Getting there  The cog-train leaves Cosme Velho station every hour, on the hour and half past the hour. Tickets cost R$36 for adults and R$ 18 for children. Sit on the right hand side of the train for

In keeping with the flavor of the times; when they were building hothouses and exotic gardens in England and the Continent, the royal family created their own botanical garden, the Jardim Botanico, in

Popularized by the song "The Girl from Ipanema," this world-famous beach gives foreign visitors a sense of life in Rio, displaying a cross-section of different lifestyles, chic boutiques and eateries and luxurious apartment buildings.

For sunning, relaxing and people watching, join the thousands who flock each year to this lively, world-famous beach lined with shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.

You’ll find historical spots, spectacular views, a beautiful waterfall, a small chapel and unusual trees in this dense, tropical national park, probably best explored by jeep tour.

Transformed from palace to presidential residence in 1889 with the overthrow of the monarchy, this granite and marble building has striking floors and ceilings and houses a museum with presidential memorabilia, furniture and art.

This complex, situated on the beautiful grounds of the former imperial palace, contains the Museu Nacional, the Jardim Zoologico, pools and statues.

world's biggest Soccer stadium