Situated between the sea and the mountains, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most recognisable cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are countless outdoor excursions to enjoy on the sun-kissed beaches or famous landmarks, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the symbol of the city- Cristo Redentor statue (Christ the Redeemer) at the peak of Corcovado Mountain that was created in the early 20s by Brazilian Catholics. The best time to visit the monument is in the morning when there are no crowds on a guided tour. With a population of more than 7 million, Rio is a large metropolis with plenty of untouched green spaces and wide-open viewpoints where you can take magnificent sights of tropical forests, the sprawling city and turquoise lakes. From the rocky peaks or such places as Vista Chinesa, Mirante Dona Marta, and Pedra da Gavea, you can view the city from almost any angle. If you wish to travel back in time, the Historical Santa Teresa is definitely worth a visit. Rio's lush countryside, imposing cliffs, and forested trails provide the perfect environment for hikes. Secure your booking with eDreams, your trusted site for the best hotel deals and travel packages. Enter your travel details into the eDreams site, including group size and preferences, and watch their powerful search engine return the best cheap hotels available in Rio.
Once you arrive at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro, head straight for Barra da Tijuca Beach. Being the longest beach in Rio, Barra da Tijuca attracts water sports enthusiasts, soccer fans, and families. Enjoy fishing, kite-surfing, windsurfing, and bodyboarding throughout the length of the golden sands. Just behind the city is the biggest urban rainforest, Tijuca Forest National Park, a little Brazilian paradise spanning over 15 square miles with opportunities for birdwatching and exploring natural springs and waterfalls. Here, you get spectacular views of Carioca Mountains and the Pedra de Gavea monolith. Escape from the wild downtown to Jardim Botanico upmarket to find an excellent selection of restaurants offering French cuisine at affordable prices. Add to your itinerary a trip to Sugarloaf Mountain, where you will need to buy tickets for a cable car to get you to the top. You may also hike from the ground to Urca Mountain for about 40 minutes. From there, take a cable car to take you to the peak (Pão de Açúcar). This family-friendly destination is famous for dogsledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and ski-biking in winter; as well as mountain biking, hiking, paddling, lift rides, and zip lining in summer.
Witness the many facades of the sprawling city by reserving a hotel in Rio de Janeiro - from high-end beachside hotels to quirky guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels. Characterised by fine guesthouses, Copacabana is one of the best areas to book a hotel. It is graced with a sandy beach at the centre, ancient buildings and fanciful cafes. The famous Copacabana Palace represents the halcyon days of wealth and power when Rio was the capital city of Brazil. Book a luxury hotel in Ipanema, an iconic location commonly known as a dining paradise with rows of streets lined up between white-washed buildings where drinkers and shoppers meet. To the west of Ipanema is Leblon which is more residential but a great upscale destination. Get a dose of retail therapy at Shopping Leblon while watching the ocean on Leblon beach, a quieter shore than Ipanema. Those looking for a slice of Portuguese culture should head to Santa Teresa, a district that draws heavily from Portuguese architecture. Street cars and European-colonial buildings in Santa Teresa are reminiscent of Lisbon. Book a hotel with a rooftop if you want to capture the best view in Santa Teresa. Since the neighbourhood is generally elevated, it is a perfect spot to soak in the sunset with a bottle of beer in hand.