Imagine steep granite mountains jutting out of the ocean between glorious stretches of golden sands, impeccable colonial buildings nestled amidst modern glass skyscrapers, verdant forests tumbling down hillsides into densely populated residential areas! This is Rio de Janeiro - a city high on life!
Rio is a city of beach worship, football, samba and Carnival. High above all this fun and frivolity stands Rio’s ever-present, iconic landmark – the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Rio’s best season is undoubtedly the summer months, between December and February, culminating with Carnival. Temperatures can rise to around 40ºC (104ºF) or more, which is ideal weather if tourists do as the Brazilians do and visit the beaches rather than rush around. Rio’s main attraction is its scenery. There is a stunning view at every turn, as steep, granite mountains – such as Corcovado and Pão de Açúcar – rise dramatically above the Centro skyscrapers and curved golden beaches. It’s on these beaches – the most famous of which are Copacabana and Ipanema – that the energetic and leisurely lifestyle of the Cariocas is constantly on show, but the city is also brimming with a wealth of cultural attractions. | 
