With its sweeping beaches and dramatic mountains, Rio de Janeiro ranks amongst the world's most beautiful cities. But it's more than that. Rio is a way of life, buzzing with beautiful people, glamorous nightspots and hip-shaking music. It gets under your skin. You may never want to go home... 
Recommended tour operator: Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings says
A stay in Rio de Janeiro is a high point of any visit to Brazil. The city encapsulates most of what is so intoxicating about the country.
There is the extraordinary cultural mix exemplified by the Afro-Latino rhythms of the samba dance, and the glorious beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon where the locals parade and play.
There are the dramatic steep-sided hills, including the Sugar Loaf and the Corcovado, from where Christ the Redeemer watches over the city’s excesses, and there is the highly carnivorous dining in the churrascaria steak houses. Not to mention the heady caipirinha cocktails in Rio’s countless bars.
There is even a small corner of lush rainforest in Tijuca National Park. And last, but by no means least, there is the spectacular Carnival, when Rio is transformed into a peacock parade of colour and music.
Cox & Kings offers small group tours and tailor-made private travel to Rio de Janeiro and beyond. Our 11-day Rhythms of Brazil tour, for example, includes three nights in Rio plus stays in Iguacu and Salvador.
Click here for more about holidays in Rio and across Brazil and the latest special offers.
