rio de janeiro is blessed with many stunning natural landmarks, and an overall beauty that is simply spectacular - what is perhaps even more impressive, is how man-made structures integrate an weave into the mountains and ocean that surround them.

one of the most famous landmarks is the sugar loaf mountain (pão de açúcar), that at 1,296 feet (396 meters) offers a breathtaking view of guanabara bay and the city. the corcovado peak is even taller at 2,310 feet (704 meters) and also offers a spectacular view of ipanema, lagoa and the city. corcovado is also the site of the colossal statue of jesus christ, the iconic and most internationally famous symbol of rio de janeiro, recently voted as one of the world's new seven wonders.