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.
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