Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous cities in the world, nestled into the southeastern coast of Brazil's sprawling land mass and facing the magnificence of the Atlantic Ocean. The city's picturesque Guanabara Bay tucks it from the broader expanse of the Atlantic, creating a peaceful haven for its inhabitants and curious visitors.

Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its distinct geography, as the city embraces both oceanic beauty and the startling mountain landscapes which grace so much of South America. From the 396-metre-high Sugarloaf Mountain, which juts out towards the ocean and is accessed by cable car, to the even more colossal Corcovado Mountain, this is certainly a city of greatness in both its naturality and culture.

Atop of the great Corcovado peak, sits the legendary Christ the Redeemer statue, perhaps the symbol of Rio de Janeiro. Visited by thousands of tourists each year, this statue represents peace, protection and the artistic heritage of this wonderful city. The statue watches over the rows of white-painted houses and family-run establishments which fill the space between each moss-draped peak.

Venturing further towards the ocean, this vibrant city is also renowned for its long stretch of white-sanded beaches, many of which are backed by iconic hotels, beach-front bars and trendy eateries. Visit Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach, walk along their scenic promenades and slurp on freshly-mixed cocktails lovingly made by locals. If you're visiting in January or February, you may be able to catch the unmatched vibrancy of Rio and its beaches during the annual Carnival, when local performers come together to celebrate Brazilian culture.