Rio de Janeiro

Standing on top of Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above 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 the 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.

A rather unremarkable facade hides a rare abundance of gems: opulent and gilded carvings from the 17th-century Baroque and Rococo styles embellish the interior, in addition to two magnificent statues of the Saints Benedict and Scholastica and an ornate high altar.

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 neighbourhood of the same name, it is almost 6 km long, home of the New Year celebrations and the 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 centre 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 in 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.

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 'Escadaria' is made up of 250 steps and over 2000 tiles: stretch your legs and get ready to climb an astonishing cascade of colours.

Get a peek behind the scenes of Rio's Carnival on a lively cultural tour. Explore the Carnival Factory and learn how the parade's famous floats and costumes are produced. Listen to commentary on the history of samba and carnival, then visit the dressing rooms to try on some costumes and take some photos. Welcome drinks of caipirinhas, the Brazilian national drink, and a samba class complete the whole carnival experience.

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

The favelas are Brazil's gloomily famous shanty towns. Once a shelter for war veterans and freedmen, they have now become the symbol of social and economic inequalities in the country. A guided tour of these communities represents a unique opportunity to understand the locals' living conditions, their challenges and their daily struggles. If you have the chance, visit the famous favela named Rocinha to discover a whole different side of Rio de Janeiro. Visits are only recommended as part of a supervised guided tour and may be unsafe to do on one's own.

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.