The landscape of the Cidade Maravilhosa is without equal. The way Rio’s sinuous mountains give way to sumptuous beaches down below ha inspired everything from poetry and music to photography, film and even the carioca way of life. An urban metropolis in amongst incredible natural beauty, Rio’s cityscape is one of the most extraordinary on the planet. But like any good view, the best are had from up above.
View: Corcovado, Sugarloaf Mountain, Pedra da Gávea, Ipanema and Leblon At 380m above the city, this view that includes so many of Rio’s famous landmarks couldn’t be any more Carioca. However, it is the 19 th century-oriental- styled pavilion that gives the place its name. Nearby there is also another viewpoint, A Mesa do Imperador (The Emperor’s Table) where the Portuguese royal family used to go for picnics during the 19 th Century.
How to arrive: Estrada da Vista Chinesa, Parque Nacional da Tijuca (Vista Chinesa Highway, Tijuca National Park)
Address
: Estrada da Vista Chinesa, 1.294 , Alto da Boa Vista
View: Maracanã, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloafand Corcovado
Sitting at 340m above Rio, at the top of the Dona Marta community and just below Corcovado, Mirante Dona Marta provides a great alternative when Christ the Redeemer is overrun with tourists.
How to arrive: Estrada do Mirante Dona Marta, Botafogo. Go up by car along the same route that takes you to Corcovado. Continue until the intersection between Estrada das Paineiras and Estrada do Mirante Dona Marta.
View: Ipanema and Leblon beaches, Morro DoisIrmãos (Two Brothers Mountain)
This is a great spot to look out over two of Rio’s most popular beaches. For those that aren’t content with just walking, there are two skate paths with gorgeous views overlooking the sea.
It is also worth going up Pedra do Arpoador to take in the vista from another angle, especially for sunset.
How to arrive: Av. Francisco Bhering s/nº, Praia do Arpoador, within Parque Garota de Ipanema.
Address
: Avenida Francisco Bhering, s/nº, Praia do Arpoador
View: Leblon and Ipanema Beaches, Arpoador, Lagoa (Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon)
Mirante do Leblon sits at the foot of Parque Penhasco Dois Irmãos. Further up you will find a second viewpoint with a view of Ipanema, Lagoa and the Jockey Club.
From its 200-square- metre viewing deck it is possible to catch a glimpse of the few preserved areas of Atlantic Forest that still remain in Rio. For some excellent food options amidst all of that wild beauty, carry on just a little further along the mountain road and you will come across Point de Grumari and Cantinho da Tia Penha. Both restaurants specialise in seafood and have breathtaking views over the beautiful Restinga da Marambaia.
Address
: Av. Estado da Guanabara , , Barra de Guaratiba
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