7 Must-See Sites in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Living primarily in the tropical gallery forests of Brazil’s Central Plateau, the black-tufted marmoset can thrive even in the busiest of places, including Rio de Janeiro. Rarely spotted near the ground, this primate species resides below tree canopies and can be seen in the city center. © Karol Kozlowski | Dreamstime.com

Take Sugarloaf Cable Car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, a 1,299-foot mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. First opened in 1912, this cable car travels between 2,000 and 2,790 feet, running every 30 minutes. One station, Morro da Urca, features a café, snack bar, restaurant and more. © Mikolaj64 | Dreamstime.com

Considered one of the most recognizable monuments in the world, the city’s Christ the Redeemer looms over the city at nearly 100 feet. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this Art Deco statue stands at the peak of Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park. © Alexandre Paes Leme | Dreamstime.com

Escadaria Selarón, also known as the Lapa Steps, features vibrant colors of more than 2,000 tiles, often of different blues, greens and yellows to reflect the Brazilian flag. Tiles come from more than 60 countries. Created by Jorde Selarón, these steps run from Pinto Martins Street to Joaquim Silva Street. © Rodrigolab | Dreamstime.com

Within Copacabana lies nearly 3 miles of coastline, where locals and visitors flock year-round for water sports, sunbathing, soccer and volleyball. As one of the most famous beaches in the world, the coast sees various events all year. Complementing the sea views are the Copacabana Mountains in the distance. © Celso Diniz | Dreamstime.com

Head to Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden and stop by the Monument to Leandro do Santíssimo Sacramento, a Brazilian botanist who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and contributed greatly to the world of botany. A beautiful structure completely covered in green surround the bust of Leandro. © Samystclair | Dreamstime.com

As one of the most exciting events in the world, Rio Carnival is held every year before Lent and sees nearly 2 million people hit the streets. The carnival includes revelers, floats and dancers in lavish costumes. © Alexandre Paes Leme | Dreamstime.com