The Brazilian metropolis has the reputation of being a fun-loving seaside resort with its legendary beaches and the joyous humour of the local population, the carioca. At the foot of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain beats the pulse of a city where it is impossible to be bored.

There are places which are legendary and Rio de Janeiro is undoubtedly one of them. The city, a place of excess, of festivity, of freedom, is instantly recognisable and is symbolised by its Sugarloaf Mountain and the famous Statue of Christ atop the Corcovado, with outstretched arms. From the heights of this mythical hilltop, you have panoramic views of the city huddling below. A string of different districts, lush green hills, the immense Atlantic Ocean with its pale gold edging of beaches: the nooks and crannies of the city offer the visitor new places to explore. And one major attraction in Rio is to head for the beach. Copacabana and Ipanema, symbolising laid-back carioca fun, unabashedly offer the pleasures of the seaside and the joys of sport under tropical skies. At the city gates, nature offers other attractions: Guanabara Bay islands, Tijuca forest, Gavea mountain…

And there are its districts... Ipanema is the heart of luxury Rio, with its fashion boutiques, its chic shops and its select residences. And there’s the charming Santa Teresa neighbourhood, with its cobbled streets criss-crossed by an ancient tramway and its views right out over the bay. Also it’s just the place if you like to party. As well as the famous carnival and the highly-charged atmosphere of the Maracaña Football Stadium, the hot Rio nightlife will satisfy the most demanding of fun lovers.