Rio de Janeiro travel Guide

Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil and South America, and the second largest metropolitan area in South America, both behind São Paulo. It is the state capital of Rio de Janeiro. The city was the capital of Brazil for almost two centuries, from 1763 to 1822 during the Portuguese colonial era, and from 1822 to 1960 as an independent nation. It is also the former capital of the Portuguese Empire (1808-1821). Commonly known as just Rio, the city also received the nickname "A Cidade Maravilhosa, or" The Marvelous City ". Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics.
Rio de Janeiro is known for its nature, its Carnival celebrations, samba and other music, and beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. Apart from the beaches are famous the giant statue of Christ, known as Christ the Redeemer on top of Corcovado Mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) with its cable car, and Sambódromo Maracana Stadium, one of the largest football stadiums in the world.
The city also boasts the first and the second largest urban forest in the world: Floresta da Tijuca, or 'Tijuca Forest'. And the forest in Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, or White Stone State Park.
Despite its charm and beauty, Rio is reputed to be one of the most violent cities in the world. Much violent crime is concentrated in the slums or neighborhoods, but also in other parts of the city. In Rio, unlike other big cities, many slums are directly adjacent to some of the richest areas of the city.