Ciudad Marvelosa, City of the Gods. Sobriquets like that do not do justice to the marvelousness that is the city of Rio - blessed with fabulous beaches, a lagoon, hills and a rainforest right within its environs. From left to right, we see here - Corcovado mountain with statue of Christ the Redeemer, Guanabara Bay, Sugar loaf mountain, Lake Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, and Hill of Two Brothers (Morro Dois Irmaos)





Perhaps the best way to see Rio is from the top - a popular adventure activity is hang gliding from Pedro Bonita.



Video: The view from above!



The lasting impression of Rio - Ciudade de Deus (City of the Gods) is her brilliant colors - such as the Escadario Selaron (Selaron Steps) or the colorful buildings of Lapa.


Along with beaches, samba and architecture, Rio is known for its shanty favelas, and its delectable food. And caipirinhas, rum spiked with cachacas or fermented sugarcane juice, and several wedges of lime.


Click to go to scenes around Rio and her beaches