to this day, many places in the rio de janeiro area are still named after indigenous words - the famous beach ' ipanema ' is one example, with ipanema meaning 'bad waters,' most likely in reference to fishing. the very word 'carioca,' used today to indicate residents of the city of rio de janeiro, is derived from the indigenous word 'kari' oca' meaning 'white house' or 'house of the white man.'

more than 450 years in the making, the history of rio de janeiro is rich of events that contributed to the shape and culture of the city we know today - battles against the french, attacks from pirates and corsairs, collaborations with local indigenous tribes, and extensive reshaping of the land, have woven an intricate and fascinating tale that can be felt in many corners and neighborhoods.