Rio de Janeiro

Life's a Beach

Rio is too busy at the beach to compete with São Paulo or Buenos Aires as Latin America's most stylish and dynamic metropolis. And who can blame it? After all, this is the city of tanned beauties living between lush mountains and golden beaches, so beauty and sensuality wins over urban sophistication.

It is also stunningly beautiful when seen from the top of the famous Corcovado statue or the Sugar Loaf mountain. Its matchless location earned it the name of "the marvellous city" and you'll agree as you lay in Copacabana or Ipanema beaches gazing at the surrounding hills and mountains -- that is, if you're not too distracted by the flawless bodies sunbathing or playing volleyball.

The smart Leblon neighborhood offers fashionable boutiques and restaurants, and in Ipanema you'll find the swankiest bars and shops. Then there's the colonial charm in its oldest districts (from the architecture of downtown to the Lisbon-like pavements), and the more bohemian Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

So pack your Havaianas and your sexiest beachwear, and whether you'll be heading to the beach, to a colorful dance venue, or crossing over to Niteroi's contemporary art museum, you'll always be surrounded by an irresistible and constant motion in Rio.