The city

Capital of Rio de Janeiro state, Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city and one of the main seaports of Brazil. Founded at the entrance to Guanabara Bay (on the Atlantic Ocean) in 1555, Rio was capital of the country from 1763 to 1960, when it lost its national administrative role to Brasília.

Rio is an important manufacturing and service center, producing diverse manufactures of such goods as processed food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metal products, ships, textiles, clothing, and furniture. The city also handles much of the nation's foreign trade.

The country's leading cultural and tourist center, Rio de Janeiro lies between mountains and water. Its famous landmarks include Sugar Loaf Mountain, situated on a peninsula in Guanabara Bay, and the large statue called Christ the Redeemer, atop Corcovado Mountain. Colonial buildings contrast with the contemporary architecture. Inside the city lies the Tijuca Forest.

Rio is also celebrated for its carnival. Every year, tourists from all over the world experience this colorful, magnificent popular festival. Rio is the home of the famous samba schools which parade through an open mall during the three days of the Carnaval.

Rio's exuberant forests, beautiful mountains, wonderful beaches, and warm people make it the "marvellous city", as it is called in Brazil.

Weather

Weather in Rio is usually warm. In the Summer, between December and March, temperature varies from 31C (85F) to 41C (105F). In the Winter, between June and July, temperature can get as low as 25C (60F). During Spring, from August to October, it ranges from 26C (79F) to 30C (86F).

Visit

The City official web site
Museum of Modern Art
Sugar Loaf
Botanical Garden
RioTur
Carnival in Rio

The conference site

The IFSE-Rio Conference will be held at the Glória Hotel.

Inaugurated in 1922 by president Epitácio Pessoa, the Glória Hotel is one of the most traditional and charming hotels of Rio de Janeiro.

It is located near central Rio de Janeiro and underground, and is five minutes from Santos Dumont Airport. From its windows, one can see the Sugar Loaf from one side, and the Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park from the other side.

The Convention Center of the hotel offers a variety of rooms and halls, with the necessary technical support.

Hotel information

Registration for IFSE-Rio Conference does not include hotel accommodations.

The Conference official travel agent is

Oran Turismo
Tel./Fax: (55 21) 493-8941
oran@netyet.com.br

Glória Hotel rates (breakfast included) are:

Standard (annexe)
single: 105,00
twin: 130,00

Standard (main building)
single: 115,00
twin: 135,00

Superior (main building)
single: 145,00
twin: 170,00
triple: 215,00

Luxe (main building)
single: 175,00
twin: 200,00
triple: 250,00

All rates are in Reais (R$)
US$ 1,00 = R$ 1,83 (on May 19, 2000)
A city tax of 5% will be added to all rates