Its famous carnival, captivating white-sand beaches and lush rain forest periphery make Rio de Janeiro a true gem. There are few cities like Rio; inexhaustibly energetic, musical and youthful. Home to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in South America. Play, surf, drink or simply relax at golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema; meet the futuristic face of the city at the renovated docklands area Porto Maravilha; visit the artsy neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Jardim Botânico for a bohemian vibe; shop from the designer boutiques and art galleries in the Botafogo; witness the cultural renaissance of Rio at the Lapa district, the former run-down 19th-century mansions are now packed with samba and live music bars; see Maracana which is one of the world's biggest stadiums and hop on the cable car to get to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain! The city's symbol Cristo Redentor statue will be following you all along from Corcovado Hill.