Standing at the entrance of Guanabara Bay lies Rio’s most famous landmark: Sugar Loaf mountain. The students take one of the famous “bondinhos” (cable cars) to the top of Morro da Urca, where they can have a snack while admiring one of the most beautiful views in the world. Later, they continue the ride to the top of Sugar Loaf and enjoy a complete view of the Bay’s inlet, as well as all southern Rio de Janeiro and its beautiful beaches. From this vantage point it is easy to understand what makes a “Carioca” so proud to live here.

Located atop the Corcovado Mountain at a height of 710 meters, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is certainly one of the world's best-known and most-visited monuments. This outing begins in the Cosme Velho District, aboard a miniature train that runs through the steep Atlantic Rainforest up to the foot of the statue, offering stunning glimpses of Rio from many different angles. From the top, the view is nothing short of heavenly: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botanical Gardens, the Jockey Club, and the Lagoon. The entire city spreads out in a magnificent panorama during the day, glittering and magical after dark, and always protected by Christ the Redeemer, who blesses visitors and residents from on high.

This excursion takes students to visit Rio’s impressive Botanical Gardens. Each of the Garden’s 141 hectares shelters outstanding examples of plant life from Brazil and the rest of the world. The Imperial Palms are among its most spectacular attractions, planted in 1809 by Prince Regent D. João VI. There are huge trees decked with orchids that contrast with giant victoria-regia, lilies, bromeliads, royal poincianas, and tropical foliage, making the Botanical Gardens a favorite hideaway for nature-lovers, sweethearts, and all those seeking peace and tranquillity.

During this excursion students visit the Modern Art Museum located in Flamengo Park alongside Guanabara Bay and close to downtown. The Museum was inaugurated in 1958 and has a very unusual history. After a disastrous fire in 1978, hundreds of people from all over the world flocked to rebuild this cultural treasure, helping to repair the building and replace its collections. It currently houses some 1,700 works including paintings, sculptures and engravings by Brazilian and foreign artists. It also holds a specialized art library and a well-known cinemathèque that is among the most popular in town.

This excursion takes students to the beautiful little island of Paquetá, lying in the middle of Guanabara Bay, just one hour from downtown by ferry. The only means to get to the island is by boat as there are no bridges linking it to the continent. In fact, the only cars allowed on Paquetá are one ambulance, one police car, and one fire truck. The beauty of this excursion begins as soon as the students board the ferry at Praça XV (downtown). Once on Paquetá, students enjoy the beautiful beaches, the quaint atmosphere, and the unforgettable sunset. Have your camera ready for some amazing shots!