Rio is an extraordinary city which has long been one of our favourite cities. It is a place full of energy and the city's incomparable setting of beaches, ocean and mountains, watched over by the iconic Statue of Christ atop Corcovado Mountain, is unforgettable. Copacabana and Ipanema are probably the most famous beaches in South America and the views from the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain are incredible. There are some great restaurants, excellent clubs and plenty of places to explore, including the dense Atlantic rainforest of Tijuca, the botanical gardens and the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.
Smaller beach resorts
Along the coast both north and south of the city lie smaller beach resorts to relax in when you tire of the hustle and bustle of city life with Ilha Grande and Paraty to the south and Buzios to the north.
The Rio Carnival
Of course there is also the Rio Carnival, the most famous carnival of all. It takes place every February just before Ash Wednesday. The Brazilians celebrate with drums, singing and dancing in the street in an explosion of colour, music and lavish and outrageous costumes. We can arrange tickets to the Sambadrome where the best Samba schools parade, the highlight of any carnival experience.
Across South America
Itinerary Highlights
- Welcoming luxury in Santiago
- Bustling Buenos Aires
- Charming Valparaiso
- Majestic Iguazu Falls
Essential Argentina & Brazil
Itinerary Highlights
- Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires
- Awe inspiring Iguazu Falls
- Vibrant Rio de Janeiro
Wonders of South America
Itinerary Highlights
- Scenic train journey to Machu Picchu
- Ride the cable car for spectacular views of La Paz
- Wonder at the 275 separate falls at Iguazu
- Meander the cobbled streets of Cuzco
Classic Brazil
Itinerary Highlights
- Exotic Rio de Janeiro
- Experience the mighty Amazon Rainforest
- Magnificent Iguacu Falls
- Colourful Salvador
Peru & Brazil Made Easy
Itinerary Highlights
- Take the cable car to the tip of Sugar Loaf Mountain for the best views over Rio de Janeiro
- Try not to get too drenched as you admire the majestic Iguazu Falls
- Soak up the sun on Brazil's most famous beach - Copacabana
- Travel to Machu Picchu by train
Luxury Brazilian Escape
Itinerary Highlights
- Vibrant Rio de Janeiro
- Magnificent Iguacu Falls
- Sugar Loaf Mountain & Corcovado
- Belmond Das Cataratas
Belmond Copacabana Palace
Superbly positioned overlooking the ocean, the landmark Belmond Copacabana Palace has welcomed the rich and famous since its Art Deco doors opened in 1923. Evoking the glamour of a bygone era the rooms and suites are luxurious and classically styled with many offering the spectacular view of the famous Copacabana beach. The magnificent pool and super-cool restaurants such as Hotel Cipriani Restaur...
Porto Bay Rio Internacional
Spectacularly situated overlooking Copacabana beach, the Porto Bay Rio hotel has 117 modern and sophisticated rooms and ocean facing suites. The beautiful rooftop pool, complete with bar, has stunning views of Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer.This is the place to relax after a day of city sightseeing and shopping, both of which are conveniently close to the hotel. The restaurant, La Finestra, has...
Sofitel Ipanema
Located in a stately building overlooking the beaches of Ipanema, Leblon and Arpoador, Sofitel Ipanema has 221 good-sized rooms, some of which face the ocean. Here guests can enjoy luxury and sophistication complemented by personal service. There is a fitness centre and a swimming pool with stunning views. The Galani restaurant serves Italian dishes and has a weekly Brazilian feijoada evening. Gu...
Fasano Rio de Janeiro
Connoisseurs of contemporary design will delight in Philippe Starck’s dazzling oceanfront Fasano Hotel on Ipanema beach. The hotel has 92 rooms and suites and we recommend the deluxe rooms or suites for their magnificent views of the ocean. Fasano is super trendy with a stunning rooftop pool, balcony rooms, intimate bar and state-of-the-art fitness centre. It also boasts one of the finest restaura...
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Top 5 First Time Safari Destinations
Salar De Uyuni - The World's Largest Salt Flat
10 Strange Animals and Where to Go to See them
Top five South Africa Safari lodges
Sustainable Tourism In Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
){kind=icon}