There is much more to see in Rio than the Copacabana. The city hosts numerous interesting museums, some great colonial buildings and impressive churches. A must see is the sugar loaf. Also there are a number of galleries with good works of Brazilian artists.

To explore the city you can use either the public transport, tourist buses or, highly recommended, explore the city by foot. It is possible to walk around Rio, however, although security has been stepped up in the tourist areas, tourists are at increased risk of being targeted by opportunistic thieves who view visitors as fair game.

When going out, visitors should carry the very minimum of money and possessions that are required. On no account should visitors venture into the city's Favelas. The best time to visit is undoubtedly during the summer months between December and February culminating with Carnaval. Temperatures can rise to around 40ºC (104ºF) or more, but if you're doing as the Brazilians do, visiting the beach and not rushing around, then the weather is ideal.

The Corcovado or Hunchback mountain, so named because of its shape, is home to probably the most memorable and identifying image of Rio -that of the Cristo Redentor (Christ The Redeemer) statue. Arms boldly stretched in welcome, he embraces the city and the magnificent Bay over which he looks.

Only in 1921, when Brazil marked its independence, did someone think of creating the monument that has become so well known throughout the world. In 1931, the statue was inaugurated and it is now an immensely popular visitor attraction and one of the city's main scenic spots, standing as it does on top of the 710m-high (2330ft) mountain. Paul Landowski, the French sculpture, was responsible for the statue that is 30m (99ft) high and has an eight-metre (26ft) pedestal with a chapel capable of holding 150 people.

Copacobana is perhaps best known for its amazing, wide, sandy beach that stretches four kilometres (2.4 miles). The most classless of the city's beaches, it is popular with both residents and tourists and usually lies beneath a mass of beautiful and fit bodies - a perfect stage for day today human theater. Carioca girls, in minimalist bikinis, bask in the scorching sun alongside families with their youngsters. Business dealings are conducted on the sand, while the soccer fields and volleyball courts are constantly in use, displaying the passion Brazilians have for their sports.

Our Portuguese language courses allows you plenty of time to discover the culture of Brazil & Rio de Janeiro