‘Cidade Maravilhosa’: the marvellous city
Brazilians often boast that God made the world in six days and then spent the seventh creating Rio de Janeiro.
After you’ve explored Rio’s famous landmarks – Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer statue, cathedrals and the stadium, spend some time getting to know the real city.
Jump on one of the trams at the cathedral and head up past the colourful colonial houses and forested hills of the Tijuca national park to Santa Teresa, where many of our hotels are based. It is a bohemian area where artists, writers and musicians reside and make it a wonderfully cultural place to stay with galleries, boutique shops and cafes: though it’s a not near the beach, you’ll have some of the best views in the city.
The people of Rio `Cariocas`, are relaxed by nature, they tend to work to live rather than the other way around. Head to one of the many beaches to soak up the rays, swim or surf before grabbing an ice cold beer or `chope` from one of the street bars when the sun has gone down. Listen to Bossa Nova in a bar or dance the night away.
For something a little different we can take you into the famous` favelas` or slums where you can feel the rhythm of samba and meet the people who invented the Brazilian football style.
Rio de Janeiro is a must for every visit to Brazil
When to go: All year round