You'll notice that people from Rio call themselves Cariocas, and here you'll learn the reason why the river was so important to the early residents of Rio de Janeiro. After a 20 minute walk through the leafy neighbourhood of Cosme Velho, we enter into the Tijuca Forest National Park alongside this historic river.

After climbing up into the forest, crossing paths with the Carioca river along the way, we stop at a lookout with a view of the Guanabara Bay.

If you're feeling the heat on the trail, you can cool down in royal style. This giant bathtub was built for the enjoyment of Emperor Dom Pedro II and his family. It's fed by the river, and while it is partially in ruins, it's still possible to take a splash.

This old hotel has been converted into a modern visitor's centre, with information about the national park and the Christ the Redeemer Statue. Here you can get a coffee, use the bathroom and grab a bite to eat.

On the last 1km section of the trail we encounter the best views of the hike, before entering into the statue complex (your entrance fee is included in the price). You'll have time to see the panorama of the city at the feet of one of the modern wonders of the world.

We take the train home through the forest after visiting Christ the Redeemer. The modern electric Swiss-made trains are a far cry from the orginal steam train that first visited the mountain in 1884, and is Brazil's longest running tourist attraction. The train will leave you in the tranquil neighbourhood of Cosme Velho, where you can call an Uber or Taxi, or have a bite to eat or coffee before heading home.