An icon of Rio's landscape and a name recognised worldwide, Sugarloaf Mountain and her cable cars (immortalised in James Bond's Moonraker) provide one of the best views in the city. Head up at sunset and watch Rio transform into a sea of twinkling lights and know that you are following in the esteemed footsteps of such luminaries as Albert Einstein and John F. Kennedy. Alternatively beat the queues and go early on a sunny day, bringing with you your beach gear as a trip to the neighbouring Praia Vermelha to cool off beckons once back on sea level. Several hiking trails offer alternative routes up and down Morro da Urca - the middle cable car station - and those adventurous souls can catch a ride back down for free after 7pm, making it an even better idea to interact a little closer with the flora and fauna.