Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular locations. A natural harbour surrounded by high green mountains and good beaches nearby. The best way to appreciate the setting is by going up Sugar Loaf Mountain. You get a spectacular 360-degree view of Rio and Guanabara Bay. Continue up to Corcovado Mountain to get an even higher perspective. This is where the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer is to be found. You can either drive or take a funicular up to the statue—the best view is on the right-hand side. From up here you can see that Rio is divided by a mountain range into two areas: the Zona Norte (North Zone) and the Zona Sul (South zone). The Zona Sul holds most of the city’s sights.

By the way, one of Rio's most precious resources is often overlooked. Its people. Brazil is a melting pot of races, colors and creeds. No one race, no one color and no one religion dominates in Brazil. There is room for all, and that includes the many visitors who come to Brazil each year from every corner of the planet. Rio deserves about two days to explore and about four nights. Cariocas are fun loving animals. If it is getting too hot you can escape to Petropolis.