Follow the seductive sound of samba as it winds you down through lush mountains, into the caipirinha-soaked festivities of Carnaval, along the crowded streets of historic Centro, to the sunbaked, sandy beaches of Ipanema. With contributions by specialists and in-the-know locals – including insider tips on gay and lesbian nightlife – it's no wonder that this is the best-selling guide to the sexiest city in the Americas.

• DISCOVER Rio's dynamic neighborhoods with more maps than any other guide.
• CULTIVATE a deeper understanding of Rio's neoclassic architecture with our dedicated arts chapter
• GET HIGH hang gliding above Pedra Bonita or rock climbing on Pão de Açúcar - an extensive activities section takes you to new heights of adventure
• DANÇA! our knowledgeable author helps you dance the night away at the hottest clubs and music venues
• CATCH SOME RAYS worship the sun on Rio's 72km of beaches, including the famed Copacabana

Surfers and socialites frolic on sun-soaked beaches. Samba and bossa nova beats drift along historic streets. A soccer crowd unleashes a resounding cheer. The pulse of Rio de Janeiro is always racing. Whether you're searching for the world's biggest carnival or the planet's tiniest bikinis, this smart, streetwise and stylish guide will connect you with the sexiest city in the Americas.

Rio de Janeiro stretches between beach and mountain, with colonial neighborhoods, modernist style and that addictive sound that ties it all together: samba. Whether you want to watch the sunset over Arpoador, dance to live samba at a Centro bar, people-watch in Ipanema or enjoy a seafood feast, we show you how..

Published: November 2010
Next Edition: November 2013

Max out your pleasure in Rio by carrying a great map of the City. The Globetrotter Map of Rio is the perfect choice for all travelers!