Carnaval. Soccer. Amazing beaches. Bikinis. Rio de Janeiro has it all. The second largest city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is the epitome of excitement and adventure. The air pumps with vibrancy and energy.  If this sounds like the atmosphere for you, Rio has something to offer for every tourist.

Rio is a hodge-podge of cultural diversity. No other way is this more evident than the music you can hear streaming through the city. Artists thrive in the colorful environment and hold viewers captive as various talents are displayed. It is not uncommon to see random dancing in the streets where locals break out in a samba. Simply one of the many reasons Rio seduces visitors and has tourists begging to come back.

If the crowded city scene is not what you are looking for, try taking in some of the natural landscape.  Go sailing or surfing on the gorgeous ocean tides, or fall back and relax on a sandy beach. Take a hike through the lush rain forest. For the more adventurous of heart, how about rock climbing up the face of Pao de Acurcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)?
   
This historically-oriented traveler will enjoy viewing the Arcos de Lapa, aqueducts that were constructed in the 1700s. Scholars may enjoy a visit to the Biblioteca Nacional, the national library that is the largest in Latin America. Go site seeing at the spot where Brazil claimed her independence or check out the WWII monument and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Sports lovers can rent a bicycle and try out numerous nature paths. How about taking in a soccer game at the Maracana Football Stadium, which seats over 10,000 fans? Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the botany and possibilities to view native Brazilian flora and fauna at the local zoo.