AIB 2010 Annual Meeting
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
June 25-29, 2010
Rio de Janeiro Travel Information
About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro state is one of the smallest in the federation, but few places in the world can compare with its astounding natural beauty – from the Atlantic forest with its rivers and waterfalls, to the coast with hundreds of islands, peninsulas, inlets and bays, and a backdrop of breathtaking mountain ranges. A destination full of tourist attractions allied to an excellent infrastructure. Its capital – Rio de Janeiro city, known worldwide as a wonderful city – besides uniting in one scenario the green of mountain forests and the blue of the sky and sea, was also, for almost 200 years, the center of the political, economic and cultural power of the country. During this period, marked by great historical, political and cultural episodes that consolidated their nationality, real treasures and relics of the past were accumulated. This heritage makes it one of the country’s most important intellectual centers, disseminating culture and technology.
Besides these attributes, Rio is known for the warmth and hospitality of its people. It is the Rio of carnival, sun, sport and the music that makes its nightlife so exciting. In 2014, the FIFA World Cup will take place in Brazil. Also, in 2016, Rio de Janeiro will host the Summer Olympics, and will be the first South American city to host the event. Rio de Janeiro is the perfect destination at any time of the year.
Air Travel Information
Galeão International Airport - Rio de Janeiro
Galeão International Airport –Rio de Janeiro (GIG) is located 13 miles north of the city. Galeao International Airport is the main airport in Rio de Janeiro. It is the largest entrance point for tourists visiting Brazil – more than 40 percent of all foreigners arrive at the airport. There are two terminals, which can handle up to 15 million passengers a year. The airport links Brazil to 18 countries
Basic Travel Information
From the Airport
Public buses operate 5:30am-11:30pm to the city (journey time - 40 minutes). There is an airport shuttle bus which stops at all major resorts and hotels, running every hour. Taxis are also available.
Sightseeing
Rio de Janeiro Attractions
Corcovado Hill & the statue of Christ is maybe Rio's most famous postcard: the Statue of Christ blessing the city with open arms. It can be seen from most South Side neighborhoods. The statue stands on the hill of Corcovado, which is 710 m tall (about 2,400 feet). The Statue of Christ stands 30 meters high (100 feet), covered in a mosaic of soapstone. On its base there is a small chapel. This spot offers a 360° view to Rio.
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is Rio’s main event. Festivities attract thousands of people from all corners of the world. Carnaval, as spelled in Portuguese, is a 4-day celebration. It starts on Saturday, and ends on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi-Gras. Carnival Sunday is seven weeks before Easter Sunday. The date changes every year and in 2010 it will happen from February 13 through 16.
Maracanã Stadium is one of the world's largest stadiums, Maracanã was built for IV World Cup of Football that happened in Rio in 1950. Brazil unfortunately lost to Uruguay that year, but today it's the only nation in the world to hold 5 titles. Soccer is the national sport in Brazil, and the stadium is often filled to capacity with more than 90,000 people when there is a major match, and the official record is of 183,341 spectators in 1969. This is where Pelé made his 1,000th goal. Maracanã is also used for mega-shows every now and then, and artists like Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones have already performed here. Next door to it are Maracanãzinho, a smaller bowl with a capacity of 20,000 and the Olympic Stadium Célio de Barros, often used for international competitions.
Sugarloaf competes with Corcovado for the position of Rio's most famous postcard. Sugarloaf (Pão de Açúcar) is the name of a hill 369 meters high (about 1,100 feet). It stands around scenic Guanabara Bay, and is connected by cable car to a shorter hill named Morro da Urca with 220 meters (about 650 feet). The cable ride takes two stages (3 minutes each), and it is definitely worthwhile. From the top you have a wonderful view of Rio, including historical downtown, and even Niterói - the city across the bay.
Tijuca Forest is the largest urban forest in Rio, with over 100 square kilometers, is actually a smart reforestation project - the area was originally used for coffee plantations. The green carpet can be seen from most of the South Side. Its most visible landmark is the Statue of Christ, the Redeemer on Corcovado Hill. The area is so big it is easy to get lost, and it is recommended going on a tour to enjoy the most of it safely.
Currency
The legal tender is the Real (BRL)
Time
Rio de Janeiro is in Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -3 hours
Electricity
The voltage is 110 volts, 60 cycles (60hz)
Climate
Rio has a tropical wet and dry climate according and is often characterized by long periods of rain from December to March. The temperature occasionally reaches over 104 Fahrenheit in inland areas of the city. In the main tourist areas, south side, where the beaches are located, the temperature is moderated by the cool sea-breezes from the ocean.
Language
Portuguese is the official language of Rio de Janeiro.
Tipping Advice
A 10% tip is usually included in the bill at most restaurants. Give a little more only if service was especially friendly. Taxi drivers do not expect big tips, round up, or give an extra R$1 if you are feeling especially generous. Bellboys and chamber maids expect to get at least R$1.
