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of Christ the Redeemer. At over 700m above sea level, there are stunning views of the city of Rio, Guanabara Bay and Sugar Loaf Mountain. This time the weather and visibility was good. There is also a view of the Jockey Club Racecourse, Lagoa lagoon and the Leblon and Ipanema beaches and huge lumps of granite jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. The statue itself is also very impressive and huge, requiring a wide-angle lens to fit it all in while at Corcovado, but is of course also a striking view from far away as well, high up of the peak of the jagged lump of rock.

After the half-day tour we took a taxi to botanical gardens. These are not bad, although not as good as Kew Gardens (which are about a mile from where I live in London), but with monkeys. It is certainly a good tranquil place to spend a couple of hours.

It was my birthday, and although our hotel was good, from a location point of view, we needed to find somewhere a bit better for my celebratory meal, so we took a taxi to Copacabana Palace hotel. This was allegedly one of Princess Diana's favourites, so I thought that might do for a spot of dinner. She had good taste. It was extremely good, with wonderful 1920s art deco surroundings, excellent Italian food and Ritz level of service and quality. We started with a glass of wine next to swimming pool with small bats swooping past, scooping insects from above the surface of the water, and then we went inside for dinner. I wish we had paid the extra and stayed at the hotel. Maybe next time.

Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful city in which to spend a few days, with its stunning views, good food and a selection of good to excellent hotels in fantastic locations. While not being as dangerous as its reputation suggests it is certainly a place to practice caution and keep an eye on your handbag.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Porter.
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