The Latin American Travel Association (LATA) has produced a guide to Rio de Janeiro and surroundings.
Where to stay
LATA members suggest the Ipanema and Leblon areas.
Hotels such as the new Janeiro Hotel in Leblon or the Praia Ipanema overlook the ocean and are situated streets away from the Ipanema beach.
They offer more upscale luxurious accommodation, while the streets behind hide some of the best dining and shopping.
Copacabana itself is one of the main areas to stay in Rio and is known for being a particularly lively part of the city.
For those wanting a prime beachfront location but away from the hustle and bustle, Chimu Adventures recommends staying in Leme at the quieter end of the beach.
For a lively environment a stay anywhere from Arpoador to Leblon is an option.
Cox and Kings suggests the Copacabana Palace Hotel, one of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in Rio.
Barra da Tijuca
Barra da Tijuca is a relatively new neighbourhood and is considered an up-market option for visitors.
Journey Latin America suggests the LSH Hotel, a new luxury property overlooking the beach that is popular among surfers, kite surfers and body boarders.
Tours & Activities
Rio is one of the liveliest, most vibrant cities in the world but, for a little peace and tranquillity, Jacada Travel recommends visitors head to Parque Lage.
It is located off the tourist radar with a beautiful historic mansion at its centre and great views of Corcovado.
Or for a more secluded beach, visit the tranquil Praia Vermelha, in the Urca district, right next to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Abercrombie & Kent's helicopter selfie experience hovering above the city of Rio de Janeiro offers travellers the chance to grab a daring snapshot overlooking the iconic Christ the Redeemer.
Tucan Travel recommends a ferry ride out to the island of Ilha Grande.
An just off the coast of Rio with sandy white beaches, blue waters and plenty of peace and quiet.
The island is a car free zone and can be done in a day excursion but Tucan suggests staying overnight to explore hiking routes, snorkel with marine life and enjoy seafood.
Chimu Adventures believes the best way to appreciate 'Carioca' culture is a gastronomic tour of the city.
A tour of the city's cobbled streets finding local markets, hidden eateries or fine-dining restaurants.
A food tour allows guests to try an array of cuisines from the colonial Portuguese favourites to exotic Amazonian dishes.
Alternatively, Cox and Kings reccommends a walking tour of 'Old Rio' taking in many interesting locations in downtown Rio.
Food
Rio is a gastro-hub of the South American continent and trying the local cuisine is a must for anyone that visits.
Feijoada
Feijoada is a traditional dish of black beans and pork.
Visitors can try the dish at the small neighbourhood bars and restaurants on a Saturday afternoon complemented with a homemade caipirinha carioca.
Acai
Acai is another popular dish in Rio, made from a berry only found in Brazil, the dish is similar to frozen yoghurt with granola and banana and ginger flavoured cachaça often found in the bars of Lapa.
Churrasco
Churrasco is a delicious Brazilian style mixed grill, usually served with locally grown vegetables.
Diners pay a fixed price for a variety of meats brought round on skewers and elegantly sliced to serve at the table.
For some of the best Churrasco, LATA members recommend the Churrascaria Palace in the Copacabana district or Carretão.
The petiscos
The petiscos (snacks) or local bar food to complement achilled beer come highly recommended.
One of our favourites is the cheese and prawn pasteis (pastries).
Views
Trailfinders suggest heading to Morro de Dois Irmaos, a mountain at the end of Leblon beach to enjoy a 40 minute hike to the top offering breath-taking views of Rio.
The Brazil Tourist Board suggests scaling Pedra da Gavea, a mountain in Tijuca forest.
This rises to 844 metres of altitude and is the highest mountain in the world that ends directly in the ocean.
The Pedra da Gavea is known for a particularly 'instagrammed' ledge overlooking Rio and its coastline.
Cox and Kings recommends taking a cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain to visit the summit of Corcovado Mountain.
This is where Christ the Redeemer stands and with views of the city and its bays.
Other options include :
- the Pedra do Pontal, found between the beaches of Recreio and Macumba in the western part of Rio, and
- the Vista Chinesa, which is a Chinese gazebo-like structure made out of bamboo located up in the Tijuca National Park offering panoramic views of the city.
Nightlife
Botafogo has a growing nightlife scene with plenty of quirky and trendy bars.
Tucan Travel often takes guests to a wine bar called the Winehouse featuring a grand selection of local and imported wines.
Lapa and Santa Teresa, which are off the tourist path, offer party-goers the chance to experience Rio's world-famous samba bars and clubs.
Journey Latin America suggests the Café do Forte, located in Copacabana's fortress, for an evening of cocktails overlooking the Copacabana beach.
The café is run by the historic Confeitaria Colombo and offers views of Sugar Loaf Mountain.