A landmark of Brazil, the statue of Christ the Redeemer atop the Corcovado peak has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, in an international contest. A cable-car trip up the Sugar Loaf at the mouth of the Guanabara Bay also offers unforgettable views over the city. Its countless attractions for visitors are well-known, with two of the most important being the Maracanã Sports Stadium, which pays tribute to the five World Cup titles won by Brazilian soccer sides, and the Sambadrome, where thousands of people applaud the unforgettable samba school parades during the world’s largest street festival: Carnival in Rio. Built recently by the Mayor’s Office on an area covering 114,000 m² in the docklands, the Samba City complex offers year-round tours of the workshops where the main samba schools prepare for their elaborate parades. Offering inside glimpses into the world of Carnival, Samba City takes visitors backstage, touring its workshops throughout the year, in addition to Carnival shows every day.

Surveys conducted by universities in Michigan and California, rated Rio as the city with the world’s friendliest inhabitants. This is the guiding spirit of this Marvelous City, the light-hearted carioca way of life that turns every inch of the city into a welter of attractions: beaches, mountains, forests, open air sports and world-class events such as New Year’s Eve, Carnival and many others. Packed with historical and cultural treasures, Rio is vibrant by day and dazzling by night. Its many flavors and colors offer something for every taste, every age. Like its best-known symbol - Christ the Redeemer - Rio welcomes its guests with open arms.