Michael Sommers - Moon Spotlight Rio de Janeiro

Ipanema beach; the waterfront of Ipanema and Copacabana Beach.

S Floresta da Tijuca: Brazils largest urban park, Floresta da Tijuca is a lush green oasis of native Atlantic forest that is perfect for a refreshing getaway ().

S Museu Imperial: The former summer residence of Dom Pedro II, located in Petrpolis, offers a glimpse into the life of an emperor in the tropics ().

S Bzios: Brazils version of Saint-Tropez is a tropical chic playground with sophisticated amenities, a celebrated nightlife, and beaches for every taste under the sun ().

S Ilha Grande: The largest of the many islands in the Bay of Angra dos Reis, Ilha Grande is an island paradise that captures the essence and ethos of back to nature ().

S Paraty: One of the most charming and best-preserved Portuguese colonial towns in Brazil is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and idyllic beaches ().

Natural attractions are also in abundance along the coasts of Rio de Janeiro state. East of the city are the upscale resort towns of Cabo Frio and Bzios, which offer beautiful sandy beaches with calm pools for snorkeling and big waves for surfers. Bzios is particularly charming, with cobblestoned streets and shades of Saint-Tropez. Those in search of more tranquil options can head south along the Costa Verde (Green Coast), named for the verdant mountains that provide a striking backdrop to the unspoiled beaches. Highlights along this coast include the island paradise of Ilha Grande and the beautifully preserved colonial town of Paraty.

One week will give you time to explore museums and historic sights, shop, and lounge on the citys famous beaches as well as take a day trip or two to the surrounding beaches or mountains of Rio de Janeiro state. Despite the great variety of its attractions, Rio de Janeiro state is compact, and most sights are only two or three hours away. While some of these destinations (such as Petrpolis and Terespolis) can be visited as day trips from Rio, it would be a crime to rush when faced with such intense natural beauty and relaxing environs. Two or three days reserved for the mountains surrounding Petrpolis and Itatiaia and another couple (at least) for the beautiful beaches of Bzios and Arraial do Cabo (north of Rio) or Ilha Grande and Paraty (south of Rio) will give you adequate time to unwind and explore.

There are several factors to consider when planning a trip. In summer (Dec.-early Mar.), Rio sizzlesboth figuratively (festivities and nightlife are at their zenith) and literally (with temperatures hovering around 40C/104F and lots of sticky humidity). Make sure you have an air-conditioned hotel, or head for the much cooler hills. Another option is to visit in winter (June-Sept.), when the sun is less intense and the beaches wont be quite so crowded (at least during the week). Nights are comfortably cool (15-20C/60-70F). The cold fronts that come up from Argentina, bringing cool winds and rain that can last for two or three days, are the only thing to watch out for. Rio enjoys a considerable amount of precipitation throughout the year; December to March, rains are particularly frequent. To take part in either of Rios most famous and fabulous festivitiesRveillon (New Years Eve) and Carnavalprepare to have deep pockets and to make flight and hotel bookings months in advance.

Rios setting is incomparable: This tropical metropolis of 8 million is both urban and urbane, yet every street seems to end in an explosion of towering green or a soothing slice of blue. The 500-year-old city is also hardly lacking in impressive architecture. Its downtown is a treasure trove of baroque churches, imperial palaces (many converted into cultural centers), and monumental buildings and squares. History of a more recent variety is present in the Zona Sul neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon; all three are famed for the stunning white-sand beaches that serve as playgrounds for Cariocas and tourists from all walks of life. It was here that bossa nova was born and the bikini made its mark. Despite all the beautiful people, Zona Sul retains a relaxed casualness that is typical of Rio. Sip a fresh tropical nectar at a juice bar or enjoy an icy beer at one of many rustic bars known as botequins, and watch as barefoot surfer boys and bikini girls in Havaianas stroll through the streets.

While daytime in Rio is languid, nighttime sizzles with possibilities. For dinner, choose from a profusion of world-class restaurants. Then either chill at a swanky Zona Sul lounge, dance, drink, and flirt at a nightclub, or join the pulsating throngs in the historic