Viva Brazil: The rhythms of Rio and iconic Iguazu

Lively Rio beckons you onto its streets with absolute must-sees, such as the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. So fish your cable car ticket out of your pocket full of souvenirs and make your way to unknown heights! Want to enjoy more of the exhilarating view? Then continue your high-altitude excursion and head up to the Corcovado. Behold the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue as it towers right in front you, seemingly wanting to embrace the entire world – goosebumps! Then carry the exhilaration from the unique view of the city right on to the Catedral de São Sebastião, and when you enter the inconspicuous-looking building, you'll be speechless. The spectacular explosion of colour created when the light hits the stained-glass windows is indescribable! A little tip: to avoid getting lost in the bustling metropolis, follow an experienced guide who knows every inch of the city like the back of their hand (optional, payable on site).

A chaotic jumble of countless cables, houses on which subsequently added floors are stacked on top of each other like wobbly towers – the Rocinha favela shows you the contrasts of Rio! Away from the tourist hotspots, you immerse yourself in the life of the Cariocas – the inhabitants of Rio – together with a local guide and other explorers and get a genuine impression of life here. Did you know that around a quarter of Rio's population lives in favelas? Having grown up in Rocinha, your guide tells you all about how the neighbourhood has changed and transformed from an illegal settlement to an officially recognised district of Rio. The zest for life that the neighbourhood exudes is fascinating. Children play football in the narrow alleyways, and adults give you friendly waves. 'And the further up the hill, the cheaper the rent', you hear the guide say and have to smile – it's not just the residents who have to work up a sweat to make it to the top.