Things to see & do in Rio de Janeiro

Of course this is also one of those cities where the astonishing gulf between the super wealthy and the extremely poor could hardly be more starkly demonstrated. Favela shanty towns perch within walking distance of millionaires’ mansions, and some tour organisers can provide eye-opening tours of these areas, guided by local residents, that may take in a visit to a community project where you can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of living in places such as this.

A stay in Rio de Janeiro, whether you’re arriving for Carnival or heading beyond, perhaps west to the idyllic beaches of Ilha Grande or north to Manaus and the Amazon, is sure to feature some of the best-known landmarks, several of which we’ll go into more detail about below. But if you really want to get a feel for the rhythm of Rio, the chances are it will come from sipping caipirinhas on the beach among crowds of local sunseekers, wandering the electric samba clubs of the bohemian Lapa neighbourhood, or pausing for lunch at a roadside churrasquería (steakhouse).

Carnival

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, held the week before Lent, is the biggest in the world, attracting some two million revellers every day. We’re not entirely sold on the carnival – it’s incredibly expensive even for dorm rooms and there are plenty of other celebrations in the area that feel more authentic, but if joining in the ultimate party is on your bucket list then look at a Brazil vacation that either begins or ends with Carnival.

Botanical Garden

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Rio Botanical Garden is a sanctuary of tranquility away from the often hectic city streets. So vast that many visitors choose to hire an electric cart to get around, the garden is thick with tall Amazon trees in which marmosets and toucans perch noisily. There are six lakes, a handsome Japanese garden with cherry trees, bonsai and Koi carp, and some 2,000 species of orchids to admire.

Regua Ecological Reserve

Around 90 minutes from Rio de Janeiro, this area of the Atlantic Forest seeks to conserve one of the world’s top five biodiversity hotspots. It’s a superb place for birdwatching, with almost 500 species recorded, while the forest’s mountainous topography and relative isolation provides rich habitat for enormous numbers of butterflies, primates, amphibians and reptiles.