Brazil welcomes Rio Carnival and FIFA World Cup
All eyes will be on Brazil this year with the annual Rio Carnival starting on Friday and the FIFA World Cup kicking off on the 12th June.
The Rio Carnival will take place from 28 February to 4 March. Every year the celebrations attract millions of visitors making it one of the biggest carnivals in the world. Hundreds of dancers from Samba schools fill floats and perform in front of judges along the spectacular Sambodromo. Dressed in brightly coloured, elaborate costumes, the main parade is a truly spectacular sight!
Away from the hustle and bustle of the carnival, the city of Rio de Janeiro has a lot to offer. Here are our top 3 'must see' attractions.
1. Christ the Redeemer Statue: The iconic statue of Jesus Christ is situated at the top of Mt Corcovado overlooking the city. Inaugurated in 1931, it is considered to be the world's largest Art Deco style sculpture.
2. Sugar Loaf Mountain: Explore this magnificent mountain located at the mouth of Guanabara Bay by cable car. Enjoy panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro as you journey to the top.
3. Copacabana Beach: Almost three miles long and lined with hotels, restaurants and bars, this is one of the most famous beaches in the world - perfect for sunbathing, surfing and swimming!
Getting there: The average flight time from the UK to Rio de Janeiro is just under 12 hours and with daily direct flights from London Heathrow, getting there is easy. There are also indirect flights available with a change at Sao Paulo Congonhas (CGH), Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU), Frankfurt am Main (FRA), Lisbon (LIS), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Madrid (MAD).
Climate: The city is located very near to the Tropic of Capricorn and therefore enjoys a tropical climate with highs of up to 40°C and occasional downpours.
Visiting on a cruise: Many cruise lines visit this vibrant city and offer a range of excursions so that you can make the most out of your stay. Below are our favourite itineraries exploring Rio de Janeiro and the south eastern coastline of South America.
Itinerary: Azamara Club Cruises - Best of Brazil
Duration: 9-nights
Summary: Join luxurious ship Azamara Journey in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro and journey to the fishing village of Buzios. Follow the gold-rush trail through the historic town of Parati, discover the protected rainforests on the idyllic island of Ilhabela and explore the seaside resort of Punta del Este in Uruguay. Enjoy an overnight stay in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, before this fascinating cruise comes to an end.
Price from: £1676pp
Itinerary: Oceania Cruises - Sights and Sounds of South America
Duration: 11-nights
Summary: Explore the sights of Rio de Janeiro before sailing along the south eastern coastline of South America. Stroll along the golden beaches of Buzios, see the exotic wildlife of the Pampas surrounding Rio Grande and discover the rich flavours of Uruguay in Montevideo. Experience the thrill of tango in Buenos Aires, before travelling home with memories that will last a lifetime.
Price from: £2857pp