R-R-R-Rio: three essential stops

Rio de Janeiro is known for one thing: its electrifying party scene. Want to get a taste of the world's party capital this year? Not every city has the audacity to call itself the marvelous city but Rio lives up to the title, that much is for certain. Just take a look at its surroundings. Rocky mountains, monoliths jutting up out of the rocks and water, beaches and jungles... And then there is the city's culture. From music to food and festivals, there is no shortage of experiences here in the heart of Brazil.

One concern foreigners have always had about Rio has been security. It's not unheard of for backpackers to be robbed, even mugged, if found walking down the wrong street at the wrong time. This is all changing however, now that Rio de Janeiro is the city of choice to host the 2016 Olympic Games. The city has launched a huge security program, aimed at making popular tourist places more safe and more secure. Zona Sul for example, one of the best beach areas, is constantly patrolled.

Essential sights 

Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf) - More than just a mere rock, take a trip to the top 396m up) with a cable car. The first car takes you up to the first peak, Urca. Take time to get your legs back and enjoy a caipirinha. The second cable car will take you up the rest of the way to Sugarloaf, to enjoy the best view of Rio.

Cristo Redentor - Seen from just about everywhere in the city, Christ the Redeemer has been standing on top of Corcovado Mountain since 1930. Standing 710m tall, no trip to Rio is complete without a photo in from of Jesus, standing in the same flying posture. 

Avenida Atlantica - Take a stroll down the Avenida Atlantica, a promenade that borders Zona Sul. It's the best place to see all the action too: beach volleyball, skaters, bathers... The most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro is Copacabana. Less busy are Ipanema and Leblon.

Who is going to Rio? Who has been?

Images: thiago_moura, camilailovesana / Flickr cc.