Rio de Janeiro is the very best of Brazil, where sunny caipirinhas flow freely and mountains overlook the wild Atlantic Ocean. Equal parts beautiful and gritty – like many capital cities – there’s plenty to explore. But you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping beaches, plenty of friendly cariocas (Rio residents) and music that will keep you moving for days.
LANDMARKS
Rio’s towering statue of Christ the Redeemer is instantly recognisable, but nothing beats taking a train to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see it up close. For more spectacular views of the city, make Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) your next stop. The cable car trip is an adventure in itself, though getting here for when the sun goes down makes it truly magical.
BEACHES
Backed by the city’s high-rise buildings, Copacabana is the most iconic of Rio’s beaches, and a great spot for people-watching and sipping refreshing coconut water. There’s also Ipanema, with its pounding surf and wraparound mountain views. If you’d like to swap your Havaianas for hiking boots, head inland to the region’s Parque Nacional da Tijuca, where numerous trails weave through virgin Atlantic rainforest.
MUSIC, ART & CULTURE
Rio’s soundtrack is the envy of the world. Dance to fast-paced bossa nova, click your fingers to live jazz or kick back with a cold beer while listening to live roda de samba after a day at the beach. The Museu Histórico Nacional is an excellent choice for brushing up on Brazilian history, while quirky sights like the Escadaria Selarón (Selaron Steps) in Santa Teresa will give you a flavour for the city’s bohemian neighbourhoods.
If you want to soak up Rio’s spectacular carnival first-hand, plan your trip for late February – but double check the dates first!