12 pm: Parque Lage - Next stop is the beautiful and historically significant parque lage on the outskirts of the jardim botânico, en route from corcovado mountain.

The park is a key historical landmark from the time of Brazilian colonization, having at one time housed a great sugar mill, and containing vestiges of an old slaves' laundrette.

Adults and children alike can enjoy the stables, aquarium, duck lake and playgrounds in the 'Main Cave', or 'Caverna da Cuca'.

The palace on sight exhibits the sophisticated beauty of early 19th century architecture, side by side with contemporary art from the School of Visual Arts (Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage).

On the way to the park one could make a quick pit-stop at a bakery or bar to procure something small, and tasty to enjoy on arrival at this idyllic picnic spot - Alternatively, there is a small snack bar on site which offers drinks and light meals.