A Favela is essentially a Brazilian shantytown and they are built into the mountains and valleys throughout Rio. While most of them have been run by Drug lords, community police involvement have increasingly improved the living situations.
Corcovado is the mountain on which Christ the Redeemer statue rests. It literally means hunchback in Portuguese. It's quite a trek to get up but the views of the city are amazing if the clouds are clear. It was pretty cloudy when we were there, so I don't have great shots, forgive the haze.
Christ the Redeemer is an iconic landmark for Rio, known the world over. Here are a couple shots I liked, I think the clouds rolling in and out made for some pretty cool effects.
Check on the heart on his chest.
A shot from behind.
Can you see his crown of thorns? He is supposed to represent the risen Christ.
I particularly like this one.
Tijuca National Park is the largest urban park in the world at 32 square kilometers. There are untold numbers of animals and birds, it was amazing to drive through in the open air buggy.
We drove through the park and across the beaches, really experiencing the natural beauty of Rio. Next stop was Sugarloaf Mountain in all it's glory.
How do you get to the top? Via the dreaded Cable Car. I despise heights, ski lifts nearly bring me to tears but I did it.
It's a little scarey, admit it.
The view from above, again forgive the clouds.
Some cool vintage memorialbelia of Sugarloaf Mtn and it's cable cars.
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