Christ the Redeemer is a great starting point for your three days in Rio de Janeiro. Eternally watching over the city since 1921 with arms outstretched, the iconic and immediately recognisable figure atop Corcovado Mountain is a must see for any visit to the city.

Getting the obligatory shot with your own arms outstretched is the unavoidable task at hand, but the experience incorporates so much more than travellers might expect. The quaint and surprisingly steep funicular train trundles to the top through pristine forests, cliffs, monkeys and picturesque views. Although the statue itself dominates the plateau, arguably the views over Copacabana, Ipanema and Sugar Loaf Mountain carry a similar visual impact upon your arrival at the summit.

Top Tip: Visit early morning to avoid the crowds and heat. Another bonus is that the angle of the sun at this time makes for the best pictures!

Nothing defines Cariocans' way of living more than Copacabana, a bustling sun-soaked stretch of some of the finest sand, hemmed in by beautiful mountains and luxury hotels that plays host to the city's energetic locals.

Two million people once watched the Rolling Stones play Copacabana in one of the biggest concerts ever staged, hinting at the truly vast size of this famous stretch of beach. For a first visit to Rio it is hard to go wrong using Copacabana as a base, within striking distance of all the major sights coupled with afternoons spent at leisure by the surf or the pool. After a couple of Caipirinhas, a taxi can take you to the Samba bars of Lapa to test your hip-swaying skills

Top Tip: For those purely focussed on a beach beak, Ipanema Beach nearby is exceptional.

A little known base from which to explore Rio, Santa Teresa was once home to rich coffee merchants and artisans before they moved to the newer developments of Copacabana and Ipanema. The result is a beautiful array of quaintly decaying colonial mansions home to a large portion of Rio’s artistic and bohemian inhabitants.

The winding cobbled streets are home to an impressive array of galleries, cocktail bars and romantic restaurants. Although a little further from the main sights than the more frequented beach hotels, the reward is a selection of tastefully styled boutique properties with just a few rooms but superb standards (there’s even a Michelin star restaurant hiding in one luxury property). By day visitors can stroll or take the charming historic tram into the centre of Rio to explore a little further.

Top Tip: Rio's famous Selaron Steps are nearby, covered in tiles by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron in his tribute to the Brazilian people.

The unusual rock formations around the city of Rio are topped by the single granite monolith of Sugarloaf Mountain. Two cable cars whisk you to the top via three cable stations with spectacular views over the city and the bay. You may be lucky enough to spot Christ the Redeemer raising his head and arms above the cloud base, an experience that your pictures will not do justice. It's also possible to hike in the areas around the base and the truly adventurous can attempt the rock climb all the way to the top!

Top Tip: Sugar Loaf Mountain is a great experience as a farewell to the city at sunset. Walk to the far side of the summit platform, purchase a local beer and watch the sun go down on your last night in Rio de Janeiro; one of the greatest cities on earth.