Saltwater lagoon at Rio’s heart. A 4.6-mile (7.5-kilometer) walking/biking path; over two dozen kiosks; swan paddleboats for rent. Festival in early December to light 27-story floating Christmas tree.

Explore Rio de Janeiro

Upscale district on Rio’s western edge. Includes 11-mile (18-kilometer) beachfront, the city’s longest; cleaner ocean than at Copacabana and Ipanema. Home to Rio’s largest shopping center.

Eat / Drink Rio de Janeiro

Small island housing 1889 neo-Gothic castle. Arrive on schooner; guided tours in Portuguese (English booklet). Don’t-miss naval museum and submarine. Thursday to Sunday only.

Explore Rio de Janeiro

“The Flamengo/Fluminense soccer matches are a sporting spectacle beyond compare.”—Ruy Castro, author, Garrincha: The Triumph & Tragedy of Brazil’s Forgotten Footballing Hero. Check stadium calendar (www.suderj.rj.gov.br) for soccer match dates and times.

Explore Rio de Janeiro

Standing 125 feet (38 meters) tall, Rio’s “Christ the Redeemer” statue was inaugurated in 1931 at the summit of Corcovado mountain in Tijuca National Park. Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Cog trains to the statue depart every 30 minutes from Rua Cosme Velho 513;

Rio de Janeiro