Escape the city swelter at Parque da Catacumba
There's no question that the sticky heat and frantic pace of life in Rio de Janeiro can be exhausting for locals and visitors alike. It's a blessing then, that the city boasts city parks in abundance - from the (justly) famous botanical gardens to the hidden trails of Parque da Catacumba.
The latter has to be one of the city's best-kept secrets - as well as boasting trails up to a vantage point with spectacular views over the Lagoa, it serves as an open-air art gallery, with impressive sculptures from local artists dotted around the place. Monkeys and tropical birds can be spotted overhead and, after taking the well-marked short hike up to the viewing point, you'll see condors swooping past you as you take in the breathtaking views.
Although the park sits directly behind the Lagoa - itself a major tourist attraction - it is little visited by tourists. When I visited, I found that my only company was the little monkeys sunning themselves on the park's benches.
But while the peace and quiet today provide a welcome respite from the heat and the pace of city life, less than 40 years ago the scene here would have been very different. The site was once home to one of Rio's notorious favelas (shanty towns). At one stage, up to 15,000 people lived here with in self-built homes, but an urban renovation program saw the favela demolished in 1970. The residents were shipped out to various sites in the suburbs - most famously Cidade de Deus (City of God) - the setting for the film of the same name.
Entrance to the park is free, and this is the perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries after a few days in a city that can be exhausting as it is exhilarating.