Rio de Janeiro on 24/03/10

Rio de Janeiro, the city of 10 million inhabitants spread between high granite peaks and the Atlantic Ocean, has numerous treasures to be discovered.

The district of Santa Teresa, composed of shady, winding alleys and spectacular views of the bay, is certainly one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Rio. Santa Teresa offers numerous beautiful landscapes.

The Bay of Guanabara remains a real pleasure for the eyes, with two forts from the 17th and 19th centuries guarding the entrance. It's easy to cross the bay of Guanabara, go to Niterói, or even the islands, where you'll discover a magnificent view of the city of Rio and the lush surrounding mountains. A favorite stop for visitors is Ilha de Paquetá, the biggest of the 84 islands of the bay.


Sugar loaf is a rocky peak of 395m and has been the symbol of Rio for a long time. The indigenous people used to call it Pau-nd-Acuqua, which means "high sharp and isolated headland". For the Portuguese, the peak itself reminded them of the shape of old fashioned clay molds used to form sugar into sellable cones. To the west you'll discover beautiful landscapes such as the beaches of Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, lined by mountains. You will also see the districts of Botafogo and Flamengo with Corcovado topped by the Christ the Redeemer. Whatever the hour, the view from the Sugar Loaf is magnificent.

Copacabana is 4,5 kms long and remains one of the most popular tourist beaches.  During the summer, over a hundred thousand people visit it. You can find people selling drinks, sun lotions, hats, sandales and kites all day long.

The famous statue of the Christ rises on the high peak of Corcovado, 710ms high. From there, you can see all the neighborhoods of Rio as well as the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, lining the bay, and particularly the magnificent lagoon Rodrigo do Freitas.