Rio de Janeiro, Michael Sommers

Explore Rio de Janeiro's many streets and personalities--neighborhood by neighborhood--from samba clubs to the best shopping blocks, sandy beaches to history-rich favelas, and island excursions to savory meals. A history section grounds you in the region's geographic context, while each subsequent chapter packs numerous insider tips from National Geographic and local experts. Experiential sidebars reveal ways to participate in Rio culture, including dancing, cooking, biking, boating, and visiting festivals, parks, ports, or casinos.

Whether you're sipping from a coconut husk at a sidewalk cafe, watching (or joining) hang gliders jump off the cliffs of Sao Conrado, or trying your hand at a traditional instrument in the music zone of Rua da Carioca, every page in this invaluable guide transports you to Rio long before you arrive.