Often called “Cidade Maravilhosa” (The Marvellous City), Rio de Janeiro is notorious for its breathtaking scenery and location, nestled between lush green mountains and crystal clear seas. These attributes were decisive for UNESCO to award Rio two titles that are the first of their kind in history: World Heritage Site for Urban Landscapes and World Capital of Architecture, this last one in partnership with the International Union of Architects (UIA).

The capital of Brazil until 1960, Rio is one of the most culturally and economically prominent cities in the country, featuring some of its most famous tourist attractions such as Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer statue) and the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The city is full of energy and rhythm, and the locals of Rio, the ‘Cariocas’, are known for their carefree spirit and charm. Whether you are looking to experience Carnaval, relax in a naturally stunning environment, or enjoy all the luxuries of a cosmopolitan city, Rio de Janeiro has it all.

Must Experiences

• Take a helicopter flight of a lifetime over the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro – this is truly spectacular at sunset.

• Discover Rio from the water, while cruising Guanabara Bay and sipping champagne.

• Watch a football match at the vibrant Maracanã Stadium  – you’re unlikely to have experienced fans and an atmosphere like this!

• Be part of the Biggest Party on Earth during Rio Carnival! Take part in the parade, party in the streets or explore the making of Carnival during the off-season at Samba City.

• Design your own cycle adventure as a team build or fun group activity visiting the south city coast beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

Must Eat

• Cheese bread (Pão de queijo) – This baked bread, made from cheese and tapioca starch, is from the countryside of Minas Gerais, a Brazilian state. But across Rio de Janeiro, it can be found literally around every corner.

• Barbecue at a rodizio “all-you-can-eat” steakhouse – At these restaurants, various cuts of meat (beef, pork, chicken and hunting meats) are served to your table by a waiter who takes the skewer straight from the barbecue to your plate. You can sit for hours and hours and is a meat lovers’ paradise.

• Feijoada (black bean stew) – A Saturday in Rio is not a real Saturday if there is no feijoada – a real feast that very much symbolizes the Brazilian cuisine and best enjoyed with the locals.

• Boteco snacks (Rio’s version of pub snacks) – A huge choice is available and varies from boteco to boteco (friendly neighborhood pubs): Coxinhas (little chicken thigh) is a fried dough made with a soft potato batter – stuffed with well-seasoned chopped or shredded chicken meat, and preferably with catupiry (a very creamy cheese that only exists in Brazil), Pastel is a delicious fried pastry stuffed with cheese, prawns or meat, Frango à Passarinho (Brazilian style deep-fried chicken), cassava chips with jerked beef and well-seasoned black bean soup.

Best Nightlife: Rio is a vibrant city. Discover bohemian nightlife in Lapa, the original rodas de samba (live samba) at Pedra do Sal, enjoy cocktails and live music with stunning views at the Fairmont Hotel, not forgetting the rhythms of Bossa Nova that you will find at bars throughout the city.

Best time to visit: Rio is a year-round destination, but our favorite months are March to May and September to December.

Top Tip: It has to be Rio Carnival as this captures the true spirit of this great destination and the Brazilian people. The city comes to life, full of color and lots of different celebrations that suit all budgets. Choose from the luxury ball at the famous Copacabana Palace, to street parties, taking part in the actual parade in one of the many samba schools, or watching this “open-air opera” from the comfort of a VIP private hospitality suite.

Our recommended DMC: The friendly travel team at Be Brazil Travel Partners, managed by Anna Nagy.