Beach Life
With year round sunshine, a tropical climate and 45 miles of shoreline it is no surprise that beach life seems to express the very essence of Rio. Beach going is the main social event and a place to see and be seen. The most famous beaches are Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon but there are dozens and each beach attracts its own distinct cast of characters. Here you can soak up the sun, people watch, see spectacular sunsets, play volley ball and surf to your hearts content.

Mega Landmarks
Rio has some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world:

Corcovado is perhaps the most tangible of Rio's icons. Rising 2,330 feet out of the bay, this sheer granite peak features the equally famous Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue. Cogwheel train tours to the top of the mountain will let you see this 100 foot statue and sweeping views of the bay, the city, the beaches and surrounding islands. The more adventurous traveler will find dozens of climbing routes up the mountain.

Sugarloaf Mountain is a granite and quartz monolith that rises 1,300 feet to the sky out of Guanabara Bay. An aerial tramway tour to the top rewards you with stunning panoramic views of the city and the bay. There are also more than 270 rock climbing routes along the mountain.

Tijuca Forest (Floresta da Tijuca) is the largest urban forest in the world and lies in the very heart of the city. This 46 square mile rainforest and reserve is an oasis for city dwellers and travelers alike and features lush forests, waterfalls, exotic birds and wildlife. There are plenty of guided tours, walking trails, bike paths, picnic spots and scenic lookout points.

Pedra da Gávea is a 2,800 foot mountain within the Tijuca National Park. Surrounded in legend and myth, a huge sphinx-like carving with inscriptions in an extinct language dominate the mountain facade. Pedra da Gávea can be reached by cable car. The unhindered views of Rio and the bay are spectacular!

New Year’s Eve in Rio is a huge open-air party on the Copacabana beach with a fireworks display and music show to count down the final seconds of the year. Holiday makers travel from the four corners of the world to Rio to toast the arrival of the New Year.

Samba is the essence of Brazilian music and is to Brazilians what breathing is to the rest of us. The samba is the country's official dance and part of what this city is about.

Lifestyle Rio has world class literature, music, museums, ballets, orchestras, operas and galleries, to be sure. But if you are looking for the pulse of Rio it is in their pursuit of leisure. Rio is a city that lives in and for the sun.

Cariocas, as the locals of Rio are called, are a melting pot of races, colors and creeds. They are passionate, exuberant, easy-going and friendly. Their lust for life, love, music and dance and a determination to live life to its fullest will be contagious.

Nightlife in Rio is some of the best in the world. Cariocas know how to party so the traveler will find no shortage of street cafes, bars, clubs, impromptu street parties and good restaurants to enjoy.

Soccer ( futebol) is Rio’s other national pastime and has one of the largest stadiums in the world with a capacity for more than 90,000 fans. Maracana Stadium is where Pele scored his 1,000th goal and played his final game. See soccer how it should be played!

More about traveling to Rio de Janeiro