Compact, great beach, shopping, restaurants...

Our favorite places to stay are near the beach. Ipanema first

The list could go on and on. There aren't that many hotels and flats altogether in Ipanema so if you are coming to a special event like Carnival or New Year's Eve, book ahead. Copacabana is our second choice, and it's a short taxi or subway ride from Ipanema.This means that Arpoador, Leblon and Leme, that share beaches with Ipanema and Copacabana, are all great places to stay, near all attractions.

The Sugarloaf and the Corcovado to start with

A few things you have to do or see. Find time

These mountains everybody talks about when they come to Rio are tourist attractions and overlooks. And the view is worth the visit. If you want to understand a bit better how the areas connect there are maps to help.

If you have only a short time in Rio, take a full-day panoramic city tour. Stop at the attractions for photos and go back to the bus for more. At least you will put that worry behind on a single day, and later you can go back on your own.

Explore the historical areas of Downtown Rio, visit parks and colonial churches, stop at a cafe to relax and then try one of the museums or even the Municipal Theater. This is where Rio began to grow, and it is full of life during the day.

If you like window-shopping for odd things, such as Carnival accessories or shoes for drag queens, you must visit the SAARA, a conglomerate of shops that is pretty much like an open mall of bargains of all kinds. These are all suggestions you can do on your own, and at your own pace.

Visiting a Botanical Gardens may not sound like it's much fun but this is no second-class joint. There are Imperial Palms that were planted by instructions of its founder, Dom João VI, over 200 years ago. You will see exotic Brazilian plants like the floating Victoria Regia, breathe fresh air. There are toucans and monkeys on the trees, peace minutes away from your hotel. The Jockey Club and Shopping da Gávea are possible extensions to your green day.

When you come to a city that is so linked to the sea it makes sense to take some kind of a boat tour. If you can, visit the islands off-Ipanema, go for a tour around Guanabara Bay, or even take the more traditional tropical island tour, with a guided group and lunch.

If you have ever considered hang-gliding, this is the right place to do it. There couldn't be a prettier setting than Pedra Bonita. You land at Pepino Beach in São Conrado after flying over mansions, a golf court, it's amazing.

You can also go snorkeling, white river rafting, horseback riding, just give us a tip about what you have in mind, and we will find the best tour operator working with this kind of service. Also we know tour guides that speak more languages than English and Spanish only.