Where to Find Five Unique Vistas in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is famous worldwide for its iconic viewpoints: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. They are the highlights of the city and have been shown countless times on television, in magazines, newspapers, and across the internet. But beyond these famous images, what often captures visitors’ attention is the density of Rio’s natural beauty. This city may well be the number one big city in the world with the highest concentration of mountains. For that reason, the landscapes of Rio are not limited to Christ and Sugarloaf.

We asked local guide Alan to share his favorite lesser-known lookouts. Alan is 43 years old, born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. Having traveled to 35 countries across all continents, he’s had the opportunity to connect with many different cultures and languages—an experience that only deepened his desire to share his own city, Rio de Janeiro, with visitors.

Here are five off-the-beaten-path viewpoints that offer stunning perspectives of Rio. All can be reached without hiking, and none charge an entrance fee:

Pedra Bonita Ramp

Known as the launching point for paragliders and hang gliders, Pedra Bonita Ramp can be reached by car and offers an impressive view of Pedra da Gávea—the world’s largest monolith that begins right at the ocean’s edge. From this spot, the scenery is especially striking: Pedra da Gávea rises on one side, while on the other you see the graceful silhouette of the Two Brothers Hills.

Two Brothers Park Viewpoint

Not to be confused with the top of the Two Brothers mountain (which requires a one-hour hike from the Vidigal Favela), this viewpoint lies within Two Brothers Park. At the end of Leblon Beach, a road climbs the slope of the hill, leading to a lookout where you can enjoy sweeping views of Leblon and Ipanema beaches. The park itself has been revitalized and offers a green, tranquil area for strolling.

Chinese View (Vista Chinesa)

One of Rio’s most beautiful viewpoints, Chinese View is unique among the city’s drive-up lookouts. From here, you can see Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and the beaches of Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana—all from the same angle. It’s a rare panorama that brings together Rio’s most famous landmarks in one frame.

Dona Marta Viewpoint

This viewpoint offers two equally stunning perspectives. On one side, you can admire Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon with Corcovado Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue from an unusual angle. On the other, Guanabara Bay stretches out in all its grandeur, with Sugarloaf Mountain standing proudly at its entrance.

Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas)

In the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa, this unusual lookout sits atop the remains of a mansion once owned by Brazilian socialite Laurinda Santos Lobo. From the rooftop, visitors can take in views of Guanabara Bay, downtown Rio, Santos Dumont domestic airport, and, of course, Christ and Sugarloaf. The crumbling walls of the house add a unique atmosphere, blending history and scenery in one remarkable spot.

If you’re looking for unique perspectives of Rio beyond the well-trodden paths, these five viewpoints are not to be missed. To discover them with local insight and stories, consider starting a conversation with Alan— to design a private experience that will showcase the city’s landscapes to you in truly unforgettable ways.