Nature & the City

Rio de Janeiro is surprisingly the greenest city I’ve ever visited. It’s squeezed between mountains with lushious vegetation and bays with roaring waves. Even in the middle of the city you’ll find trees and plants everywhere. It’s one of Rio’s many charms.
Here are some of my favourite green spots, starting with sunset at Ipanema beach.

The incredible force of the waves against the rock formation of Pedra do Arpoador made me spontaneously burst into laughter. I guess some waves were higher than ten metres. I’ve never felt this close to nature at European shores.

Biking around the big lagoon was another great experience. The place is known for having the largest floating Christmas tree in the entire world. Here is a video of it.

The Christ statue is standing on the top of the Corcovado mountain in the biggest urban forest in the world (yes, another record), called Floresta da Tijuca. There’s even a little tram taking you through the forest to the top.

I was very impressed too by the botanic garden. It’s big and beautiful. I really recommend it.


But my favourite place, I have to say, has to be Serra dos Órgãos. It’s a gigantic national park with breathtaking sceneries.

It was a magical place. Just to give you an idea of the dimensions, you can look at the swimmer in the right corner. I am very aware that pictures can’t even come close to the overwhelming feelings I got over there, but I can tell you this: I was completely one with nature.

Vincent