Ever since I heard the song, The Girl from Ipanema, very popular in the 1960s, I have wanted to visit Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. I have heard that the peak tourism season in Rio de Janeiro is the summer (November-March), so I would plan my trip when the city is less crowded and, hopefully, the prices lower. I have also heard that you do not want to drive in Rio, so save a little money for bus fare, taxis and lesser known means of transportation, like a cogwheel train.

One of the best ways to appreciate Rio is by going up Sugar Loaf Mountain for a spectacular view of the city and Guanabara Bay. The natural harbor, surrounded by lush, high mountains that meet the sea, enclose the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. The statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado may be reached by a cogwheel train, from which you may view Ipanema and Leblon as well as the lush vegetation on the mountain.

I was searching for hotels on DialAFlight, sponsor of this post, and I found a 2-star hotel called Rio Copa Hotel, approximately a mile and a half from Copacabana beach and close to the city center. Amenities include a swimming pool, sauna and bar located on a roof terrace with beautiful views over Copacabana Beach. If you book your flight to Brazil and hotel, you will create the perfect all-inclusive trip to Rio from the United Kingdom.

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