Rio de Janeiro is a city on the Brazilian coast which has been in the media limelight in recent times; as well as being a major venue at the 2014 World Cup, it' will also host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Rio's most famous landmarks, the Christ the Redeemer Statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Ipanema and Copacabana Beach, are well known around the world and attractive places to visit.
Those travelling to the beaches should consider car hire in Rio de Janeiro, as the famous stretches are a good drive due south of the city centre. Hiring a car in Rio de Janeiro also provides access to the beautiful national park which is close by to the west.
Most visitors to Rio will be immediately inclined towards the iconic coastline which lies to the south of the city centre. Depending on where you're staying, hiring a car in Rio de Janeiro is often the best way to make this trip. Once at the coast you'll experience the surreal familiarity of Sugar Loaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado and the Two Brothers, which characterise this part of town. Take your pick of iconic Rio beaches and the Ipanema and Copacabana are the two most renowned, but Prainha or Grumari may be more practical if you are using a car.
