Rio de Janeiro is known worldwide for its carnival atmosphere but it is the stunning natural environment around the city that really makes it special. Rio, also known as A Cidade Maravilhosa, 'The Marvellous City', is set in the midst of sea, mountains, forest, rivers and lakes.

Although the political capital of Brazil is Brasilia and the economic capital is in Sao Paulo, Rio is the country's historical and cultural heart and its inhabitants, cariocas, embody the colourful vibrant character for which the nation is famed. Not least evident on the celebrated beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Other attractions in the city include the enormous sculpture, Christ Redeemer; the spectacular views from the top of Sugar Loaf; Samba City, and the Maracana football stadium, one of largest in the world. Tickets to a football match in Rio are highly sought after, even by those who are not huge fans of the game.

Most of our small luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro are situated in the city's residential neighbor- hoods, far from the hubbub of the centre. Largo do Boticario, Praia Joao Fernandes, Santa Teresa, Gavea and Joatinga are some of the select districts in which our boutique hotels can be found.