Must-sees are Rio's spectacular beaches and the obvious attractions, such as the Corcovado and the Sugar Loaf, but the city is also brimming with a variety of museums and galleries. Worthwhile breaks in the beach-life itinerary include visits to the square, Praça 15 de Novembro, and the Paço Imperial. Built in 1743, this former colonial building is now a popular meeting place.

Another interesting aside is the Museu Historico Nacional building, which dates from 1762 and contains a fascinating collection of art, papers, weapons and other assorted artifacts documenting Brazil's history. Art lovers will appreciate the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, where paintings by Brazil's most prominent nineteenth- and twentieth-century artists are exhibited along with examples of African and folk art.

It is possible to walk around Rio. However, although security has been stepped up in the tourist areas, tourists are at increased risk of being targeted by opportunistic thieves who view visitors as fair game. When going out, visitors should carry the very minimum of money and possessions that are required. On no account should visitors venture into the city's Favelas, otherwise they're likely to leave with nothing.

Brazilians know how to dance and the Cariocas prove no exception to the rule. Rio has an exciting nightlife, with many outdoor bars that line the beach promenade. Rio also has a wide choice when it comes to live music: Rock, Brazilian, pop, piano bar, blues, bossa nova, lambada, jazz, and samba.

Rio is also famed for its Carnival, when over a period of four days, the daily routine is replaced by music, parties, and elaborately-costumed dancers swaying to the samba in street parades. Practically every neighborhood in Rio has a samba club that competes for top honors along the Sambodramo, a street specially designed for the samba parades. Rio has no shortage of sightseeing, nightlife, dining, and fun throughout the rest of year.

Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Below are some of our recommended highlights. Some tours and packages can be organized when booking your program, please see the program price page for more information.

city tour
There is much more to see in Rio than the Copacabana. The city hosts numerous interesting museums, some great colonial buildings and impressive churches. A must see is the sugar loaf. Also there are a number of galleries with good works of Brazilian artists. To explore the city you can use either the public transport, tourist buses or, highly recommended, explore the city by foot. It is possible to walk around Rio, however, although security has been stepped up in the tourist areas, tourists are at increased risk of being targeted by opportunistic thieves who view visitors as fair game. When going out, visitors should carry the very minimum of money and possessions that are required. On no account should visitors venture into the city's Favelas. The best time to visit is undoubtedly during the summer months between December and February culminating with Carnaval. Temperatures can rise to around 40ºC (104ºF) or more, but if you're doing as the Brazilians do, visiting the beach and not rushing around, then the weather is ideal.

corcovado (hunchback)
The Corcovado or Hunchback mountain, so named because of its shape, is home to probably the most memorable and identifying image of Rio -that of the Cristo Redentor (Christ The Redeemer) statue. Arms boldly stretched in welcome, he embraces the city and the magnificent Bay over which he looks. Only in 1921, when Brazil marked its independence, did someone think of creating the monument that has become so well known throughout the world. In 1931, the statue was inaugurated and it is now an immensely popular visitor attraction and one of the city's main scenic spots, standing as it does on top of the 710m-high (2330ft) mountain. Paul Landowski, the French sculpture, was responsible for the statue that is 30m (99ft) high and has an eight-metre (26ft) pedestal with a chapel capable of holding 150 people.

pão de açúcar (sugar loaf)
Situated in Rio's Urca bairro, the conical-looking mountain vies with the Corcovado in the attempt to win the visitor's vote for best overall panoramic view. Originally called Pau-nh-Açquá (high, pointed peak) by the Tupi Indians, it was renamed pao de acucar (sugar loaf) by the Portuguese who thought the shape of the 394m (1293ft) granite rock to be comparable to that of the moulds used to set sugar cane.

copacabana
A large suburb of Rio, Copacobana is perhaps best known for its amazing, wide, sandy beach that stretches four kilometres (2.4 miles) - or, of course, that song! The most classless of the city's beaches, it is popular with both residents and tourists and usually lies beneath a mass of beautiful and fit bodies - a perfect stage for day today human theater. Carioca girls, in minimalist bikinis, bask in the scorching sun alongside families with their youngsters. Business dealings are conducted on the sand, while the soccer fields and volleyball courts are constantly in use, displaying the passion Brazilians have for their sports.

ipanema
The most cosmopolitan and wealthy neighborhood, Ipanema is home to a mixture of restaurants, discos, nightclubs and luxurious apartments. Chic boutiques, art galleries, theatres and cinemas are in abundance and the area teems with Rio's most beautiful people. The most famous beauty is the one immortalized in song - 'The Girl from Ipanema'. Schoolgirl Heloisa Pinheiro captivated composer Tom Jobim and lyricist and poet Vinicius de Moraes as she walked past the Velosa Bar each day when returning from school. Shopping, along with sunbathing, is a popular pastime and the area boasts a variety of fashionable and expensive boutiques along with the usual run-of-the mill shops.

maracanã stadium
The epicentre of Brazilian football, the arena, also formally known as the Mario Filho Stadium, became the world's biggest stadium - capable of holding around 200,000 people - when it was built for the purpose of hosting the 1950 World Cup Final. Football is a national obsession and even local matches are oversubscribed. Matches take place here three times a week during November and December with evening kick-offs.

the museu nacional de belas artes
Where paintings by Brazil's most prominent nineteenth- and twentieth-century artists are exhibited along with examples of African and folk art.

parque nacional da tijuca
Occupying an area of 120 sq kilometers (46 sq miles), the area in the Tijuca range is the only national park in Brazil to be situated in an urban area. Classed as one of the world's biggest urban parks, it borders Alta Boa Vista, Santa Teresa and a number of Rio's other neighbourhoods. Following the successful reforestation project, the land has seen ocelots, howler monkeys, insects and reptiles thrive. Birds have fared especially well and bird watching is one of the park's major attractions.

excursions

búzios
Once the stress of lying on one of Rio's beaches all day becomes unbearable, it is likely that the visitor will want to go in search of some beaches surrounded by a little culture. East of Rio, Búzios is a beautiful beach resort with a Mediterranean feel. Nicknamed 'Brazil's St Tropez', this fishing village surged in popularity when it was accidentally discovered by Bridget Bardot in 1964. Situated on an Atlantic peninsula, the village comprises of bars, restaurants, sophisticated boutiques and luxurious villas and pousadas. During the high season (December-February), the population can swell from around 16,000 to 150,000 people. The town, a haunt of the very rich and beautiful, comprises of three settlements and surrounding them are a total of 27 white-sand beaches. Each beach offers something different whether it be simply bathing opportunities or a range of watersports. Búzios is easily accessible by bus. There are four daily from Rio and the journey takes around four hours.

parati
An enchanting colonial town, Parati is one of Brazil's most popular holiday destinations. Architecturally still as it was in the eighteenth century, when it was used as a staging post for the Brazilian Gold trade, it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The winding, cobbled streets are open only to bicycles, horses and pedestrians and are surrounded by a wealth of old buildings containing within them appealing art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Parati is full of churches reflecting the prosperity of the eighteenth century.