Rio de Janeiro is an awe-inspiring town in which dramatically steep granite mountains climb from the ocean amongst marvelous stretches of glowing sand. High-rise Rio de Janeiro flats vie for room with remarkable colonial houses and rich woodlands crash down hillsides straight into the densely inhabited residential sections of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Rio’s various nationalities and individuals live in different levels of wealth or poverty. Yet no matter what their background or financial standing, Cariocas (Rio’s residents) are characterized by a desire and excitement for life.

Rated top of Forbes 2009 list of the world’s most happy cities, the cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city) revels in life, with the beach, football, samba and Carnival being the main diversions. High above all this fun and frivolity are Rio’s renowned points of interest; the statue of Christ the Redeemer on the summit of Corcovado mountain along with Sugar Loaf with its historical cable car.  Read more... (349 words, 6 images, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)