Rio de Janeiro

Standing on top of Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above the sea level, Christ the Redeemer overlooks the metropolis below with outstretched arms. The statue, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, embraces the whole city, welcomes and protects, yet appears to keep a watchful eye on locals and visitors. Venture up through the Tijuca Rain Forest to the top of the mountain for a closer look and be rewarded by fabulous views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema, the Maracanã Stadium and the Serra do Órgãos mountain range. You can hike up to the statue or comfortably reach it by way of a twenty-minute tram/car ride.

Admire Rio's flora and fauna in the botanical garden which sits right next to the Tijuca National Park, naturally attracting different animal species to settle. If you check their schedule, you can participate in night strolls through the park or listen to an educational lecture in the green.

Being the largest aquarium in south america, AquaRio holds up to 8000 animals of 350 different species in their tanks. Stroll through tunnels amidst the marine animals to admire the colourful fish and corals. An exciting experience not only for families but also for anyone with an interest in wildlife.

Translated to English, The Museum of Tomorrow is an exhibition that combines science and art and shows its visitor, among other things, the future developments mankind will face in biodiversity, technology, climate change and growing population . Launched in 2015, this place is a great way to explore the unknown in an interactive way.

This popular lookout offers a beautiful view over Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado. Given its proximity to the city, many photographers prefer to shoot from here rather than climb to the top of Corovado. The two places, however, are very close and easy to visit on the same day.

In its first 15 years of life, this outdoor festival has established itself as one of the most important events in the country, featuring some of the best performers in the world. Held in the city of Rio das Ostras, surrounded by golden sandy beaches, green hills and crystal-clear waters, the event offers 4 days of high-quality music.

The State of Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for its many breathtaking beaches. Copacabana is probably Rio’s most famous beach: located in the vibrant neighborhood of the same name, it is almost 6 km long, home of the New Year celebrations and official venue of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Tourists meet here all year round to play sports, sunbathe and dance till morning. Other beaches close to the center of the city are Ipanema and Leblon, both crowded with cafés, bars and restaurants, while the beaches of Barra da Tijuca, Prainha and Grumari are great for surfing and water sports enthusiasts. Nearby Búzios, a former fishing village, offers many spots to practice surfing, volleyball, scuba diving and windsurfing. Located on a small peninsular area, the village is fringed by many beautiful beaches, such as Geribá, Enseada de Manguinhos, Armação, Praia dos Ossos, Azeda and Ferradura. Approaching Rio from Búzios, you will find Arraial do Cabo, the perfect place for an unforgettable scuba diving experience through crystal-clear waters and rock formations teeming with tropical fish.

The Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve is located in the southwest of the IIha Grande, Rio de Janeiro’s largest island, in the Angra Dos Reis Bay. The reserve, established in 1990, features extraordinary unspoiled nature, many animal species and is home to the ancient caiçaras fishing community.

The twentieth-century Teatro Municipal magnificently overlooks Praça Floriano, contrasting against neighbouring modern skyscrapers with its splendid facade. The theatre is a symbol of architectural renovation promoted by the early 1900s republican regime, and is inspired by Paris of that period. Its luxurious interiors are decorated with statues, paintings and frescoes. You can attend one of the many shows or book a guided visit.

Considered a must see in Rio de Janeiro, the Escadaria Selarón is not an ordinary staircase, but rather the life's work of a Chilean painter named Jorge Selarón, his odd obsession and his romantic homage to the city that adopted him. The 'Escaderia' is made up of 250 steps and over 2000 tiles: stretch your legs and get ready to climb an astonishing cascade of colors.

When visiting the country of samba, why not put your dancing shoes on and try a few moves yourself? Rio's samba schools are active participants in the city's Carnival parades, competing to be crowned champions each year. Does watching samba dancers during the Carnival inspire you? Then don't be afraid to hit the streets and join them to express your own rhythm. One of the most famous samba schools of the city is called Mangueira, founded in 1928 and a 19-time Carnival champion.