Backed by coastal mountains, forests and fronted by the Atlantic, Rio de Janeiro ejoys a marvelous scenic location. Beaches are plentiful including Ipaneman, Copacabana, and Leme... just to name a few, and nightlife is fantastic in Copacabana, Ipanema and other districts for dance clubs, nightclubs, bars and classical arts performances. Take the aerial tramway to Sugarloaf for panoramic views of the city, beaches and Guanabara Bay, and enjoy all types of sports including golf, hang-gliding, parachuting, cycling, diving, squash, tennis, water-skiing and windsurfing. Be sure to stroll Praca Floriano to enjoy the outdoor cafes and samba musicians. And not trip is complete without a tour of the jungle-like Parque Nacional de Tijuca, only 15 minutes from Copacabana. If shopping is your bag, beachwear, precious stones and ethnic goods are just some of Rio's trademarks. And if all this is too tiring, and you're of legal age, just sit back and relax with a refreshing "Caipirinha" and watch the world go by.

To begin your trip in Rio de Janeiro is to start off in grand style. Rio de Janeiro, as everyone knows, is more than a city. Rio is a state of mind, populated by people of uncommon beauty, graciousness and good humor.

There are so many Rios. Consider for example the Rio of the Atlantic, of beaches like Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra de Tijuca and Recreio dos Bandeirantes. There's the Rio of sun, of surf, of games like foot-volley, volleyball or frescobol, of hang-gliding and ultralights. Then there's the Rio of the Maracanã football stadium, of Samba schools, of Christ the Redeemer; the Rio of monuments, historic forts, museums and theaters; the imperial Rio, from Praça 15 to the Solar de São Cristovão; the bucolic Rio of trams that follow the ups and downs of narrow streets as they wind through the neighborhood of Santa Teresa; of the peace and tranquility of Paquetá Island; the Rio of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Botanical Gardens and Tijuca Forest, the largest remaining forest of any urban area in the world; the Rio of favelas, of swinging hips, of sensuality.

Rio de Janeiro, however, always defies the boundaries of the city itself. There's the enchanting Ilha Grande (in Angra dos Reis), with its crystal-clear waters and night skies so full of stars that you'll think you're in a planetarium. Look further in Angra dos Reis, and you can rent a boat and sail among fantastic luxury yachts. Or visit Paraty, the immaculately preserved colonial town, with its narrow streets and moonlight serenades. Or, visit the lake district, a charming stretch of coves and headlands, and the delightful resort of Búzios. Then there's the majestic Petrópolis, the city of Emperor Dom Pedro II, which preserves the courtly grandeur of former times.

Finally there's Visconde de Mauá, in the mountains. It's an ideal place for trail hiking, and even a cooling dip under a waterfall.

Rio de Janeiro has indeed been touched by the hand of God. If you don't believe it, just go to Teresópolis, the mountaineering capital, and there it is, sculpted out of the mountains of the Orgão Range. Amen!

Christ the Redeemer is an absolute must. The most popular postcard view of Brazil, this giant sculpture - perched majestically atop the sheer face of the Corcovado - measures 38 metres high and 29 metres wide. The arms are spread wide over the city of Rio, and at night the illuminated figure becomes even more impressive.

As South America's largest city, Sao Paulo sprawls across the landscape on a plateau not far from the coast of the South Atlantic. These days, industry and finance provide a stable counterpoint to the spirited cuisine, nightlife, and citizenry. The city also boasts a strong cultural presence, as evidenced by theater, dance, and such esteemed institutions as the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo and the Museu de Arte Sacra.

For a dynamic dose of city flavor, stroll along bustling Avenida Paulista, or browse the Sunday markets at Praca da Republica or Praca Liberdade. Shopping, in fact, is a deliciously overwhelming prospect, given the legions of boutiques and venues carrying everything from native crafts to jewelry and antiques.

Whatever you do, just make sure to map out a rough itinerary of your time; with more than 3000 square miles of, the city has the potential to sweep you away with its size and opportunities.