rio de janeiro is popularly known as the cidade maravilhosa, or marvelous city in english, seeing as it is known as one of the most famous and beautiful cities in the world - blessed with a beautiful natural setting, including the sugarloaf mountain (pão de açúcar), pedra do arpoador, and some of the world most famous beaches such as copacabana and ipanema.

all visitors are welcomed by the open arms of christ the redeemer statue atop corcovado to explore the wonders of the city - additionally engaging in common carioca activities like enjoying a caipirinha, brazil's national cocktail, indulging in some feijoada, the local dish, and listening to a local samba band, or just admire some of the best nature on the planet.

all eyes are on rio during the annual carnival, arguably the most famous in the world, and a variety of major upcoming events - as with many major metropolitan city, rio has a multitude of lodging options to fit every type of preference and budget.