brazil is the largest country in South America, eighth largest economy in the world, and a country rich in culture and physical beauty. The scenery it has to offer ranges from the jungles of the Amazon to countless tropical beaches. Here are a just few ideas of places to visit and things to do a little closer to Rio de Janeiro.