Pao de Acucar, Rio de Janeiro

Pao de Acucar or Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of Rio's most famous landmarks. It is the best place to gain a dramatic perspective on how mountains and sea confront each other to create the natural beauty of the "Cidade Maravilhosa" (Marvelous City), as the city is known. Catch the thrilling funicular ride up the hill and float above Leme. The top commands a glorious view of Guanabara Bay with Botafogo beach to the north and Copacabana to the south, and the wild landscape of Rio proper in between. Be sure to check out the old open air cable car on display that was used in the '30s.