Rio de Janeiro - 40ºC Degrees!

Para ler este artigo em português, clique aqui!

“My soul sings when I see Rio de Janeiro……” these famous verses describe the feeling that the “cidade maravilhosa” strikes in everyone, whether locals or not. It is impossible to remain indifferent to this sunny city, blessed by the Christ Redeemer. The reputation of being one of the hottest city is true in every way. The sun seems to be present in Rio’s beaches, maybe this bohemian vibe is the reason why Rio seems to live an eternal summer.

But not everything is perfect, every year the temperature are getting higher and higher. In the bright side, the city offers several parks, forests, gardens, markets and much more. So escaping the heat is just one possibility. On days when the mercury exceeds 40° degrees, you will not need to stay at home with the air conditioning on. Or fry in the burning sands of Rio’s beaches. You can enjoy the natural freshness of being in a forest swimming in a waterfall. How does it sound?

Then read the list below.

1. Tijuca National Forest

For those who like to be in touch with nature, the Tijuca National Forest offers marked trails what can eliminate the need for a guide. This unmissable tour can end with a nice waterfall bath. Tijuca’s forest is located in the heart of the city, is claimed to be the largest urban forest in the world, with paved streets in many points. So if you want to practice downhill through the forest just take your skateboard, the less radical can drive around through the forest road.

You also will find in the park one of the most visited tourist hot spots in the city, the Chinese View. A viewpoint where you can see the perfect landscape of the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Urca and the most famous beaches of Rio.

[divider type=”dashed”]

2. The botanical garden

The botanical garden is also a fascinating place to go. Normal visiting hours are Mondays from 12 pm to 5 pm and from Tuesday to Sunday at 8am to 5pm. The admission coast R$6.00, which also includes visiting the Environmental Museum. Besides finding pure and refreshing air in the middle of a big city, the historical character of this immense garden makes it even more interesting. After all it was inaugurated by the Portuguese royal family in June of 1808.

The huge royal palms perfect planted to garnish the botanical paths had become a trademark of the Rio herbarium. The institution also have artistic monuments and the most complete library of the country specializing in botany. As if this were not enough, a beautiful orchids nursery consists of more than 3000 specimens of 600 different species, make up the largest collection of the herbarium of the country.

[divider type=”dashed”]

3. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

On the banks of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, you can find a leisure area with a bike path, jogging track, playground, sports courts and paddle boats. If you prefer a more gastronomic tour, the Lagoon is known for the variety of street food around, you can find since pamonha (typical brazilian dish) to Japanese food which can be enjoyed with live music at night.

[divider type=”dashed”]

4. Horto Florestal

The city also has the Horto Florestal which is an area of seedling production, especially of endangered species, with emphasis on the native plants of the Atlantic Forest. In addition to all this, the famous waterfalls of the Garden are one good option to avoid crowded beaches.