Rio de Janeiro accommodation from AU$49

Rio de Janeiro has seen Portuguese ruling, gold and diamond rushes, sugar cane industries, coffee exportation and political liberation in the past 500 years. Over time, Rio has been so important to the development of Brazil and its culture that it even acted as the nation's capital between 1889 and 1960.

Things to Do

For a bird's eye view of the city, catch the Sugarloaf Cable Car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable car has been running since 1921 and is one of the oldest in the world, so it's definitely worthwhile.

From the top of Sugarloaf Mountain – and indeed almost any vantage point in the city – you'll be able to see Christ the Redeemer, which was built in 1931 and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. To visit the spectacular 38 metre tall statue on top of Corcovado Mountain, you can catch a tram or go by car. You’ll want to remember to bring your camera for this one!

Culture vultures will enjoy the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil and Moreira Salles cultural centres, as well as the Museu de Chácara do Céu, which displays a large collection of modern art.

Or if you're keen to get back to nature, you can go for a walk through Tijuca Forest and the White Stone State Park, two of the largest urban forests in the world.

Prefer a trip to the beach instead? Ipanema Beach is often referred to as the ’best urban beach in the world’, and is the perfect spot for swimming, surfing, sunbaking and playing beach volleyball.

Events

If you can get here for the five day long Carnival during Lent, you won't be disappointed. This world-famous event is often regarded as one of the biggest and best cultural festivals on earth and Rio is known as the ’Carnival Capital of the World’. During the festivities, you'll groove to samba music, watch decadently costumed dancers march by and be amazed by the incredible floats in the street parade.

If you can't make it for Carnival, be sure to catch a soccer match, which you can do no matter what time of year you're here. The Maracanã Football Stadium has been open since 1950, recently hosted the 2014 World Cup and will be hosting the 2016 Olympics Opening Ceremony, so it's not to be missed by soccer fanatics.

Shopping and Dining

Buzios Peninsula is well-known for its shopping and nightlife, but don't miss Ipanema's waterfront bars and restaurants while you're here. Be sure to try at least one Caipirinha cocktail before leaving too. This uniquely Brazilian drink is made from Cachaça, a spirit of distilled sugar cane juice, and is available in every bar in Rio. You can purchase a bottle of Cachaça to take home but if you're looking for more traditional souvenirs, head to the Feira Hippie Ipanema Market on a Sunday.

Getting Here and Around

To get here, book a seat on one of these cheap flights to Rio de Janeiro and then get around by bus, taxi, subway or on foot.

A holiday in one of the party capitals of the world with beaches, forests, mountains, historic attractions and vibrant nightlife – wot more could you ask for? Book your flights and Rio de Janeiro accommodation with us now!