The 2016 Summer Olympics are over, but your trip to Rio de Janiero has just begun. This beautiful Brazilian city has so much to see and do that we can hardly touch the surface here. However, if you’re traveling to Rio, make sure you keep these places to see on your itinerary:

1. Christ the Redeemer: This Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The statue is a symbol of Christianity and is at the top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio’s Tijuca Forest National Park, overlooking the city of Rio. It stands 125 feet tall with its pedestal and is a major tourist attraction for both religious and non-religious visitors. When visiting, keep in mind there are rules about transportation to the statue, so check out their website for specific directions.
2. Ipanema Beach: During Rio’s opening games, the song “Girl from Ipanema” was played while supermodel Gisele Bundchen strutted her stuff down the runway. You can actually visit Ipanema Beach in Rio, which is known for its social life. It’s also considered one of the most expensive places to live and is the hometown of soccer legend Pele.
3. Hippie Market: Also located in Ipanema, the Hippie Market is a fantastic gallery of arts and crafts Here you can find in brief, links from blog of exhibitors, blog official of the fair, Community, forum and more. It has run every Sunday since 1968 and it is here you can buy ceramics, metals, musical instruments, jewelry, clothing, handcrafted items and so much more.
4. Rio Carnival: Rio de Janiero is known for its beaches, its statue and now its Olympics, but you can’t talk about this Brazilian City without speaking about its annual festival, the Rio Carnival. The 2017 amazingly energetic event will take place in February and includes street bands, samba dancing, parades, concerts, and more. There are approximately 300 bands expected to take to the streets during the Carnival. Top the entire event off by attending The Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace Hotel, considered to be the most famous Carnival ball where a luxury costume or black tie/evening dress is required, and a number of international and local VIPs are always among the guests. All tickets include buffet dinner and free open bar. http://www.rio-carnival.net/index.php
5. Copacabana Beach: At the Copa, Copacabana….Okay, so this little earworm of a Barry Manilow song was really talking about a nightclub, but go ahead and sing it as you walk along this 2.5 mile long public beach that is located in the heart of the Zona Sul neighborhood. Here you can also visit the Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort.
6. Maracanã: If you want to get your Olympic geek on, then head over to where those magnificent opening ceremonies took place. The stadium, which is officially called the Mario Filho, was originally built back in 1948 as a venue for the 1950 World Cup. The venue hosted the 2014 World Cup and, now, the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Jody’s Travel Inc