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Top 20 Things To Do in Rio de Janeiro

Discover Rio de Janeiro's must-see attractions and highly-rated experiences. Our expertly curated guide helps you plan the perfect visit with insider recommendations and traveler favorites.

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Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: Essential Information for Visitors

Rio de Janeiro, often referred to as Rio, is a vibrant city in Brazil known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and lively culture. Visitors can explore the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, take a cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views, and visit the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain. The city's rich cultural scene includes samba music, Carnival celebrations, and world-class museums like the Museum of Tomorrow. Rio's culinary scene is a highlight for many, featuring traditional Brazilian dishes like feijoada (a black bean stew) and fresh seafood. The city's lively neighborhoods, such as Lapa with its historic arches and vibrant nightlife, offer a unique blend of culture and entertainment. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor activities, Rio de Janeiro remains a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable South American experience.

Top 20 Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

#1
Christ the Redeemer w/Tickets,Selarón Steps & Sunset at Sugarloaf - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroChrist the Redeemer w/Tickets,Selarón Steps & Sunset at Sugarloaf - Additional viewChrist the Redeemer w/Tickets,Selarón Steps & Sunset at Sugarloaf - View 3Christ the Redeemer w/Tickets,Selarón Steps & Sunset at Sugarloaf - View 4Christ the Redeemer w/Tickets,Selarón Steps & Sunset at Sugarloaf - View 5Christ the Redeemer w/Tickets,Selarón Steps & Sunset at Sugarloaf - View 6
Christ the Redeemer w/Tickets,Selarón Steps & Sunset at Sugarloaf
44 Reviews

The best tour without extending all your time and effort, focusing on what really matters, with professional guide and all the attention you deserve. Have an unforgettable experience on this customizable 5-hour tour focusing on main attractions and history!

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#2
PRIVATE CITY TOUR, spacious LAND CRUISER 4X4 up to 7 PASSENGERS - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroPRIVATE CITY TOUR, spacious LAND CRUISER 4X4 up to 7 PASSENGERS - Additional viewPRIVATE CITY TOUR, spacious LAND CRUISER 4X4 up to 7 PASSENGERS - View 3PRIVATE CITY TOUR, spacious LAND CRUISER 4X4 up to 7 PASSENGERS - View 4PRIVATE CITY TOUR, spacious LAND CRUISER 4X4 up to 7 PASSENGERS - View 5PRIVATE CITY TOUR, spacious LAND CRUISER 4X4 up to 7 PASSENGERS - View 6
PRIVATE CITY TOUR, spacious LAND CRUISER 4X4 up to 7 PASSENGERS
41 Reviews

DO THE SIMULATION, up to 75% discount for groups or families. SKIP THE LINE (Cadastur-Rio official guide). Possible to serve up to 11 people with 2 vehicles together or up to 18 people together in a van, get in touch. TICKETS NOT INCLUDED: Christ the Redeemer costs around 12 dollars per person and Sugarloaf Mountain costs around 38 dollars per person. NOT INCLUDED: Professional photos (+PHOTOSHOP & LIGHTROOM), consult prices. Do you know Toyota Prado or a T4 Ford Troller jeep? It is with this adventurous spirit, a guide that knows much about local culture and history and is professional photographer (+PHOTOSHOP & LIGHTROOM) that you will know the main sights of Rio in a morning, with total flexibility. Insta saffo_phototour.

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#3
Excursion: Cristo Redentor, Tijuca National Forest and City Tour in 7 hours - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroExcursion: Cristo Redentor, Tijuca National Forest and City Tour in 7 hours - Additional viewExcursion: Cristo Redentor, Tijuca National Forest and City Tour in 7 hours - View 3Excursion: Cristo Redentor, Tijuca National Forest and City Tour in 7 hours - View 4Excursion: Cristo Redentor, Tijuca National Forest and City Tour in 7 hours - View 5Excursion: Cristo Redentor, Tijuca National Forest and City Tour in 7 hours - View 6
Excursion: Cristo Redentor, Tijuca National Forest and City Tour in 7 hours
35 Reviews

The ideal tour to enjoy the main sights of Rio de Janeiro. In this 7-hour tour you will get to know a little of the South Zone and the beach of São Conrado (main landing zone of Hang gliding and Paragliding, Tijuca National Forest, Corcovado, we go through Santa Teresa known as the traditional neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro and the Selarón Steps in Lapa where Snoop Dogg filmed his famous video “Beautiful”.

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#4
Corcovado Express: Morning Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroCorcovado Express: Morning Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Additional viewCorcovado Express: Morning Tour in Rio de Janeiro - View 3Corcovado Express: Morning Tour in Rio de Janeiro - View 4Corcovado Express: Morning Tour in Rio de Janeiro - View 5Corcovado Express: Morning Tour in Rio de Janeiro - View 6
Corcovado Express: Morning Tour in Rio de Janeiro
30 Reviews

Be one of the first visitors to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue, the most famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro, on top of the Corcovado Hill, without the usual crowd early in the morning. Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

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#5
Private Tour: Rio Experience (Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and more !) - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroPrivate Tour: Rio Experience (Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and more !) - Additional viewPrivate Tour: Rio Experience (Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and more !) - View 3Private Tour: Rio Experience (Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and more !) - View 4Private Tour: Rio Experience (Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and more !) - View 5Private Tour: Rio Experience (Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and more !) - View 6
Private Tour: Rio Experience (Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and more !)
24 Reviews

Uncover the wonders of Rio with a private tour that embraces the heights of Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, the artistic allure of Santa Teresa, the colors of the Selaron Steps, and the spiritual aura of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

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#6
 Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience - Top attraction in Rio de Janeiro Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience - Additional view Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience - View 3 Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience - View 4 Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience - View 5 Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience - View 6
Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience
18 Reviews

An opportunity to be closer to the Carioca people in their everyday life. You will for a moment participate in their experiences, customs and routine passing through the streets, alleys and contemplating one of the most beautiful views of Brazil. And from there came all the Brazilian culture, because but favelas came Capoeira; Samba; Brazilian Funk; Axé music; typical foods; girias...In Rocinha you can also have contact with a good part of northeastern culture, as 80% of the residents there are migrants or descendants of people from the northeast of the country. Although located between two traditional neighborhoods of the southern area of the Rio de Jaineiro, the community is part of the Tijuca forest. Come have this unique experience with a local guide and in the biggest favela in Brazil.

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#7
Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroPrivate 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic - Additional viewPrivate 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic - View 3Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic - View 4Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic - View 5Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic - View 6
Private 6-hour Hiking Tour in the Tijuca Forest: Waterfalls, Viewpoints & Picnic
18 Reviews

Hike through Tijuca National Park's rainforest on a 6-hour eco-tour contemplating one of the most splendid views of Rio contrasting with the greatest urban forest in the world. Accompanied by an expert guide, expect a trilling tour full of nature with waterfalls, springs, small lakes, viewpoints, and historic sites. Animals, particularly monkeys, coatis and birds, can be seen all around during walks in the lush landscape and falls. The walking distance is about 7 km, round trip, is mostly in the shade, ranging from light to medium level of difficulty. The hiking time is about 4 hrs at a slow pace. Visit the calm and beautiful waterfalls where we stop for bath and pictures. Bring swimsuits along so that you can splash around. We then continue on for more 10 min up to the scenic weir called “Açude da Solidão”. Take a break at the edge of it and enjoy snacks picnic style. After having such an adventurous day, relax on the journey back to your hotel.

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#8
Private Niterói City Tour- MAC Art Museum,Santa Cruz Fortress Parque da Cidade  - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroPrivate Niterói City Tour- MAC Art Museum,Santa Cruz Fortress Parque da Cidade  - Additional viewPrivate Niterói City Tour- MAC Art Museum,Santa Cruz Fortress Parque da Cidade  - View 3Private Niterói City Tour- MAC Art Museum,Santa Cruz Fortress Parque da Cidade  - View 4Private Niterói City Tour- MAC Art Museum,Santa Cruz Fortress Parque da Cidade  - View 5Private Niterói City Tour- MAC Art Museum,Santa Cruz Fortress Parque da Cidade  - View 6
Private Niterói City Tour- MAC Art Museum,Santa Cruz Fortress Parque da Cidade
16 Reviews

Niterói is one of the most beautiful tours that can be done during your visit to Rio de Janeiro. The view of the city park, the visit to the museum and all the history involved in the fortress of Santa Cruz are simply marvelous and enchanting.

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#9
6-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Top attraction in Rio de Janeiro6-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro - Additional view6-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro - View 36-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro - View 46-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro - View 56-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro - View 6
6-Hour Private Guided Tour in Rio de Janeiro
14 Reviews

Enjoy having a private tour guide and a vehicle at your disposal for 6 hours! Talk to the tour guide to set up a tailor-made tour that will introduce you to the most interesting places in the city. It can be a walk through the Tijuca Forest, stroll through Copacabana or a visit to the historic center of Rio. Listen to the tips given by the experienced tour guide who knows the city very well.

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#10
Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroHalf-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio - Additional viewHalf-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio - View 3Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio - View 4Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio - View 5Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio - View 6
Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio
11 Reviews

Enjoy a half-day tour through the architectural landmarks in Rio. Rio de Janeiro was recently named the first World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO. The city has constructions of the colonial period, buildings in the art-deco style and modernist buildings. Our walking tour starts from the Carioca’s Square in the Downtown area, where we see a group of constructions of the XVII century: the Church and the Convent of St. Anthony. Then we proceed towards the Rio Branco Avenue, the first avenue to be opened in our city. Then, we go to the Cinelandia Square to see its Art Deco Constructions before we make another time jump towards the modernist architecture. The tour ends at the Museum of Modern Art.

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#11
Um dia no Rio de Janeiro - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroUm dia no Rio de Janeiro - Additional viewUm dia no Rio de Janeiro - View 3Um dia no Rio de Janeiro - View 4Um dia no Rio de Janeiro - View 5Um dia no Rio de Janeiro - View 6
Um dia no Rio de Janeiro
9 Reviews

Visit Rio de Janeiro's main sights with local guides who have preferential access to Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. Together we will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral whose architecture is inspired by a pyramid, the Selaron Staircase in the Historic Center of Rio de Janeiro and we will visit the Rio de Janeiro Carnival catchway. Embark on a wonderful tour with a team prepared to give you the best experience with comfort, responsibility and safety!!!

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#12
Sunrise in the Telegraph Stone - photos and expert guide - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroSunrise in the Telegraph Stone - photos and expert guide - Additional viewSunrise in the Telegraph Stone - photos and expert guide - View 3Sunrise in the Telegraph Stone - photos and expert guide - View 4Sunrise in the Telegraph Stone - photos and expert guide - View 5Sunrise in the Telegraph Stone - photos and expert guide - View 6
Sunrise in the Telegraph Stone - photos and expert guide
9 Reviews

Pedra do Telégrafo is certainly one of the most beautiful and most visited trails in Rio de Janeiro. Having an expert guide also makes all the difference and offers more security in the natural environment.

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#13
From Rio de Janeiro: shuttle from airports to Paraty - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroFrom Rio de Janeiro: shuttle from airports to Paraty - Additional viewFrom Rio de Janeiro: shuttle from airports to Paraty - View 3From Rio de Janeiro: shuttle from airports to Paraty - View 4From Rio de Janeiro: shuttle from airports to Paraty - View 5From Rio de Janeiro: shuttle from airports to Paraty - View 6
From Rio de Janeiro: shuttle from airports to Paraty
10 Reviews

Take the worries when you arrive at Rio de Janeiro Airports, don't stressed after a public transport or high-value taxis, in the last minute. This shared transport service allows you to divide the costs,making your trip into an economical experience, interacting with other travelers from different cultures. The transport is carried out in new and modern vehicles, vans or minibuses, controlled via satellite, monitored in real time and fully reviewed. Choosing this service guarantees a safe and comfortable trip, with the support of the largest company in the region, accompanied by experienced, qualified and trained drivers, and you will have trilingual support 365 days a year.

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#14
Rio de Janeiro Private Day Tour with Sugarloaf and Corcovado - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro Private Day Tour with Sugarloaf and Corcovado - Additional viewRio de Janeiro Private Day Tour with Sugarloaf and Corcovado - View 3Rio de Janeiro Private Day Tour with Sugarloaf and Corcovado - View 4Rio de Janeiro Private Day Tour with Sugarloaf and Corcovado - View 5Rio de Janeiro Private Day Tour with Sugarloaf and Corcovado - View 6
Rio de Janeiro Private Day Tour with Sugarloaf and Corcovado
10 Reviews

Enjoy a private full-day tour of Rio de Janeiro, taking in 2 of its iconic landmarks at the Christ The Redeemer statue on Corcovado, and ride the cable car up the Sugarloaf mountain. See the Maracanã and Sambódromo stadiums and more. The tour includes free time for lunch in local restaurants (meal not included / drinks not included).

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#15
Rio's Secluded Beaches: Prainha & Grumari Hike and Swim (small group or private) - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroRio's Secluded Beaches: Prainha & Grumari Hike and Swim (small group or private) - Additional viewRio's Secluded Beaches: Prainha & Grumari Hike and Swim (small group or private) - View 3Rio's Secluded Beaches: Prainha & Grumari Hike and Swim (small group or private) - View 4Rio's Secluded Beaches: Prainha & Grumari Hike and Swim (small group or private) - View 5Rio's Secluded Beaches: Prainha & Grumari Hike and Swim (small group or private) - View 6
Rio's Secluded Beaches: Prainha & Grumari Hike and Swim (small group or private)
6 Reviews

The tour visits the West part of Rio de Janeiro, that remains untouched with a lot of nature and secluded beaches. We'll follow the coastline, passing by 5 different beaches (São Conrado, Barra, Reserva, Recreio and Macumba). We first stop at Prainha, a small and protected beach considered the surf spot in Rio where you'll hike 1,5h to Caeté Summit (253m=830ft) that ofers a great view of the coast and other mountains of Rio. From Prainha, in a 5 more min. drive we reach Grumari, our last stop and where we stay to enjoy the beach for about 3h. Grumari it´s also a protected area and you'll enjoy an amazing and paradisiac tropical beach with white and fine grain sands, green mountains and clear waters (bring towel and bathing suit).

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#16
Two-day tour to discover Rio de Janeiro - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroTwo-day tour to discover Rio de Janeiro - Additional viewTwo-day tour to discover Rio de Janeiro - View 3Two-day tour to discover Rio de Janeiro - View 4Two-day tour to discover Rio de Janeiro - View 5Two-day tour to discover Rio de Janeiro - View 6
Two-day tour to discover Rio de Janeiro
6 Reviews

Two days to spend discovering many places that make this city the "Cidade Maravilhosa". Rio de Janeiro is extraordinary because it offers tourists an immense natural and landscape treasure that blends with a great historical and artistic heritage. I want to guide you to discover Rio de Janeiro during this tour which, I am sure, will remain unforgettable. I am a professional tourism guide, I love to tell, not just present, the city in all its uniqueness and I do so with pleasure both in my native language, Italian, and in French, Portuguese, Spanish and English.

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#17
Ilha Grande Hiking Tour - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroIlha Grande Hiking Tour - Additional viewIlha Grande Hiking Tour - View 3Ilha Grande Hiking Tour - View 4Ilha Grande Hiking Tour - View 5Ilha Grande Hiking Tour - View 6
Ilha Grande Hiking Tour
6 Reviews

This amazing hiking tour takes around 14 hs round trip, Would you like to visit the most beautiful beaches of Ilha Grande by foot? If you have the adventurer spirit in you, this is it ! Spend a full day exploring awesome beaches, including Pouso, Palmas and Lopes Mendes, known as one of the most beautiful beaches of Brazil. Forget about the usual boat trips and put your feet on the ground !  Highlights Visit the most beautiful beaches of Ilha Grande and its clear waters by foot Be amazed with the beauty of Palmas, Pouso and Lopes Mendes beach, known as one of the best in Brazil Get off the beaten track and hike along the coast of Ilha Grande Private tour, groups from 3 to 12 people only

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#18
Little Africa And The City Of Samba: Where Dreams Come True - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroLittle Africa And The City Of Samba: Where Dreams Come True - Additional viewLittle Africa And The City Of Samba: Where Dreams Come True - View 3Little Africa And The City Of Samba: Where Dreams Come True - View 4Little Africa And The City Of Samba: Where Dreams Come True - View 5Little Africa And The City Of Samba: Where Dreams Come True - View 6
Little Africa And The City Of Samba: Where Dreams Come True
5 Reviews

Visit the most typical places of the first African cultural manifestations in the Americas. Take a new look at the two cultures, African and European, and its legacy in the arts, cuisine, dance and music, highlighting the Carnival. • Visit the City of Samba, or City of Dreams, an area where the Samba Schools develop the floats that will parade in the Sambodrome • Understand how celebrations of Catholic and African merged its cultural manifestations and producing the most famous Carnival in the world. • Visit the current region of the Port, which for decades received thousands of Africans from different ethnic groups, nations, and cultures. • Visit Pedra do Sal (Salt Stone), where the Community of Remnants of Quilombos is located and considered as Cultural Heritage. • Get to know Valongo Wharf, the largest African point of entry in the Americas. It has been submitted to UNESCO to become World Heritage.

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#19
Explore Tandem Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro. - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroExplore Tandem Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro. - Additional viewExplore Tandem Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro. - View 3Explore Tandem Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro. - View 4Explore Tandem Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro. - View 5Explore Tandem Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro. - View 6
Explore Tandem Paragliding in Rio de Janeiro.
5 Reviews

Tandem paragliding is a unique activity that combines excitement, beauty and freedom. Flying with a paraglider offers an incomparable feeling of freedom, allowing you to float above the ground, feel the wind and admire the landscape in a special way. Paragliding provides panoramic views of the beaches, mountains and city, something that is otherwise inaccessible. Each flight is tailored to suit your preferences and comfort level, making the experience unique and personal. With experienced instructors and a strict safety protocol, you can relax and enjoy the adventure with confidence. The stunning views and sensation of flight create unforgettable memories, and filming the flight provides a record to share with friends and family. Taking off from the Pedra Bonita ramp, you experience one of the most iconic areas of Rio de Janeiro, offering a spectacular and memorable backdrop for your flight.

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#20
LGBTQIA+ Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro With Local Gay-Friendly Guide - Top attraction in Rio de JaneiroLGBTQIA+ Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro With Local Gay-Friendly Guide - Additional viewLGBTQIA+ Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro With Local Gay-Friendly Guide - View 3LGBTQIA+ Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro With Local Gay-Friendly Guide - View 4LGBTQIA+ Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro With Local Gay-Friendly Guide - View 5LGBTQIA+ Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro With Local Gay-Friendly Guide - View 6
LGBTQIA+ Private Tour of Rio de Janeiro With Local Gay-Friendly Guide
5 Reviews

In addition to the natural beauties, Rio offers several tourist spots, events, parties, nightclubs, bars and shows that attract tourists all year round. All this diversity and excitement has ended up drawing the attention and affection of the LGBTI+ public. There is nothing more pleasant than being welcomed well in the destination. Much better if it's by an expert local gay-friendly guide who will ensure you have an exciting and safe experience. Take full advantage of the one-on-one experience customizing your day or nighttime on a private tour while the guide offers practical tips about where to go and what to do. Have a personal guide at your full disposal, to either explore the local gay scene or just visit Rio’s popular attractions putting a spotlight on Rio hassle-free. See below on the "what to expect section" a tiny fraction of things to do & see in Rio to guide you on planing your tour. The actual tour can be personalized according to your wishes and the option hired.

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Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

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