Monday, January 25, 2010

The Little Known Green Spaces Of Rio De Janeiro



The international image of Rio tends to fall into one of three broad stereotypes. Firstly that of perhaps the world’s most famous city beaches – the broad sweep of Copacabana capped by Sugar Loaf or Ipanema’s surf culture, beach wear, and eponymous garotas, secondly the glitz, tail feathers, extravagant floats and tropical hedonism of carnaval and finally that other image perpetuated by the media of the city’s darker side of crime. All of which are to a greater or lesser extent misrepresentations of the real Rio de Janeiro, a multi faceted city with much to offer all types of visitor, from party minded backpackers, to cultural sight seers or honeymoon couples.

One aspect often overlooked in what is South America’s third largest metropolis, is the huge amount of greenery, mountains, jungle, open spaces, public parks and general natural beauty to be found in Rio. First of all the city is home to the world’s largest urban forest, the Floresta da Tijuca, a huge swathe of Atlantic rainforest dividing the city in two, the size of which can only really be appreciated from the peak of one of Rio’s many mountains, the famous Corcovado or the even higher Pedra da Gavea. The forest offers many outdoor pursuits unimaginable right in the middle of a city this size - treks to waterfalls, mountain biking, rock climbing, or perhaps a hike to the top of the Pedra Bonita to hang glide down over the forest and the city landing on Sao Conrado beach, a truly unforgettable honeymoon experience for the more active minded.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, Rio’s botanical garden offers another natural haven from the city. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Jardim Botanico takes up a 140 hectare plot of prime real estate at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain. Its grand palm tree lined avenues, lawns shaded by tropical fruit trees, and tranquil lily ponds offer an idyllic environment for a romantic stroll to escape the afternoon sun and summer crowds of the city beaches.

Contact

Mr P Irvine
Dehouche S.A,
Rua Joao Lira, 95
Leblon 22430-210
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
Tel: +55 21 2512 3895
Tel US: 0800 690 6899,
Tel UK: 0871 284 7770
info@dehouche.com
http://www.dehouche.com




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