Rio de Janeiro Photos -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides

Sugarloaf
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf), a true symbol of Rio de Janeiro, is actually two mountains—accessible via a cable car that has been in operation since 1912.
Garden of Allah Square
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
Popular with cyclists, Rio’s Garden of Allah square separates Ipanema from Leblon Beach.
Fluminese Club
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
Rio’s Fluminese Club is known not only for its swimming and diving teams but for—yes, you guessed it: a popular soccer team.
Ipanema Beach Black and White
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
The most famous place meeting place in all of Rio is Ipanema Beach, action central for beach soccer, volleyball, surfing, bodyboarding, and romance.
Posto 9 on Ipanema Beach
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
Rio’s beaches are divided into several postos marked by lifeguard posts. Posto 9 on Ipanema Beach is, hands down, the most famous spot on the beach.
Arcos da Lapa
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
Arcos da Lapa are part of an aqueduct—the first major civil building project undertaken in Rio. The aqueduct brought water from the Carioca River.
Copacabana
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
With its crescent of sand, hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, Copacabana might well be the most famous beach in the world.
Dois Irmãos State Park
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
Given how many of the locals look, visitors to Rio might want to spend some (a lot?) of time at the gym before heading to Brazil.
Tijuca Forest
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
Majestic and inviting, Tijuca Forest—a true rain forest—is the largest within urban limits in the world, home to a grand assortment of flora and fauna.
Beach Culture
Photograph by Claudio Edinger
Rio de Janeiro’s magnetic beach culture plays out on Ipanema, where swimming is only the beginning. Soccer and volleyball are also popular beach activities.