Rio de Janeiro

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Top 10 attractions in Rio de Janeiro

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Christ the Redeemer
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Christ the Redeemer

10
4.7/5
339 reviews
Mount Jesus is also known as Camelback Mountain, officially Mount Corvado. Located on the east side of Chijuca National Forest Park, it is one of the must-see attractions in Rio de Janeiro and a symbol of Brazil and Rio. On another 710-meter mountain stands a giant statue of Jesus, which is one of the world's most famous monumental sculptures and was selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.Rio de Janeiro · 4.1 km from downtown
Sugarloaf Mountain
2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Sugarloaf Mountain

8.2
4.7/5
301 reviews
Sugarloaf Mountain stands at the entrance to Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro and is a peak approx. 400 m high. Its name comes from its resemblance to the traditional conical sugar loaves used in sugar refining—a conical mold used to store raw sugar before the advent of sugar cubes. Although the Chinese name contains the word "bread," it has nothing to do with bread. At the foot of the mountain, ruins of a fortress built during the Portuguese colonial period remain, bearing witness to the former military importance of this bay entrance. The classic way to reach the summit is by cable car. The cable car operates in two stages: the first stage goes from the Praia Vermelha station at the foot of the mountain to the adjacent Urca Hill, and the second stage goes from Urca Hill to the summit. Upon reaching the observation deck, you can overlook the panoramic view of Guanabara Bay and downtown Rio to the north, see the curved coastline of Copacabana Beach to the south, gaze at the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain to the west, and see the vast Atlantic Ocean to the east. If you reach the summit at dusk, you can watch the sunset slowly sink behind the ridge in the direction of the Christ the Redeemer statue, with the city lights gradually turning on. The Urca Hill transfer station has a dining area and an observation deck, where you can sit and rest between transfers.Rio de Janeiro · 4.7 km from downtown
Copacabana Beach
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Copacabana Beach

7.8
4.7/5
187 reviews
Copacabana Beach is a crescent-shaped coastline about 4 km long in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, adjacent to Ipanema Beach. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, the beach features soft sand, blue waters, and a warm climate year-round, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The stone mosaic promenade along the beach is an iconic view. In the 1970s, Brazilian landscape designer Roberto Burle Marx redesigned the traditional Portuguese stone mosaic into a black-and-white wave pattern, giving the entire promenade both artistic beauty and a distinct identity. Numbered lifeguard towers line the promenade, and different sections attract different crowds—from families to surfers, each occupying a stretch and forming a unique beach zoning culture. The rhythm of life on the beach is driven by kiosks and street vendors: the kiosks provide drinks and lounge chairs, while vendors weave through the crowd selling everything from grilled cheese to sunscreen. Beach volleyball, beach soccer, and footvolley, a sport originating in Brazil, can be seen everywhere here.Rio de Janeiro · 5.9 km from downtown
Rocinha Favela

Rocinha Favela

7.5
3.6/5
72 reviews
Rocinha Favela is a large community built on a steep hillside in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. In Portuguese, this type of spontaneous settlement built on a hillside is called a favela. It gradually formed in the mid-20th century, evolving from an initial shantytown into an urbanized neighborhood now dominated by brick and concrete structures, with infrastructure such as banks, shops, and pharmacies inside. The entire complex of buildings covers an entire mountainside, arranged densely, with some buildings reaching three or four stories high. After nightfall, the dense lights on the hillside light up, like stars covering the slope. Due to its unique visual characteristics, it has appeared in many film and television works, including the movie "Fast Five" and the animated film "Rio." The community has resident-organized cultural institutions and non-profit educational projects, and has also developed walking tours led by local residents, where visitors can walk through the alleys and learn about its history of evolving from a spontaneous settlement into a city within a city. From the high points of the hillside, you can overlook the Rio urban area and the coastline, surrounded by dense vegetation, where the natural view blends with the dense buildings.Rio de Janeiro · 9.6 km from downtown
Escadaria Selarón
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Brazil

Escadaria Selarón

7.3
4.1/5
87 reviews
Escadaria Selarón is a colorful staircase in Rio de Janeiro connecting the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods. It was continuously created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón from 1990 until his passing in 2013. After traveling to over 50 countries, Selarón settled in Rio. He used a dilapidated set of concrete steps outside his home as a canvas, gradually covering them with recycled tiles, and called it a "tribute to the Brazilian people." The staircase has 215 steps, is approximately 125 m long, and is covered with over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries. Initially, the tiles used were mostly scavenged from construction waste, but later, tourists from all over the world began donating them, making the staircase a constantly growing work of art. Hundreds of these tiles were hand-painted by him, repeatedly depicting a pregnant African woman. He never explained the meaning of this theme, only calling it a "personal problem from the past." The walls on both sides of the steps are also tiled, primarily in red, with various patterns created in different colors. Some tile patterns are cleverly split across two adjacent steps, forming a complete image when viewed from the side.Rio de Janeiro · 1.2 km from downtown
Ipanema Beach
No. 5 of Night Attractions in Brazil

Ipanema Beach

7.2
4.6/5
173 reviews
Ipanema Beach is one of the well-known beaches in Rio de Janeiro, adjacent to Copacabana Beach. In the 1960s, the famous Bossa Nova song "The Girl from Ipanema" was born here, making the beach widely known along with the melody. The song was written by musician Antônio Carlos Jobim and poet Vinícius de Moraes in a bar near the beach, inspired by the young girls they saw daily walking across the sand toward the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is divided into sections by numbered lifeguard stations, each with a different atmosphere and crowd—the area near Post 9 is a gathering spot for young people. The Arpoador rock at the eastern end, where it meets Copacabana Beach, is a well-known sunset viewing spot in Rio. In the evening, people climb onto the rock facing the sea and spontaneously applaud as the sun sinks below the horizon. At the western end, the twin peaks of the "Two Brothers" mountain rise up, forming a natural backdrop for the beach. On any given day, you can see people running, cycling, playing soccer, surfing, and sunbathing on the beach. For the people of Rio, the beach is more than just a place to sunbathe. It is a stage for social life where people gather and exercise. From dawn to dusk, the entire coastline is always full of vitality.Rio de Janeiro · 7.5 km from downtown
Museum of Tomorrow
No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Brazil

Museum of Tomorrow

6.7
4.5/5
28 reviews
The Museum of Tomorrow is located at Mauá Pier on the shores of Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Completed in late 2015, the museum was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Unlike traditional museums that focus on collecting the past, this museum is themed around tomorrow, integrating science, technology, ecology, and future life into its exhibition space. Inside the building, the permanent exhibition hall is located on the upper floor, featuring a high, open space. The exhibitions are not limited to traditional static displays but instead explore the world of the future. The spacious interior, combined with a modern display environment, allows visitors to browse freely between science and technology themes. The windows on one side of the exhibition hall are also an important part of the interior view. Looking out, you can overlook Guanabara Bay, connecting the museum's internal scientific themes with the real marine environment outside. Especially in the evening when the light is soft, the bay view and the architectural space complement each other, making the visit even more immersive.Rio de Janeiro · 3.2 km from downtown
Santa Teresa
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Santa Teresa

5.9
4.5/5
42 reviews
Santa Teresais located on the hillsides near the city center of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is one of the neighborhoods in this coastal city with an artistic atmosphere and cultural charm. Far from the hustle and bustle of the busy commercial district, it retains a rich historical charm. Winding cobblestone alleys weave through the hills, lined with old houses and mansions built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The weathered walls, vintage architecture, and lush greenery together create a laid-back and romantic atmosphere. The streets are dotted with galleries, artist studios, and specialty craft shops, while colorful graffiti adds a vibrant touch to the ancient buildings.Rio de Janeiro · 61m from downtown
Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro

6
4.4/5
107 reviews
Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeirois located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, adjacent to Corcovado Mountain. Founded in the early 19th century, it is a green sanctuary that blends natural ecology, botanical research, and history and culture. The park covers over 100 hectares and brings together thousands of plant species from Brazil and around the world. Strolling through the grounds, you will see century-old trees with lush foliage, with mosses, ferns, and bromeliads growing on their trunks and branches, creating a unique tropical rainforest landscape with layers of greenery. Entering through the main gate, the magnificent Palm Avenue is immediately striking. Continuing forward, giant water lilies float on the lake, while the Orchid Garden, Cactus Garden, carnivorous plant greenhouse, and Japanese Garden showcase the charm of different plant worlds. The garden features a botanical museum, a library, and an environmental education center, allowing visitors to gain in-depth knowledge of plants and ecological conservation while enjoying nature.Rio de Janeiro · 6.5 km from downtown
Point do Telegrafo
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Point do Telegrafo

5.8
5.0/5
4 reviews
Point do TelegrafoLocated in the forests of Pedra Branca State Park at an altitude of approx. 350m, it attracts many visitors. The rock's most striking feature is a giant, anvil-shaped boulder that juts out. When photographed from a specific angle, a person standing on the edge of the rock appears to be hanging over a sheer cliff with the endless ocean below, creating a thrilling and stunning image. During the hike, the lush tropical vegetation and fresh mountain air are refreshing, and you can also see capuchin monkeys, marmosets, and various colorful tropical birds.Barra de Guaratiba · 231m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Rio de Janeiro

Featured Food & drink in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio's Brazilian Food & Forró Night Fair
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Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromRUB 11,349.13
Petropolis City Tour with optional Bohemia Brewery and Lunch
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Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromRUB 4,289.41
Rio de Janeiro traditional classic half-day tour to Santa Teresa cable car + Escadaria Selarón
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FromRUB 7,039.34
Rio Vibes: Caipirinha Workshop (2 Caipis) + Funk Class + DJs
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 1,487.66RUB 1,565.96
Rio de Janeiro: 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class
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4.9/5
· 41 reviews
Duration: 3.5–4.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
31 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 7,502.84RUB 7,897.73
Eat, drink and discover Rio like a Local - with a Local
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5.0/5
· 28 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
28 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 8,745.50RUB 9,205.79
Rio de Janeiro: Brunch & Sunset Boat Tour with Caipirinhas
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5.0/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 3,922.56RUB 4,129.02
Rio de Janeiro: Barra da Tijuca Walk & Food Tour with Drinks
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 15.92RUB 16.76

Featured Cultural experiences in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Treasures and Cultural Landmarks
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Duration: 2 hrs
Filipino
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromRUB 595.10RUB 743.88
Museum of Tomorrow + Christ the Redeemer + Royal Portuguese Reading Room + Sugarloaf Mountain day tour
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FromRUB 50,931.68
Metropolitan Cathedral + National Museum of Fine Arts + Royal Portuguese Reading Room + National Historical Museum
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FromRUB 50,931.68
Christ the Redeemer + Sugarloaf Mountain + Escadaria Selarón + Metropolitan Cathedral + Maracana Stadium Day Tour
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FromRUB 54,658.39
1-day tour to Rio-Niteroi Bridge, Museu de Arte Moderna, and the Cathedral in Rio de Janeiro
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FromRUB 57,142.86
6-Stop Highlights Tour in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Christ the Redeemer/Cathedral/Sugarloaf Mountain
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FromRUB 15,873.02
Biblioteca Nacional + Confeitaria Colombo + Museu de Arte Moderna Rio de Janeiro Day Tour
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Duration: 8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromRUB 50,931.68

Featured Day tours in Rio de Janeiro

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1-day tour of Christ the Redeemer + Sugarloaf Mountain + Selarón Steps + Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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4.3/5
· 3 reviews· 52 booked
Duration: 4.6 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
86 travelers saved
FromRUB 9,868.88
Rio de Janeiro day tour · Christ the Redeemer (by train) + Sugarloaf Mountain
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FromRUB 15,983.44
Rio de Janeiro Christ the Redeemer + Sugarloaf Mountain + cathedral lunch (Chinese upgrade available)
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FromRUB 8,434.79
Brazil Rio de Janeiro Traditional Classic Half-Day Tour: Santa Teresa Cable Car + Selarón Steps
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FromRUB 6,625.26
1-day tour to Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Escadaria Selarón in Rio de Janeiro
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FromRUB 11,456.18
Rio de Janeiro Rocinha Favela Walking Half-Day Tour - Daily Departures for an In-Depth Favela Experience
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 47 booked
Duration: 3.3 hrs
English
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FromRUB 6,459.63

Featured Outdoor experiences in Rio de Janeiro

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Free things to do in Rio de Janeiro

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Rio de Janeiro cruises

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Private Tours in Rio de Janeiro

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Group Tours in Rio de Janeiro

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What travelers say about Rio de Janeiro

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Md Iqbal HasanOctober 28, 2025
5.0
Christ the Redeemer, standing atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. This 30-meter-tall statue of Jesus Christ, with arms outstretched over the city, symbolizes peace and faith. Completed in 1931, it’s made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Rio’s beaches, mountains, and the Sugarloaf. Reached by train or hiking trail through Tijuca National Park, the journey itself is scenic and memorable. At sunrise or sunset, the statue glows against the sky, creating a truly spiritual and awe-inspiring experience—an unmissable highlight for any traveler to Brazil.

Christ the Redeemer

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Ms ShanghaiJuly 25, 2023
5.0
Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-visit site in Rio. We went on a Monday at 16:00, thinking we would make it up in time for sunset at 17:30. The queue was so long that the attendants just laughed when we asked for an estimate. We went to the beach instead, then prebooked tickets on CTrip for the next day. The process of using the tickets was a bit confusing. When we arrived at the cable station at 15:00 we were told to go to the reception desk to have our proof of booking printed out. A kind lady at reception helped us do this luckily, but it was a bit confusing due to the language barrier. After we’d printed the proof we had to go to another window to collect our physical ticket and were then allowed to join the queue to board the cable car quite far ahead of the back of the line - so even though the process was confusing, booking online definitely helped. This is the one occasion where I would say that paying extra to skip the queue is really worth it!!! The Sugar Loaf cable car ride is actually divided into two separate segments. This means that you queue to get tickets, queue to board the first cable car, queue to board the second cable car, and then queue twice more to go back down - and each time you’re queuing for about 30 minutes! And this was on a Tuesday in July; I can’t imagine what it’s like on the weekend. Anyway, the pictures show that it was definitely worth the effort:)

Sugarloaf Mountain

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Lavender and SunOctober 30, 2021
5.0
Copacabana Beach is known as the most famous beach in the world. It has a 4.5-kilometer-long coastline, with blue water, white waves, clean and soft sand. The temperature is suitable for swimming all year round, so there is an endless stream of tourists.

Copacabana Beach

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还不曾去过倒悬山!October 31, 2025
4.0
The Hersinia favela, located on a hillside in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the largest favela in South America. This area forms a stark social divide with the surrounding upscale residential areas. While security improved after the Brazilian government's "repression campaign" in 2009, the threat of remaining armed groups persists. The government has improved residents' quality of life by building new cultural centers and stadiums, and the political participation of private university scholarship programs and the CUFA (Favela Federation) has driven changes in the social structure. The popularity of funk party culture and the rise of English language training schools reflect the impact of globalization on the community's economic and cultural development.<sup>1</sup> Educational Support: Government provides private university scholarships.<sup>1</sup>

Rocinha Favela

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花丛中June 5, 2026
5.0
The wind blew in from the sea, carrying a salty, damp air. The sand was so soft it felt like walking on cotton; you could walk barefoot for ages without it hurting your feet. Find a rock to sit on, and watch the waves crash in, breaking into white foam before receding, again and again, washing away all the jumbled thoughts in your mind. In the evening, collect half a basket of pretty seashells, buy a freshly steamed salt-baked crab, and gnaw on the crab meat as the sun sinks into the sea, the sky gradually turning orange-red. Even your hair smells of the sea; when you leave, you feel both empty and bright inside.

Escadaria Selarón

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E24***64November 3, 2019
5.0
There is a very beautiful beach on the Strait Line for a walk. The sand near where I live is very good and very fine, and it doesn't hurt at all when you step on it. It is also a relatively clean sea area with fewer people.

Ipanema Beach

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小思文September 4, 2019
4.0
A newly built and very novel museum, the exterior uses a lot of new composite materials, the entire structure of the museum is also very good, you can see a lot of exquisite items here, the location of the museum is also quite good. The surrounding landscape is very good. [Fun] Very interesting activities

Museum of Tomorrow

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GLS***65January 29, 2017
5.0
A neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro nestled on a hill and famous for its winding cobbled streets lined with mansions that were once home to the city's elite. It is now a favorite spot for artists and tourists.

Santa Teresa

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hiluolingSeptember 27, 2020
3.0
The area is quite large, like a big park, but the classification and introduction of plants do not seem to be particularly well planned. If you come here specifically to see the plants, you may find it a bit difficult.

Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro

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DerStatistMay 17, 2023
5.0
Check the weather forecast in advance! Check the weather forecast in advance! Check the weather forecast in advance! The hiking route up the mountain is a bit primitive... but the direction is clear and it is not easy to get lost If it rains, bye bye, you really can't see the scenery, the ground turns into mud 😅

Point do Telegrafo

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Rio de Janeiro?

Don't miss these attractions in Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana Beach. If you like Food & drink, try Rio's Brazilian Food & Forró Night Fair. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Rio de Janeiro Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Treasures and Cultural Landmarks.

You can give Rio's Brazilian Food & Forró Night Fair and Petropolis City Tour with optional Bohemia Brewery and Lunch a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour of Christ the Redeemer + Sugarloaf Mountain + Selarón Steps + Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro day tour · Christ the Redeemer (by train) + Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer Escadaria Selarón Sugarloaf Mountain sunset half-day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 14, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro is around RUB 6,459.63 – RUB 15,983.44. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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