“They say God spent six days creating the world and an entire seventh day crafting Rio de Janeiro.” This legendary phrase is where Rio’s nickname, “City of God,” originates. Rio, a masterpiece that took God a full day to create, radiates beauty, passion, and a free-spirited charm. From its artistic staircases and sun-drenched beaches to Sugarloaf Mountain, the iconic Christ statue, electrifying samba rhythms, vibrant graffiti, and world-renowned Brazilian football—every corner of this city is captivating.
P1-2 A breathtaking view of Sugarloaf Mountain
P3 Red Beach
P4 A panoramic vista from the mountain
P5-6 Rock climbers
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), a towering 396-meter peak in Rio’s Guanabara Bay, was originally named Pau-n-Acqua by the indigenous people—a name that closely resembles the Portuguese term for sugar loaf (pao de acucar). Its unique shape mirrors the molds used by the Portuguese to craft conical sugar loaves, giving it its enduring name.
From its summit, visitors can revel in stunning views of Rio and the vast Atlantic Ocean. In 1912, the first cable car line to the peak was inaugurated from Red Beach, divided into two sections for the ascent. After six decades of service, the original cable cars were replaced in 1972 with larger, more modern versions.
Today, a ride on the cable car costs 185R per person.
P7-8 Christ the Redeemer
P9 Tram
P10 Rio-Niterói Bridge
P11 Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
The Christ the Redeemer statue (Cristo Redentor), one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, stands as a defining symbol not only of Rio but of all Brazil. Perched atop Corcovado Mountain at an elevation of approximately 700 meters, this colossal sculpture overlooks the entirety of Rio. Completed in 1931, the statue soars to about 30 meters in height, crafted from concrete and granite, embodying the grace and tolerance of Christ.
Tickets for the tramway up the mountain can be purchased through Cristo Redentor Van Service, priced at 122.5R per person on weekends. For more details, visit tremdocorcovado.rio. The viewing platform at the summit is compact and often bustling with tourists; it’s advisable to catch the first tram (departing at 7:20) to secure an early arrival.
Perhaps even God felt rushed that day, leaving Rio with imperfections. As depicted in the film “City of God,” beyond its glamorous beaches, majestic Sugarloaf, and affluent neighborhoods, Rio harbors sprawling favelas that evoke strong emotions. Poverty, violence, theft, and drugs—these shadowy elements are deeply intertwined within Rio’s favelas, evoking both unfamiliarity and fear among tourists like us.
P12-13 Favela Cantagalo-Pavão-Pavãozinho
Out of safety considerations, we didn’t venture into the favelas directly, but fatefully caught a glimpse of this one from the rooftop of our hotel. Nestled on a hill between the vibrant Ipanema and Copacabana neighborhoods in Rio’s southern zone, this very favela inspired the setting for a scene in the game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.”
From the outside, it’s easy to assume that life in the favelas revolves around crime, yet the reality is far more nuanced. Most residents are simply hardworking individuals seeking peace and stability. After all, legendary figures like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Pelé, and Neymar—all born and raised in favelas—prove that these communities are brimming with talent and resilience.
The challenges faced by the favelas stem from systemic, institutional, and governmental failures—not the people who call them home.
