A journey through Rio de Janeiro

Whether your curiosity is piqued by the praises sung in an all too familiar song, or you’re heeding the call of the famous twin beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro offers much more than you can imagine. An intoxicating tropical cocktail of gorgeous mountains, white-sand beaches and verdant rainforests, Rio is truly a holiday paradise.

A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana always has a flurry of activity stretching its length—footballers sing their team’s anthem, cariocas (Rio’s residents) and tourists line up for caipirinhas at kiosks and beach vendors make their way through the mass of bronzed bodies. Come sunset, and the entire beach transforms into a party zone.

With arms spread wide, as if to embrace the whole city of Rio de Janeiro sprawling below, the 38 m-high Cristo Redentor statue is visible from nearly every part of the city. For some, it’s the ultimate religious symbol. For others, it’s an irresistible tourist attraction.

A captivating sight lies just above downtown Rio in the hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, where aging 19th-century-mansions and a bohemian spirit offer a very different take on the Cidade Maravilhosa (Spanish for ‘Marvellous City’). Take in fine views from the Parque das Ruinas, stop for potent caipirinhas, or ride along the old-fashioned tram that still rattles along the cobblestone streets.

Lying that foot of Santa Teresa, Lapa is revered for its sultry signature rhythm. Sounds of samba, forro and choro emanate from Lapa’s packed nightclubs. Crumbling old theatres and taverns house beautifully restored dance halls, and weekends see crowds pack the streets until just before dawn.

Ipanema shares a border with Copacabana, but this world-class beach destination is more poised than its south Rio counterpart. Ipanema is blessed with a magnificent beach and leafy streets dotted with enticing outdoor cafes and lively bars—it was here after all that the famous song Garota de Ipanema (Girl from Ipanema) was penned.

A lush Atlantic rainforest, Tijuca National Park is also the world’s largest urban rainforest. This 120 sq km national park is packed with plant and animal life and offers some challenging hikes and great views amid the verdant jungle.

The Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas—often referred to as just Lagoa—is a large lagoon in southern Rio de Janeiro. On its banks are parks, sports grounds, ice-skating rinks, hiking trails and cycle paths.

Revel in one of the biggest parties on earth and witness the spectacular scenery of Rio in the Carnival held before Lent every year, whose anticipation fills the city air months before the actual event. Grand public parades, streets parties guided by drummers and samba competitions make the festival virtually synonymous with Rio de Janeiro.

Set in the mouth of the Guanabara Bay, Pão de Açúcar or Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the world’s most famous landmarks. A breathtaking cable car ride to the top of the mountain will stun you with panoramic views of some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

Redolent flowers and lush gardens lure Rio’s rich and famous to Jardim Botanico. As an ambrosial neighbourhood nestled at the foot of Corcovado Mountains, Jardim Botanico is a vast, flower-filled expanse, studded with sculptures and crisscrossed by walking paths.

The citizens of this 14-million-strong city call it the Cidade Marvilhosa—and there can’t be much argument about that. From the world-famous beaches of Copacabana to the dance halls, bars and open-air cafes that proliferate the city—the cariocas of Rio live without a care in the world. (Text by Reva Vidyalankar)