Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The local Cariocas are a carefree and exuberant people, spending their days along the sands of Copacabana, Ipanema or any of a dozen less famous but equally fantastic beaches, their nights in one of the countless sambas bars. For an unforgettable view of splendour of Rio de Janeiro, take a cable car to stand at the feet of Christ atop lofty Corcovado and witness Sugar Loaf Mountain.