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September 2005 : Brazil
Having seen Iguassu falls in Argentina it was time to see the Brazilian side. We took a walk along the catwalk that leads to the base of the Devil’s Throat, the Falls most spectacular cascade where we proceeded to get soaked by the spray. The chance to view the falls from the air was an opportunity not to be missed. As we flew towards the falls all we could see was a mass of cloud caused from the spray, yet as we flew over the falls the vast chasm of water could be seen in all of its' glory.
Paddy in helicopter over Iguassu Falls, Brazil Iguassu falls from the helicopter, Brazil
Paddy in the helicopter Iguassu falls from the helicopter
Time to fly via Sao Paulo to vibrant Rio de Janeiro. We saw the famous downtown sights, the famous Maracana football stadium, the cathedral and the street where the famous Rio Carnival takes place.
Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Cathedral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Cathedral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Carnival Parade Street, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Maracana Stadium Cathedral Exterior Cathedral Interior Carnival Parade Street
We took a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to enjoy one of the most inspirational cityscapes in the world. It was on this cable car that the scene of a fight between James Bond and Jaws takes place in one of the Bond movies. From the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain we were able to see some amazing views of Copacabana beach and Christ the Redeemer statue as well as some lion monkeys which were playing around.

Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copacabana Beach from Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Lion Monkey up Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sugar Loaf Mountain Copacabana Beach from Sugar Loaf Mountain Lion Monkey
No visit to Rio de Janeiro would be complete without a trip on the cog railway, to the ‘Christ the Redeemer’ statue viewpoint, at the summit of Corcovado Mountain. Towering seemingly miles above the city and commanding an unforgettable 360 degree panorama. Sadly the statue was shrouded in cloud when we visited - perhaps a good excuse to go back and visit another day? I was told the statue is covered in cloud 1 in 3 days.

Christ the Redeemer on the Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Paddy by Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Corcovado Mountain and the 'Christ the Redeemer' Statue Paddy at the 'Christ the Redeemer' Statue
A visit to Ipanema beach was a must, along with a short stroll along the world famous Copacabana beach. The name Copacabana has a Bolivian origin. Historians trace it to a XVII century image of Our Virgin Lady of Copacabana, brought by the Portuguese from a small village around distant Lake Titicaca. It was installed in a chapel that would later be demolished for the construction of Forte de Copacabana.

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Copacabana Beach from our hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Marie, Marc & Tony under a palm tree on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Paddy on Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ipanema Beach Copacabana Beach from our hotel Marie, Marc & Tony under a palm tree on Copacabana Beach Paddy on Copacabana Beach
The final must see event before leaving Rio was night out at one of the shows where we witnessed the most magnificent outfits designed for the carnivals which take place here every year!

As well as being elaborate, some of them were rather skimpy to say the least!

Carnival Costumes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Carnival Costumes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Carnival Costumes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro's Carnival Costumes
Carnival Costumes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro's Carnival Costumes
Carnival Costumes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Carnival Costumes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Carnival Costumes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro's Carnival Costumes
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