RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro has earned its reputation as the sexiest, glitziest city in the world and this is evident everywhere you turn. Major landmarks Sugar Loaf and the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking spectacular stretches of famous urban beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema; delicious food and wine with a Latin twist; the sensual moves of samba dancing and the rhythms of traditional music on display every day of the year including, of course, Bacchanalian Carnival; and passionate, cosmopolitan and, most importantly, friendly people are just a few of the ways Rio consistently asserts its status as a favorite travel destination. In fact, in almost every conversation or survey about the world's "favorite cities," Rio is near or near the top.