- Suggested Itineraries
- The Top Attractions
- Museums & Cultural Centers
- Architectural Highlights
- Beaches, Parks & Plazas
- Rio After Dark
- Everything You Need to know About Carnaval
- Shopping in Rio

Most visitors to Brazil start or end their visit in Rio de Janeiro . A wise choice. There may be wider beaches in the north, higher mountains in the south, and larger jungles in the Ama­zon, but nowhere else on earth is there that wonderful combination of white­ hot sand and tall green peaks, with a blaze of urban humanity filling all the spaces in between. Most people stay in the beachfront neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema. They're great places to soak up the sun and to people-watch. But even if your time is limited, it's worth making the effort to explore further. In the historic down­town neighborhoods of Centro, Lapa, and Santa Teresa you'll find narrow cobblestone streets, grand plazas, gold-covered churches, and buildings of the baroque, beaux arts and Art Deco

styles. Shoppers will be in heaven; browse the crafts markets for souvenirs or check out the small shops in down­ town's pedestrian streets. Upscale shop­ pers will love the Rio Sul mall and the fancy boutiques in Rio 's tony Ipanema. If you have the energy, Rio 's stunning setting offers numerous recreational activities: hiking, hang gliding, surfing, rock climbing, and kayaking are just a few options. Taking in a game of soccer is an adventure in itself. Nowhere are the crowds larger or livelier than at Rio 's Maracana stadium. The city's vibrant cultural scene comes to life in the evening and never disappoints: See some of the local samba bands or emerging talents at the city's many live music venues, or splurge to see a big national star such as Caetano Veloso.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES If You Have 1 Day

For most of us pale-skinned grin­ gos, it's an act of utter insanity on the first day to set foot on the beach during the peak afternoon sun­shine. On your first day hit the beach early. Enjoy the clear air and an hour or so of tanning in the softer morning rays. Then head up to the Corcovado and see Rio laid out below you in all its glory. Stop in for a quick lunch at any of Rio 's countless kilo restaurants, then in the afternoon head in to Centro to explore what you've seen from on high. Wander old Rio , making sure to check out the Uruguaiana shop­ ping district, and to poke your head in any one of countless baroque churches. Finish your walk with a nice cold chopp (beer) at a sidewalk cafe in Cinelandia, or in the count­ less patios in the Arcos do Teles. Have dinner back in the Zona Sul, at one of the top-notch restaurants in Leblon. If it's a Saturday in pre­ Carnaval season, go see a samba school rehearsal. Or find a bote­ quim or restaurant that plays music and enjoy Rio until the wee hours.

If You Have 2 Days

On your second day get some cul­ ture. Go see the Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM), or if painting's not your thing see the Museu Historico Nacional, the Forte de Copacabana, or Ilha Fiscal. Have lunch overlooking Sugarloaf (Pao de A~ucar) at the Circulo Militar in Urca (see dining review in chap­ ter 3). Afterwards, work off those calories by climbing up to the Pao de A~ucar's peak. Reward yourself for your efforts by having dinner at the Porcao on Flamengo beach­ all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue, with a view of the bay and the Sug­ arloaf thrown in (see dining review in chapter 3). In the evening, go for a drink, some dancing, and some live Brazilian music at any of a number of spots in Lapa.

If You Have 3 Days

In the morning take the old street­ car across the Arcos da Lapa to the quirky hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa. See the Museu Cha­ cara do Ceu, or clamber up the cat­ walks in the Ruin Park . Enjoy the view. In the afternoon, go hang gliding. Soar above the beach, feel­ ing the wind, admiring the moun­ tains and the waves below. Or if that's a bit too much, take a hike in

the rainforest in Tijuca National Park , or stroll amid the stately palm trees in the Jardim Botanico. In the evening, stroll the walkway round the edge of the Lagoa. Have a snack, a beer, or dinner at one of the many kiosks. Find a kiosk with a band and enjoy the music and the prime people-watching.

If You Have 4 Days or More

Take Marcelo Armstrong's Favela Tour through the huge and hidden neighborhood of Rocinha. Or check out the sights in Niteroi across the bay. Try some extreme sports, like rappelling or rafting. Or take a gen­ tle tour down the coast to the Museu Casa do Pontal and Gru­ mari beach. If you've got several days to spare, go inland to the sum­ mer capital of Petropolis , or the pretty historical cities of Paraty or Ouro Preto and Mariana. Or else head up the coast to Bitzios and do some scuba diving or just hang out on the long white ocean beaches. Lord knows, you could even spend more time on the beach in Rio .