Top Five Highlights of Rio de Janeiro
Rio De Janeiro is home to some of the most amazing tourist attractions, especially one of the wonders of the world and two spectacular beaches. Below are the top five highlights for your trip.
Christ the Redeemer Statute – Corcovado Mountain
Meet at the designated area on the famous Copacabana beach and drive through the Tijuca Forest to the statue. Once there, enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings. Opt for the skip line tickets if you are not with a group. Wait times to the top can be up to two hours standing.
Escadaria Selarón – Seleron Steps
Created by Jorge Selerón (Chilean born artist) in 1990, as a tribute to Brazil. The steps straddle the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods. As you can see it’s busy and you have to fight for a private picture. So try to get there early, like daybreak. Look for your home state tile. See a few below that I found.
Georgia Peach Tile – Selaron Steps 
Georgia State Tile – Selaron Steps 
Celeron Steps – Lapa Neighborhood
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is a peak situated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. Its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar. Make sure to take a jacket as it is very chilly and extremely windy at the top. You can order Capirinhinas!
Sugarloaf Mountain (view from the mountain 
Sugarloaf Mountain – View from the Top
Santa Teresa Neighboorhood
Santa Teresa is a hilltop district with a charming, village-like vibe. Exhibiting European and Brazilian art, this French-inspired neighborhood even has its own Tram. Try the fried cheese puffs or a Brigadeiro (chocolate condensed milk candy)
Santa Teresa Neighborhood – Rio de Janeiro 
Tram through Santa Teresa 
Santa Teresa Neighborhood- Rio de Janeiro 
Brigadeiro – chocolate condensed milk candy 
Fried Cheese Puffs in Santa Teresa
Copacabana and Impanema Beaches
Two of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Copacobana and Impanema. Copacabana begins at Princesa Isabel Avenue and ends at Posto Seis (6).
Impanema
Starting at the far south Posto 9 (lifeguard station #9), Impanema was made famous by the Bossanova sound of “The Girl from Impanema”. Most notable for host carnival-goers and parades.
You can attempt these tours on your own but you will spend extra time waiting in line at Sugarloaf and Christ statute if you are not with a group. I would suggest Airbnb experience Rio Highlights which includes transportation in an air-conditioned coach, skip line entry at the attractions and a multi-lingual host. For more info on Airbnb experiences check out this article: https://www.thenoseynomad.com/?p=2855
