BLUMAR INCOMING TOUR OPERATOR ICIEM Client EVENTS
ABOUT THE DESTINATION RIO DE JANEIRO Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil until 1960. Often called Cidade Maravilhosa (The Marvellous City) Rio de Janeiro is world renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and location, nestled between lush, green mountains and crystal clear seas. Rio is one of the most culturally and economically prominent cities in Brazil and features some of the country s most famous tourist attractions such as Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer statue), and the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The city is full of energy and rhythm, and the locals of Rio, Cariocas, are known for their carefree spirit and charm. Whether you are looking to experience Carnaval, relax in a naturally stunning environment, or enjoy all the luxuries of a cosmopolitan city, Rio de Janeiro has it all!
September 7 Networking Afternoon Excursions RIO DE JANEIRO CORCOVADO (CATEGORY 1) SOLD OUT Depart from the hotel to visit the Christ Statue recently elected as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The statue sits 2 300 ft. above sea level, atop Corcovado Hill. Following a scenic drive along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, we will arrive at the foot of the hill, where we embark on a small train which climbs the beautiful mountainside. Upon reaching the top, visitors will experience a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it is known as the Marvelous City! SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN (CATEGORY 1) Over a million tourists every year visit the world famous Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined sugar loaf. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its islands. From Urca Hill passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado and downtown Rio. BOTANIC GARDEN (CATEGORY 1) Rio de Janeiro s Botanic Garden is one of the ten most important ecological sanctuaries in the entire world. the Botanic Garden. The Garden founded by Dom João VI in 1808 as an Acclimation Garden for exotic plants was transformed over nearly two centuries into the Research Institute of the Botanic Garden of Rio de Janeiro. Although the collection is composed mainly of Brazilian species, there are also foreign plants and hybrids. The 140-hectare park lies at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain, far below the right arm of the statue of Christ the Redeemer and contains more than 6,000 different species of tropical and subtropical plants and trees, including 900 varieties of palm trees. A 750 m line of 134 palms forms the Avenue of Royal Palms leading from the entrance into the gardens. These palms all descended from a single tree, the Palma Mater, long since destroyed by lightning. Visitors can stroll along the pathways of the park to the sounds of native birds like the curios and the sabiás. The exuberance of nature in all its colors and glory provide images that visitors will keep in their memories and souls forever.
SECRETS OF OLD RIO (CATEGORY 1) This is a unique walking tour which gives visitors a feeling for the legends and stories woven around the narrow streets and old historical buildings of downtown Rio. The walk includes a visit to many interesting points such as the São Bento Monastery Candelária Church, Praça XV, the Travessa do Mercado, Imperial Palace ( Paço Imperial ), the cultural center located in the beautifully-restored Banco do Brasil, the Casa França- Brasil, Ouvidor Street and Gonçalves Dias Street with the traditional Colombo Coffee Shop. The walk continues on down Uruguaiana Street, Carioca Square, and up to the Metropolitan Cathedral where passengers will meet the transportation that will take them back to their hotels. CINELANDIA EXCURSION (CATEGORY 1) The square we call today Cinelandia was the crown jewel of mayor Pereira Passos and his transformation of Rio into a cosmopolitan city in the turn of the 20th century inspired by Haussmann s renovation of Paris. A broad avenue, Rio Branco, was opened cutting downtown from one end to the other, and a competition was issued to exempt from taxes the most beautiful building of the avenue! And there were many. Designed in eclectic style, as it was fashion of the age. Only a few of these constructions survived to this day, and Cinelandia concentrates most of them. The Municipal Theater, a grand opera house that was fully restored for its 100th anniversary. The National Library, listed by the UN as one of the most important in the world, safeguarding books that are older than Brazil itself, left here by the King of Portugal when he returned to Lisbon. The Museum of Fine Arts, depository of the best 19th century collection of Brazilian art, in the country. Are also part of the square the Federal Justice Cultural Center, formerly the seat of Federal Court while Rio was the capital; the Pedro Ernesto Palace, home of the municipal council, and Cine Odeon, the last still functioning movie theater from the time the area was surrounded by them, thus naming the area Cine Land. Shopping Excursion BARRA SHOPPING (CATEGORY 1) Being a city known for its beauty and fashion Rio de Janeiro hosts a wide variety of street markets shopping malls and clothing stores, all of which reflect the iconic style and culture of the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). You will be taken to Barra Shopping with more than 700 stores, in an area that covers more than 1.2 kilometers.
SHOPPING EXCURSION VILLAGE MALL (CATEGORY 1) Being a city known for its beauty and fashion Rio de Janeiro hosts a wide variety of street markets shopping malls and clothing stores all of which reflect the iconic style and culture of the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). You will be taken to Village Mall the most exclusive mall in Rio de Janeiro with many sophisticated international and Brazilian brands. GUANABARA BAY (CATEGORY 1) The Guanabara Bay is the 3rd biggest bay in the world in terms of water volume. It has 413 km2 of area and extends for 33 km and houses 84 different size islands. An unforgettable boat tour with departure from the Marina da Gloria. We will see the Santos Dumont domestic airport the giant s pillars of the Rio-Niteroi bridge the harbor Lage and São João fort Sugar Loaf the ferryboat and Fiscal Island. SIGHTSEEING LEBLON/ IPANEMA / COPACABANA ( CATEGORY 1) The tour includes a drive along Rio s famous beaches passing by Copacabana Ipanema and Leblon. TOMORROW MUSEUM (CATEGORY 1) Tomorrow Museum - The project is an initiative of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall and the Roberto Marinho Foundation with Vale and Globo as Sponsors and with support from the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro and the Ministry of Culture through the Federal Law for the Encouragement of Culture. Designed by the world renowned architect Santiago Calatrava to become a landmark of Rio, right at Guanabara Bay, the Museum of Tomorrow will be a multi-media exhibit focused on mankind, our relationship with the environment and what will the future hold for the next generation. This new museum will be the crown jewel of the ongoing port renovation for the 2016 Olympic Games.
VISIT MUSEU DO PONTAL (CATEGORY 1) The beautiful Casa do Pontal Museum is a must see on your list of places to visit if you re planning on heading to the outskirts of Rio. Located about an hour s drive from downtown Casa do Portal Museum is the only museum in Brazil that offers such a complete overview of the culture lifestyles and history of the people of Brazil. The museum is housed in a beautiful two-storey country home whose gardens showcase many species of tropical flora and fauna in addition to a collection of over 5,000 sculptures showcasing an authentic portrayal of Brazilian life. OLYMPIC BOULEVARD (CATEGORY 1) Connecting more than 25 historical landmarks churches museums cultural centers shops and restaurants, the Conde Waterfront Park is Rio s newest attraction. Part of the Olympic legacy, a once rundown area was fully renovated, and where previously stood an elevated highway, now is a promenade that crosses the city s oldest neighborhoods, reclaiming the area for pedestrians. Paço Imperial, the Old Cathedral, Candelária Church, the Olympic Pyre, Maua Square, Rio s Art Museum (MAR), and the Museum of Tomorrow, are some of the highlights in this 3km (1,86mi) walk. In one end, is located the Aqua Rio, South America s largest aquarium; and, on the other, lies the of Rio s best cultural institutions, the National Historical Museum. Dotted by monuments, graffiti art, and sculptures, this tour is a leisure walk to admire the architecture and Guanabara Bay. Obs.: Tourists will be dropped off at one end of the promenade and will walk, with the guide, towards the other end. The amount of walking can be established by the clients interests and conditions. Most museums close on Monday in Rio, except the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center, which closes on Tuesdays. Entrance in any of the sites can be included for an added cost. LAGOON & PARQUE DA CATACUMBA ( CATEGORY 1) Explore the Atlantic Rain Forest in a different way by walking on the top of the trees at Catacumba Park. The adventure starts at the entrance of the reserve near the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. You will receive some safety guidelines about the activities and will follow the 350m (0 2mi) easy uphill trail with a guide. After a Canopy is a really special way to get close to nature. The circuit is 6m (19ft) above ground 120m (390ft) long, offering 9 different obstacles which will demand courage, balance and attitude. In the very end, you will find the biggest challenge, a thrilling Zip Line with an amazing view of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. At another area, a climbing wall is available for those who want to test their strength, and skills. Use sunscreen and bug spray, light clothes, a comfortable hiking shoe, and bring water.
HIKING AT CLAUDIO COUTINHO TRAIL (CATEGORY 1) Sided by remnants of Atlantic Rain Forest on one side and the ocean on the other the Claudio Coutinho Trail goes from Praia Vermelha to the entrance of Guanabara Bay surrounding the Sugar Loaf hill. The hike is flat on a paved walkway, inside the natural reserve that includes the national landmark. The entire trail is 1,2km (0,75mi) long, each way. Keep an eye out for marmosets, spider monkeys and the red Brazilian tanager birds. At the end of the trail you will be able to see the Imbui fort, built in 1901, on the opposite side of the bay, and the Cotunduba Island, a sanctuary for sea birds. Don t forget to use sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and to bring water. JEEP TOUR SANTA TERESA (CATEGORY 2) Following hotel pick up in an open-air Hummer-style jeep the tour will begin with a visit to Santa Teresa, an historic neighborhood with beautiful architecture and large homes from the turn of the 20th century, built mainly by English railroad managers. Today, it has become a hotspot for artists and intellectuals, defined by its galleries and trolley cars - the only ones of their kind still functioning Rio de Janeiro JEEP TOUR BOTANIC GARDEN + TIJUCA FOREST (CATEGORY 2) Visit the Botanic Garden which was created in 1817 by King John VI of Portugal. Dedicated to the culture of exotic plants the unique park features a variety of rare and exotic species brought from all over the world. Among the rarest are the Imperial Palm Trees huge water lilies (Victorias-Regias) and Brazilian Red Wood trees (Pau Brasil) which are an endangered species in the Atlantic Forest. In its famous greenhouse more than 500 species of delicate orchids are carefully tended to. We will then make a visit to the Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, stopping at the Chinese View Belvedere which features a magnificent view of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf Mountain. During the tour guests usually see various tropical animals such as monkeys, sloths and exotic birds. On the way back to the hotel, we stop at the Pepino Beach to watch the hang gliders.
DANCE CLASS (CATEGORY 2) Private or group dance classes offered at one of the most prestigious dance academies in Rio de Janeiro. Classes are generally comprised of two or three couples dancing Latin rhythms such as samba tango salsa bolero, lambada and forró; these classes provide a wonderful social atmosphere, filled with laughs and fun. Special classes are offered by the renowned dancers Jaime Arôxa or Carlinhos de Jesus (upon request). HIKING AT PEDRA BONITA (CATEGORY 2) A van will pick up passengers at the hotel and drive up the mountain to Pedra Bonita (Beautiful Rock) where passengers will enjoy a stunning view of the city and will have the unique experience of hiking to the top of one of Rio s famous mountains. The instructor will give full explanation of the procedures and safety guidelines at the beginning of this adventure. Each group will have a maximum of 12 people so the instructor can keep an eye on everybody. From the van s drop off spot to the top, is a 35min moderate walk up hill, through the forest, about 700m (0.43mi). From the summit, you will be able to admire the neighboring Pedra da Gávea hill, the beaches of Barra and São Conrado, and the Tijuca National Forest. Use sunscreen and bug spray, light clothes, a comfortable hiking shoe, and bring water. TOUR CORCOVADO + TIJUCA FOREST (CATEGORY 3) Following hotel pick up in an open-air we will make our way to Corcovado Mountain located in the Tijuca Atlantic Forest - the largest urban forest in the world and home to the famed Christ the Redeemer statue which was recently elected as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Stop at the Dona Marta Observatory and Corcovado to admire the views. The tour continues up Paineiras road and stops at the Tijuca Forest where guests will embark on a trail up to the Cascatinha Falls. Following Canoas Road the tour passes by Pepino beach ( Cucumber Beach ) and returns to the hotel. CULINARY COOKING CLASS WITH TASTING INCLUDED (CATEGORY 3) Discover the mysteries of Brazilian cuisine in a cookery class. Classes feature ingredients that are readily available in the United States and Europe so that travelers will be able to recreate at home the recipes they learned. The menu options available for participants are the following: A) Feijoada: caipirinha pork feijoada (a stew with meat black beans rice orange farofa and greens) traditional Brazilian banana dessert.
B) Shrimp Moqueca (Bahian): coconut shake Shrimp moqueca (a traditional Brazilian seafood stew with fish coconut milk and shrimps) with rice and farofa Coconut pudding with plums and peaches. URCA KAYAKING (CATEGORY 3) The Ocean Kayaking tour couldn t be in a better place! You will paddle around the impressive granite rock of Sugar Loaf Mountain having the whole city of Rio as a backdrop! We will drive you to Vermelha beach where we meet our instructor and learn some safety and technical procedures. Then you will paddle for about 1 hour and 30 minutes through the waters of the Guanabara Bay. On the itinerary guided by your instructor there will be time to rest swim and have a snack before returning to Vermelha beach and driving back to the hotel. Each group will have a maximum of 12 people. Includes: all equipment snacks, a safety boat, and stretching before and after the activity. URCA STAND UP PADDLE (CATEGORY 3) Stand up paddle has become a very popular pastime in Rio. The lesson begins on flat water so you can get your balance on the over-sized boards. SUP boards are larger than surfing long-boards and you can either paddle standing up or kneeling on them. Your instructor will show the different strokes you use to help you turn and slide forward. Your 1-hour private group class of stand up paddle at Vermelha beach will have the incredible scenery of Sugar Loaf and the entrance of Guanabara Bay as background. After the lesson you can enjoy the beach until the time to return to the hotel. Use waterproof sunscreen or a t-shirt as you will be expose to the sun for a long time.