A foot in the door: the "marvellous city"; cultural Rio; islands and mountains; carnival. Essentials: planning your trip; before you travel; money; getting there; touching down; where to stay; getting around; keeping in touch; food and drink; entertainment; shopping; holidays and festivals; sport and special interest travel; health; further reading. Rio de Janeiro city: Rio de Janeiro; ins and outs; Central Rio; Northern Rio; Southern Rio; Gloria, Catete and Flamengo; Santa Teresa; Corvocado and Cosme Velho; Botafogo, Urca and Pao de Acucar; Copacabana and Leme; Ipanema and Leblon; Lagoa, Jardm Botanico and Gavea; Vidigal and Sao Conrado; Barra da Tijuca; Tijuca National Park; Western Rio; Guanabara Bay; Niteroi. Excursions: the Costa do Sol; Marica; Saquarema; Araruama; Sao Pedro da Aldeia; Arraial do Cabo; Cabo Frio; Buzios; Macae; northeast of Rio de Janeiro; Campos; inland resorts; Petropolis; Teresopolis; Serra dos Orgaos; Nova Friburgo; Tres Rios; towns in the coffee zone - Vassouras, Barra do Pirai, Valenca; west of Rio de Janeiro - Volta Redonda, Penedo, Visconde de Maua, Itatiaia; the Costa Verde - Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande, Paraty. Background: histoty; modern Rio de Janeiro; land and environment; arts and srchitecture; culture; useful words and phrases.
