A vacation to Rio de Janeiro is unforgettable. The views from the top of Corcovado (where the Statue of Christ stands above the city, sometimes shrouded in cloud), the tram ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, the quiet and solitude to be found in the Jardim Botanico even though it's located in the middle of the city, the roller-coaster and water raft ride at Terra Encantada. Copacabana beach in November is almost deserted. You will find incredible beaches only an hour's drive from Rio in the Costa do Sol, in the Region of the Lakes, where there are large interlocking lakes that extend for many miles, from Marica to Cabo Frio. The people are friendly and the food is delicious and inexpensive. Going to Rio is an experience of a lifetime.