because of television, movies, and travel magazines many travelers have an idea of what the world-famous city of rio de janeiro is about, yet there is much more to know and experience in the surrounding areas - area that is still largely unknown outside brazil.

rio, as the beautiful cosmopolitan city is more commonly referred to, is in the state by the same name, the state of rio de janeiro - home to a wealth of natural and cultural landmarks, beautiful beaches, mountains, and green natural reserves.

there are 26 federal states in brazil, 27 in total with the federal district of the country's capital brasília - the state of rio is bordered by the states of minas gerais, espírito santo, são paulo, and by the atlantic ocean.