Corcovado

Atop one of the city's highest peaks, the world-renowned statue of Christ the Redeemer gives way to 360-degree views. Take the 123-year-old Corcovado train to the summit, or better, hire a taxi and ride the twisting road through the Tijuca rain forest. Halfway up, stop and listen. You're in the middle of Rio, but all you hear is the jungle.