World famous for its beaches, carnival, and the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro is a city rich of history, culture, traditions, and nature that go well beyond what is commonly known. Gorgeous shores, monolithic mountains, waterfalls, untouched urban forests, islands, and even lakes can all be found within Rio's city borders.

Military forts, beautiful churches, museums, historical buildings, and cultural centers scattered across neighborhoods deeply different from one another, tell the story of a city as rich in soul as it is in beauty, and provide a fascinating addition to Rio's spectacular nature.

Named by UNESCO world patrimony and heritage site in 2012, the institution awarded the title to Rio de Janeiro in recognition of the exceptional way the city's natural settings merge with the urban landscape, and in recognition of its diverse and exceptional beauty.