AquaRio

Being the largest aquarium in South America, AquaRio holds up to 8000 animals of 350 different species in their tanks. Stroll through tunnels amidst the marine animals to admire the colourful fish and corals. An exciting experience not only for families but also for anyone with an interest in wildlife.

• Web:

  www.aquariomarinhodorio.com.br

• E-mail:

  contato@aquariomarinhodorio.com.br

• Address:

  Praça Muhammad Ali, Rio de Janeiro

• Phone:

  +55 21 3900 6670

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat & Sun 9am–5pm

Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve

The Aventureiro Sustainable Development Reserve is located southwest of Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro’s largest island, in Angra Dos Reis Bay. The reserve, established in 1990, features extraordinary unspoiled nature, and many animal species and is home to the ancient caiçaras fishing community.

• Address:

  Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis Bay, Rio de Janeiro

Botanical Garden

Admire Rio's flora and fauna in the botanical garden which sits right next to the Tijuca National Park, naturally attracting different animal species to settle. If you check their schedule, you can participate in night strolls through the park or listen to an educational lecture in the green.

• Address:

  Rua Jardim Botânico 1008, Rio de Janeiro

• Phone:

  +55 21 3874 1808

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–5pm

Christ the Redeemer

Standing on top of Corcovado Mountain, 710 meters above sea level, Christ the Redeemer overlooks the metropolis below with outstretched arms. The statue named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, embraces the whole city, welcomes and protects, yet appears to keep a watchful eye on locals and visitors. Venture up through the Tijuca Rain Forest to the top of the mountain for a closer look and be rewarded by fabulous views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema, the Maracanã Stadium, and the Serra do Órgãos mountain range. You can hike up to the statue or comfortably reach it by way of a twenty-minute tram/car ride.

• Address:

  Cristo Redentor, Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro

Escadaria Selarón

Considered a must-see in Rio de Janeiro, the Escadaria Selarón is not an ordinary staircase, but rather the life's work of a Chilean painter named Jorge Selarón, his odd obsession and his romantic homage to the city that adopted him. The 'Escadaria' is made up of 250 steps and over 2000 tiles: stretch your legs and get ready to climb an astonishing cascade of colours.

• Address:

  Rua Manuel Carneiro 24, Rio de Janeiro

Favelas

The favelas are Brazil's gloomily famous shanty towns. Once a shelter for war veterans and freedmen, they have now become the symbol of social and economic inequalities in the country. A guided tour of these communities represents a unique opportunity to understand the locals' living conditions, their challenges and their daily struggles. If you have the chance, visit the famous favela named Rocinha to discover a whole different side of Rio de Janeiro. Visits are only recommended as part of a supervised guided tour and may be unsafe to do on one's own.

• Address:

  Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro