Rio de Janeiro  - Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) evaluating commission Friday visited facilities that could host the 2016 Games were Rio de Janeiro to win the bid.

Rio is fighting rival bids from more economically powerful cities such as Madrid, Chicago and Tokyo.

In Copacabana, IOC officials came across people holding signs supporting their city's bid, including a message made famous by US President Barack Obama during his campaign: "Yes we can!"

The tour started at the Forte de Copacabana, a military facility above the famous beach. IOC officials watched an air show before heading on to Barra da Tijuca, the neighbourhood in which the Olympic Village and most of the competitions would be located.

They also went to the beautiful lagoon Rodrigo de Freitas, which hosted the rowing events at the 2007 Pan-American Games, the Omnisport Arena and the Maria Lenk Water Park, which were also used in 2007.

The group then headed to the suburbs to see the Joao Havelange stadium. (dpa)