From the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and the colourful carnival processions to the striking Christ the Redeemer statue , the Brazilian city has it all. The Christ the Redeemer statue is an impressive 98ft high and looms over Rio de Janeiro at a staggering 2,ft above sea level.
Not only the most recognisable landmark of Rio and one of the most iconic statues in the world, Christ the Redeemer has become a cultural and religious icon attracting nearly two million visitors every year. Rising 1,ft above the harbour, its name is due to its resemblance to the shape of a refined sugarloaf. The Sugarloaf is known for its cable cars and degree panoramic views. Aside from the panoramic views, the Sugarloaf Mountain is located in a quiet neighbourhood called Urca.
At the bottom of the mountain is Praia Vermelha, a charming little beach where you can soak up the sun or try paddle boarding or canoeing. The Iconic Rio excursion on our Brazil holidays includes a trip in the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain.
A 4km stretch of yellow-gold sand, Copacabana Beach is a hotspot for both tourists and cariocas residents of Rio. One of the most unmistakable features of Copacabana beach is the black and white wavy Portuguese pavement design that weaves up the entire promenade. Copacabana Beach is a hive of activity and has something for everybody. It has a well-marked hiking trails and good free trail maps are given out at the park entrance.
Tijuca is home to over 1, plant species and more than different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, many unique to the forest and some that are facing extinction. Tijuca also has 30 waterfalls , with the most famous being the Cachoeiro do Horto and the Cascatinha waterfalls. As well as natural attractions, the forest is home to some great viewpoints. One of those is Vista Chinesa, a Chinese pavilion with spectacular views of the the Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and the city.
