Today, Over 1.6 million people visit Rio annually, and while tourism in Rio de Janeiro has thrived for over a hundred years, what attracted visitors to the city evolved dramatically. Originally, the Sugar Loaf was not accessible via cable-car, the Christ statue did not exist on Corcovado mountain, and the beaches were seen as dangerous and only used for therapeutic baths. Things sure have changed - yet, still many wonderful places remain virtually unexplored by today's visitors.

People from all over the world are attracted and enchanted by the unique blend of beaches, mountains, parks, culture and lifestyle, all of which have provided inspiration for many forms of art, literature, poetry and music.