The people behind Rio's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games never made it a secret that they were aiming to follow the example of cities like Sydney and Barcelona that managed to use the Olympics to considerably improve their infrastructure.
Seeking to make use of that experience, the Rio authorities launched one of the most comprehensive and large scale reconstruction campaigns of the city port region.
The functional but somewhat ugly viaduct running along the Guanabara Bay shore was demolished, with car traffic being redirected to a new tunnel.
The freed up territory was transformed into a recreation area with gardens, museums, and the soon-to-be-open largest oceanarium in Latin America.
This massive renovation was first met with criticism from the locals, reluctant to see funds allocated to such costly endeavors while the country’s economy is in such poor state.
However, Brazilians soon took a shine to this new area, and the once desolate and somewhat dangerous center of Rio is now rife with tourists.
Ironically, few foreigners actually visit this area, mostly because of stereotypes that portray Rio de Janeiro as a city famous mostly for its beaches. Even the Olympic athletes may not be aware of these changes as they live in the Barra district, some 40 kilometers away from this area.
Have no fear though: the Sputnik Brazil team is ready and able to remedy this situation, so now you can behold the rejuvenated city center and port of one of Brazil’s most beautiful metropolises – Rio de Janeiro.
