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Places to visit [ Rio , Brazil ]

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúar) is a quartz and granite peak found on a small peninsula protruding into the mouth of Rio's Guanabara Bay. Rising 396 metres (1,299 ft) above the harbour, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. From the summit, visitors can take in magnificent views over Rio, its surrounding beaches (including Copacabana and Ipanema), the nearby Corcovado and Tijuca and the Atlantic ocean.
where? The first cablecar station is found at Av Pasteur 520, Praia Vermelha, Urca. Take buses 107, 500, 511 or 512 from Centro, Flamengo and Botafogo.
when? Cablecars run from about 8 am to 9 pm.


The Rio Carnival, the largest in the world, is an annual four day celebration of samba, music and colour held 40 days before Easter. The Carnival dates from 1850 and attracts around 500,000 foreign visitors each year.
where? The subway runs round-the-clock on carnival days and allows you to get very close to the Sambodromo or Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí (a 700 metre stretch or street lined with stands capable of housing 90,000 spectators, where the Samba Parade culminates). Those with seats in even-numbered sectors should get off at "Praça Onze" station, and those with odd-numbered seats should alight at "Central" station.
when? The 2013 Carnival starts on Saturday February 9th (2014: Saturday March 1st; 2015: February 12th). As Rio is in the southern hemisphere, February and March are some of the hottest months.
Copacabana is a region of south Rio best known for its 4km sandy beach. The curving beach stretches from Posto Dois (lifeguard watchtower Two) to Posto Seis (lifeguard watchtower Six), is surrounded by bars, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, and offers stunning views over the mountains which surround Rio. It is a wonderful place to people-watch, play or watch football or beach volleyball, and soak up the rays (with average maximum temperatures of over 27 degress celcius between December and April). The water quality, however, attracts many negative comments, with some advising against swimming.
where? Copacabana is a region in south Rio. The closest metro stations are Siqueira Campos and Cardeal Arcoverde.
when? Whilst the beach is used year-round, the hottest months are December to April.
Declared one of the seven wonders of the modern world in 2007, Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is a statue of Jesus Christ found at the top of Corcovado mountain (meaning 'hunchback', 2,329 ft) in Rio's Tijuca Forest National Park. It attracts over 300,000 visitors each year, hoping for spectacular views over Rio (for which good weather is essential)..
The surrounding 32 square kilometre Tijuca Forest National Parkcontains numerous natural springs, waterfalls and over 200 species of bird.
where? From the Cosme Velho station (Rua Cosme Velho 513 Cosme Velho RJ), trains leave every 30 minutes to take the 20 minute journey to the statue. There is no longer any need for tourists to climb the 220 steps to the foot of the statue from the train station: escalators and evalators were installed in 2003.
when? Trains run daily from 8.30am to 7pm, but capacity is severely limited and so be prepared to wait at peak times. An alternative is to take a taxi.
Situated in the southern region of Rio, Ipanema is a 2 kilometre long white sand beach which is almost as famous and busy as the adjacent Copacabana. Ipanema is safe, has good water quality (except after heavy rain), and is a surfer's favourite—with 9 foot waves crashing down on the Zona Sul in winter. The best spots include the area close to Rua Garcia D'Auila and Postos 9 and 10 (around the 9th and 10th lifeguard towers).
where? Ipanema Beach, like Copacabana, is in the south of Rio. Closest metro station: Ipanema/General Osorio.
when? Whilst the beach is used year-round, the hottest months are December to April.