Next Stop: Rio de Janerio

As the 2016 Summer Olympics approach, now is a great time to learn a little more about the host city — Rio! Whether you’re traveling across the world or watching from your living room, it couldn’t hurt to learn more about the city in which the world’s biggest sporting event is taking place. Who knows, you might find your next vacation destination!

This year the Summer Olympics are taking place in Rio de Janerio. It is the second largest city in Brazil, nestled on the South Atlantic coast. It is also the first South American city to ever host the Summer Olympics, but I wouldn’t consider that their claim to fame.

Most people know Rio for their beautiful beaches, like Copacabana and Ipanema. With their pristine turquoise waters and towering mountainous backdrops, these beaches are a must-see for any traveler. Speaking of these mountainous backdrops, Rio is home to some beautiful mountain scenery, such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, which rises 396 meters at its peak and offers a bird’s-eye-view of the city and its breathtaking scenery.

Of course, you can’t talk about Rio de Janerio without mentioning Carnival. Carnival is a world-famous, five-day festival that takes place every year on the streets of Brazil, and Carnival in Rio de Janerio is known as the biggest and most famous of all the festivals. Attendees of the festival can expect a non-stop week of parades, street parties and celebrations.