My amazing journey started in Rio after an 11 hour flight which was direct with British Airways from Heathrow. Rio is definitely an iconic city with the cosmopolitan atmosphere with beautiful landscapes and beaches. It has a unique location between green mountains on one side and crystal clear seas on the other. It is an ideal start to a trip to Brazil and I recommend a 2-3 nights here staying at either the Belmond Copacabana, Athena or Sofitel Ipanema or Sheraton Grand Rio for families as it is the only resort hotel. For tours and things to see a must is Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Selaron Steps and Forest Jeep tours and carnival.