The favelas are Brazil's gloomily famous shanty towns. Once a shelter for war veterans and freedmen, they have now become the symbol of social and economic inequalities in the country. A guided tour of these communities represents a unique opportunity to understand the locals' living conditions, their challenges and their daily struggles. If you have the chance, visit the famous favela named Rocinha to discover a whole different side of Rio de Janeiro. Visits are only recommended as part of a supervised guided tour and may be unsafe to do on one's own.

Timidly emerging from the waters of Guanabara Bay, this 395 meters tall, egg-shaped mountain is one of the tourists' favourite destinations in Rio de Janeiro. Check the weather forecast to be sure of going on a clear day, and venture up to the top of the mountain to enjoy an astonishing 360-degree view including that of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the pristine beaches, the cityscape and the surrounding natural environment. The easiest and fastest way to reach the top of the mountain is by cable car but climbing is always an option.

The National Historical Museum in Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the quality of its exhibitions and its ability to chronologically and interactively present the history of Brazil. Six permanent and a few temporary exhibitions will guide you from the prehistoric era to the present day, using both historical finds and multimedia resources.

Here you can enjoy the Finnish sauna, Bio sauna, steam-bath, aromatic steam-bath, recreate in the crash-ice-cave, tub-shower, relax in cold and warm recreation and resting rooms. The modern indoor swimming area includes the main pool with 350 m² of water surface and a children’s pool.