Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, Host City of the 2016 Olympic Games!
Resident "Cariocas," who affectionately refer to
Rio de Janeiro
as the "The Marvelous City,"
are enthusiastically preparing to host the 2016 Olympic Games.
The International Olympic Committee's selection of the exciting Brazilian city will bring the
Summer Games and Paralympics to South America for the first time in history.
The metropolis is set against a backdrop of magnificent mountains and hills and framed
by world famous South Atlantic Ocean beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. The picturesque
coastline and mountains form a spectacular harbor is which is officially listed as one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World."]
EarthCam and affiliate La Suite Rio
bring you a stunning live HD view of Rio's signature
scenery captured from the top of the exclusive hotel.
The city is rich in contrasts. It combines the serenity of the iconic "Christ The Redeemer" atop Corcovado Peak,
arms outstretched over the city, and the scenic drama of Sugar Loaf Mountain, to the laid back life, music and
activities on world class beaches.
The city was founded in 1565 by the Portuguese as an outpost to defend their colony's harbor against French
privateers and pirates. With the discovery of gold, ore, and diamonds in 1720, Rio became a bustling
commercial port. It was declared the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal years later when the
Royal Family left Europe and took refuge in Brazil as a result of Napoleon's invasion of Portugal.
Although no longer the capital of Brazil, the city is clearly the "Carnival Capital of the World." "Rio Carnival," set
annually before the start of lent, has been described as both "a wild 4-day celebration" and "one of the most
artistic events on the globe." The fantastic costumes, energetic Samba parade, and new
Samba songs are the unique events of the Carnival that sets the standard for all others.
More than 500,000 international visitors attend the annual spectacular.
More than 2 million Cariocas, and visitors also celebrate New Year's Eve with a music
spectacular and a huge fireworks display at Copacabana Beach.
Visitors will also discover that the birthplace of the Samba, Choro, and Bossa Nova and the inspiration
for multiple popular songs, is rich in night life, international fine dining, and delicious local foods.
Besides touring the major attractions and visiting the beaches the city offers a wide array of shopping
opportunities, history and art museums, parks, botanical gardens, churches and historic buildings and
fortresses. But the scenic wonder of the hills, the mountains, the bay and South Atlantic coast is
easily the greatest attraction.
For more information, please visit our affiliate
at www.lasuiterio.com.
