Best places

The famous statue of Christ, the redeemer, its arms wide open overlooks the city from a 710m above. Visible from every district of the city, the statue stands 38 meters tall. White, hieratic and remarkable, it is the work of Paul Landowski and Silva Costa, and was inaugurated in 1931. Since 2007, it has been enrolled among the new Seven Wonders of the World. From the top of the Mount, the view of Rio is incredible! You can access to it in less than 20 minutes by train. The train itself is even older than the statue, having carried materials for its construction by road. The main aim of having the statue was to reinforce the power of the Church into the Brasilian state. Then it became a touristic spot, one of the most visited of the city and a true symbol of Rio. Don't miss this iconic attraction!

 
Open: Daily from 8.30am - 7pm. Changeover every 30minutes. In just 20 minutes the Corcovado train brings you to this city symbol.
Departure Station : Rua Cosme Velho, 513 – Estrada de Ferro Corcovado / Can be reached by car through the Rebouças tunnel.

Copacabana beach is a 4 km ellipse. Its reputation is excellent among foreigners ( since the 20’s) thanks to the construction of the first Luxury hotel in Southern America in 1923: Copacabana Palace. Since then, the surrounding neighbourhood has gained many hotels. In Summer, the bay is litterally invaded by tourists. Soft drinks and sunglass venders  walk the beach to provide all necessary equipment for sunbathers.  
 

Lapa’s arches are those of a former aqueduct erected in the colonial period. It links Lapa’s district to Santa Teresa, thanks to the electric tramway that runs at the top of the arches. The tramway is called “bonde” and it is highly recommended to jump on it in order to reach the artistic neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Every stop offers an amazing view over Rio....

In the upmarket Ipanema area with its 3km of beach, you will discover numerous plastic surgery clinics and gyms. The golden youth and gay community come from all over to Rio beach. However, it is also a romantic area where musicians play for pleasure. It is here that Bossa Nova was created in the 60’s. However, beware of strong currents in the streams.

The collection exhibits archeological findings from sunken ships in Guanabara bay. You will be able to view anything from everyday items to guns and navigation tools.

Ope: From Tuesday to Sunday , from 12 - 5pm.

Free Entry

It is surprising to have a typical European Gothic Architecture so close to Rio. It s also surprising to see so many red tiles. The construction of the cathedral lasted for 37 years. Several emperors and emperesses rest in the imperial mausoleum.

Open: Daily from 8am - 12pm and 2pm - 6pm

Different dance schools will allow you to start learning or develop your Latina dance skills. A perfect way to prepare for a carnival?Check out the no pé Samba classes. The most famous is  Casa de Dança Carlinhos de Jesus : 145 Rua do Passagem.

Saint Antonio convent and its XVIIth century church consists of brilliant religious colonial architecture, contrasting with the surrounding concrete (modern-style) constructions !

Open: Monday to Friday  7.30am - 6.30pm. Saturday  7.30am - 11.30am and 2.30pm - 6pm    Sundays from 9.30am - 11.30am. 

Favelas account for the poorest neighbourhood in Rio, where over 30% of the population lives. Housing consists of salvaged materials and no home is built using hard materials. The poverty is vast and violence rules: gangs,’ rivalries, mafia and drug dealing. However it is important to keep in mind that it is not the only reality of the Favela. Indeed theseindividuals have a job, and choose to live there because of high rental prices in Rio and other districts. Not all  shanty town inhabitants are criminals. In fact, they consist of ordinary citizens who try to live the best they can in society. Thus, favelas have spatial organization, street names, postcodes, schools and shops… The town hall even decided to build a few concrete buildings. For safety reasons you should not go on your own to these areas. Nowadays you can visit Rocinha with a guide. However it does bring up the question of voyeurism which in turn creates debate.… Whatever your choice, it's advisable to avoid taking pictures.

Since 1992, Marcelo Armstrong's agency has been reappointed to offer insights into favela life. You will learn about the general functioning of these interesting creations and understand that they are all about economics and mans survival  for general existence. Marcelo himself fights against the stigmatisation of these places by explaining the political and social context governing them. You will soon see that he knows everybody! Furthermore, a percentage of the ticket price is given back to the associations who develop these districts.   
 

Open: 9am - 2pm