Nicknamed "Cidade Maravilhosa" (the Fabulous City),
Rio de Janeiro conjures up images of golden beaches, tropical sunshine, and colorful carnival parades, but the city has much more to offer. Blessed with impressive natural beauty, Rio is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and steep mountains clad with coastal rainforest. The city's architecture encompasses everything from 18th-century colonial baroque to modern minimalism. A rich cultural scene showcases some of Brazil's most talented musicians and artists. And then there are the people, the friendly, high-spirited Cariocas, who know that they live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and make sure there is always enough time to kick back and enjoy life; to do otherwise would be disrespectful of the Cidade Maravilhosa.
Photo Caption: Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Tim Clayton
Spreading Your Wings and Soaring High Above The City.
Ever dream you can fly? Now you can, with no experience required! Your hang glider pilot will see to it that you are securely strapped in for take-off from Pedra Bonita, and accompany you on a safe, exhilarating ride through the city's skies. After a 10- to 15-minute flight, you'll land gently on São Conrado Beach.
Photo Caption: Hang-gliding in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.mcdemoura
Soaking Up The Tropical Sun on Leblon Beach.
Head to the beach for the quintessential Carioca experience. Just bring some sunscreen and a towel, rent a chair and sun umbrella, and you'll be all set. Soak up the warm rays, go for a swim, meet some locals, have a cold beer or fresh coconut water, and enjoy some fabulous people-watching.
Photo Caption: Leblon Beach in Rio de Janeiro.Lisa Wiltse
Savoring a Plate of Feijoada, Brazil's National Dish, at the Casa da Feijoada
I have never met a Brazilian abroad who wasn't pining away for this rich savory stew of black beans and meat. At
Casa da Feijoada, you can try this dish with all the trimmings any day of the week and learn a bit about its history.
Photo Caption: Enjoying a plate of feijoada at the Casa de Feijoada in Rio de Janeiro.Lisa Wiltse
Watching The Sunset at Arpoador.
Time your afternoon stroll so you can walk up Arpoador's rocks just before the setting sun casts a magnificent glow over Ipanema and the silhouette of Dois Irmãos, the peaks just beyond Leblon.
Photo Caption: Sunset at Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.randal-schwartz
Sipping a Caipirinha on Copacabana Beach
Brazil's signature cocktail, made with
cachaça liquor, lime, sugar, and ice, may have conquered bars across the world, but nothing beats sipping a
caipirinha at a beachside kiosk along Copacabana's iconic black and white mosaic sidewalk.
Tim Clayton
Taking The Cable Car to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain
A short cable car ride whisks you to the top of Rio's landmark granite rock that guards the entrance of the bay. From this unique vantage point you can enjoy magnificent views of the nearby beaches, downtown, the Floresta da Tijuca, and the southside neighborhoods.
Lisa Wiltse
Strolling Underneath The Imperial Palm Trees in The Jardim Botanico
Clear your head with a relaxing walk through this 200-year-old botanical garden, a green refuge of native and exotic flora that is also home to many birds and even monkeys. A row of elegant Imperial palm trees frames the entrance to the garden.
Photo Caption: Walking through the Imperial palm tress at the Jardim Botanico in Rio de Janeiro.Lisa Wiltse
Cooling Off Under a Waterfall in the Parque da Tijuca.
On a hot day, you can beat the tropical heat by seeking cooler climes in the Parque da Tijuca, the largest urban rainforest in the world, and taking a refreshing dip in a waterfall.
Photo Caption: Bathing in the waterfall along Estrada das Paineiras in the Parque da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro.Lisa Wiltse
Admiring The City Spread Out at The Feet of Christ The Redeemer.
A narrow-gauge train chugs through the rainforest, carrying visitors to the top of
Corcovado Mountain and Brazil's most famous monument, the statue of Christ the Redeemer. The views here are truly divine.
Photo Caption: Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Tim Clayton
Riding The Santa Teresa Streetcar.
There is no better way to see Rio's bohemian hillside neighborhood than from a wooden bench onboard this rickety yellow streetcar. It sets out from downtown and travels over the 17m (56-ft.) high Aqueduct before it reaches the cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa.
Photo Caption: The St. Teresa streetcar riding across the Lapa aquaduct in Rio de Janeiro.Alan Betensley
Donning a Costume and Joining the Biggest Party in The World.
All year long, Cariocas look forward to Carnaval, the city's largest and most colorful celebration. Even better than being a spectator is purchasing a costume and experiencing first-hand
"o maior show da terra" (the greatest show on earth), to quote the lyrics of a famous samba song.
Photo Caption: Samba schools at Sambodromo for Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval.Lisa Wiltse
Dancing The Samba in Historic Lapa.
Recent urban renewal and renovations have transformed Rio's former red-light district into one of the best nightlife destinations in the city, where you can listen to excellent samba (and other music styles) any given night of the week.
Photo Caption: Dancing the Samba in the historic Lapa section of Rio de Janeiro.Tim Clayton
Marveling at The Portuguese Colonial Architecture at Largo da Carioca.
Amidst a sea of modern office towers lies a small island where time has stood still. Admire the dazzling gilded baroque artwork of the Igreja de São Francisco da Penitência and the lovely colonial architecture of the Convento Santo Antonio, fine examples of 18th-century architecture.
Photo Caption: Largo da Carioca Convent in Rio de Janeiro.Tim Clayton
Attending a Concert at The Neoclassical Theatro Municipal.
Rio's most opulent performing arts venue, the
Theatro Municipal, was fully restored for its 100th anniversary in 2010. There's no better time to see a concert, and to take in the elegant and impressive gleaming dome, marble stairs, and stained glass windows.
Photo Caption: The Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro.Lisa Wiltse
Gazing at The Signature Curves of Oscar Niemeyer's Architecture.
