5 am: sunrise once more? - If one finds him or herself at that hour of the early morning when a gentle, smiling haze descends, perhaps it is time to bring the day full circle and enjoy the sunset once more.

In the summer months, another idyllic spot to view the wonderful phenomenon is praia vermelha in urca, where the water laps the small beach of the red bay, towered over by great mountains.

Here the sun can be seen rising as if from the sparkling ocean waters, ushering in the beginning of an exciting new day in Rio.

this is also perhaps the best spot in the zona sul of rio de janeiro where to witness the first sunset of the y ear - as the sun rises exactly in the middle of the small bay facing praia vermelha, and the calm waters are ideal for a swim under the Sugar Loaf mountain.