Rio de Janeiro is a city of many points of view!

Climb up to the top of the moors, and you will get a chance to admire the spectacular work of nature and how the city has spread around the picturesque green hills.

Rio has more than 6 million inhabitants, about 12 million if you count the greater city area. It is obviously one of the foremost cities in South America.

On this morning of July 30, 2014, we get up at 6:30 am to catch a minibus which will take us to the Corcovado.

The bus station is located next to the famous Copacabana Palace on the Avenida Atlântica, not far from our hotel which itself is slightly more modest!

Obviously the ambiance is touristy in the small van which drives us across the city as it awakens. Seated in the bus, a couple from Peru, a large family from Argentina, and us from Paris.

The ride is about 15 km across Rio to reach the top of Copacabana. At an altitude of about 700 m, it is a little bit chilly atop the hill. The way uphill is steep. The road is bordered with beautiful villas on one side, while on the other side, one can spot favelas a little further down. The fences around the beautiful villas are equipped with barbed wire. Rio is a city of contrasts….

CORCOVADO

The statue of Christ stands at the top of the Corcovado hill, overlooking the entire city of Rio. The statue is so very famous, so often photographed or drawn, that as we reach the platform, we feel like we already know it, even though this is our very first visit here.

And yet, it is a stunning encounter. The statue is really impressive, standing still, 30 meter high and mounted on top of an 8-meter base.

As we arrived early in the morning, and it is low season in Brazil, the crowd, though already numerous, is not yet too overwhelming.

We take advantage of this moment of quiet to fully enjoy the view which is simply breathtaking. The panorama is spectacular, incredibly scenic. The Pao de Açucar lies not too far away, across the city at our feet. The Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas on the right hand-side, the world-famous Maracana stadium on the left-hand side. Far away, to the left, the very long Punte Presidente Costa eSilva which crosses over to Niteroi. Lots of buildings hugging one another in between the moors. Favelas, usually lying on the sides of the moors. The mythical beaches of Copacabana and of Ipanema.

The constant flow of tourists is intensifying, crowding the platform like a subway station at peak time. It is now a real challenge to get a spot by the surrounding wall to catch the view. All sorts of pictures are being taken every second. Try and make a selfie without a stranger, or many strangers for that matter, in the background! Some undeterred photographers lie down at the feet of the Cristo Redentor to take a picture which surely will make him appear even taller still.

Anyway, in spite of the massive number of tourists, it is an incredible place, and a truly unique, amazing sightseeing.

On our way back down, we encounter these cute little fellows. A golden tamarin, a rare species of very small monkeys.

COPACABANA

Back at Copacabana beach, we settle down on the sand and enjoy the sea, the waves, and the welcome break from the hurly-burly of the crowds of tourists.

A quick round trip to the very convenient Zona Sul supermarket nearby, and we treat ourselves to a lunch of delicious sandwiches.

It is a beautiful day today. The sun is warm and nice, not too strong. A very pleasant day of the Brazilian winter.

Lying leisurely on our towels, we decide to focus our attention on the comings and goings of the beach vendors. As it happens on Copacabana beach, it is a challenge to keep reading one’s book or magazine more than 5 minutes without being interrupted by well-intentioned chaps with offerings of grilled shrimps, ice cream, some necklace and other priceless jewelry, an indispensable pareo, a must-have bikini, a soccer ball….This is such an amusing scene that I feel compelled to dedicate an article to this never-ending spectacle. So keep posted!

IPANEMA

At sun set, we decide to stroll along the Praia de Copacabana heading for the Ipanema beach. Lots of people walking, running, or riding bicycles on the famous pavement between the beach and the Avenida Atlântica. On the beach, it is time for soccer practice or volley-ball practice.

Reaching Ipanema, we turn right, crossing the Avenida Vieira Souto, and we soon find an Italian restaurant with an open terrace, named Forneria. Nice and friendly service. Excellent pasta dishes.

Reaching Ipanema, we turn right, crossing the Avenida Vieira Souto, and we soon find an Italian restaurant with an open terrace, named Forneria. Nice and friendly service. Excellent pasta dishes.