Insight Guide to Brazil writes:
"Backed by mountains, fronted by the sea, nothing can prepare you for the extraordinary natural beauty. Rio is the final victory of fantasy over fact."

Rio is truly one of the most naturally beautiful cities on earth. Brazilian legends say that God made the world in six days and devoted the seventh day to Rio. And if you want to pronounce Rio like the locals, pronounce it "heeoo".

The beach is the heart and soul of Rio; it's everyone's backyard and playground. Insight Guide to Brazil:
"Cariocas read, gossip, flirt, jog, exercise, dream, think and even close business deals on the beach. On a glorious summer weekend, nearly the whole of Rio spends some time on the beach. And this isn't to say they aren't on the beach during the week as well. One of the great mysteries of Rio is how anything ever gets done on a warm, sunny day."

In the early 1900s Búzios was popular with the Carioca’s high society, who wanted to escape from the chaotic city life of Rio de Janeiro and enjoy over 23 beaches that the peninsula offers.

But it wasn’t until 1964, when the famous French Actress Brigitte Bardot visited Búzios, that it grew to be a popular tourist destination.

Today, the peninsula offers calmness, direct contact with nature and breathtaking views. The west coast beaches offer calm, clear waters while the east coast ones, facing the open sea, are more wild and draw surfers and water sports enthusiasts.

As for nightlife activities, Rua das Pedras is the place to go. Literally translated as “Stone Street”, the cobblestone pathway is the center of the city life, featuring a large variety of stores, restaurants, clubs, bars and art galleries