Granite peaks, famous beaches and samba after dark
Rio de Janeiro sits between forested granite peaks and the Atlantic, and the views are the point: ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset and take the train through Tijuca Forest to Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado. Days revolve around the beach, from Copacabana's long curve to Ipanema, where locals clap the sunset from Arpoador rock. Evenings head to Lapa for samba under the old aqueduct arches, or the tiled Selarón Steps nearby. Carnival, before Lent, is the city at full volume.