As the host city for both the 2014 soccer World Cup, and the 2016 Olympics, the eyes of the world have turned to Rio di Janeiro, as it prepares for two huge sporting festivals. If you’re keen to beat the massive crowds, or simply can’t wait a couple of years to see the sights, here is all you need to know for when you go to Rio. Rio is actually the most visited city in the entire southern hemisphere, and with so much to see and do, it’s no surprise.

Sugarloaf Mountain 

The distinctive Sugarloaf Mountain rises up from Guanabara Bay, as is so named for its apparent resemblance to a concentrated loaf of sugar. The journey to the 396 metre-high summit is just as good as the view itself – with two separate cable car trips offering panoramic, 360 degree views of the city and harbour below.

Soccer

Get in the spirit of the World Cup a little early and catch a soccer match at the Maracana Stadium. With a capacity of more than 82,000, it’s one of the largest in the world, and the atmosphere is always electric. Take the opportunity to watch Flamengo, the biggest team in Brazil in action, and take a look behind the scenes with a guided tour.

Beaches 

Rio is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful and vibrant beaches, including the most famous of them all, Copacabana. Home to a dazzling array of nightclubs, restaurants and bars, there is always excitement to be had. Copacabana is a non-stop party, and plays host to many huge rock concerts through the year – you may be lucky enough to see your favourite band in a truly special setting.

 For families, or those looking for a little more peace and quiet away from the craziness of Copa, nearby Ipanema is the place to be. Like Copa, there are plenty of places to eat and drink, but everything is a little more upscale here, and the area is generally safer at night. Both Ipanema and Copacabana provide a great contrast between the white sands and clear blue-green ocean, and the hive of activity in the city behind.

Carnival 

If you’re visiting Rio just before Easter, the annual Rio Carnival is a spectacular parade of dizzying and dazzling colourful costumes, salsa, samba, music and so much more. It’s the world’s biggest street party, and everyone is invited, with more than two million people lining the street’s on each of the carnival’s four days. The centre of the action is found in the Sambadrome, where more than 200 of the city’s samba schools compete and try to out-do one another with ever-more elaborate and impressive floats, feathers and of course, fantastic dance moves.

There is all of this and so much more to discover when you go, go to Rio – an essential part of any South American adventure. To find out more, or to get in early and book your World Cup or Olympic travel, speak to your personal travel manager. Visit http://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm-search/