For those who want to discover this wonderful city while practicing their Portuguese, we offer afternoon excursions to some of the most beautiful places in Rio. All excursions are led by a Portuguese instructor. Excursions are provided as a courtesy, but students are expected to pay for their own transportation and entrance fees. Some of the excursions we offer in this marvelous city are described below.

Christ the Redeemer Statue Located atop the Corcovado Mountain at a height of 710 meters, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is certainly one of the world's best-known and most-visited monuments. This outing begins in the Cosme Velho District, aboard a miniature train that runs through the steep Atlantic Rainforest up to the foot of the statue, offering stunning glimpses of Rio from many different angles. From the top, the view is nothing short of heavenly: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botanical Gardens, the Jockey Club, and the Lagoon. The entire city spreads out in a magnificent panorama during the day, glittering and magical after dark, and always protected by Christ the Redeemer, who blesses visitors and residents from on high.

Botanical Gardens This excursion takes you to Rio's impressive Botanical Gardens. Each of the garden's 141 hectares shelters outstanding examples of plant life from Brazil and the rest of the world. The Imperial Palms are among its most spectacular attractions, planted in 1809 by King D. João VI. The garden also boasts huge trees decked with orchids that contrast with giant victoria-regia, lilies, bromeliads, royal poincianas, and tropical foliage, making the area a favorite hideaway for nature-lovers, sweethearts, and all those seeking peace and tranquility.

Sugar Loaf Standing at the entrance of Guanabara Bay lies Rio's most famous landmark: Sugar Loaf Mountain. Here you can take one of the famous "bondinhos" (cable cars) to the top of Morro da Urca, where you can have a snack while admiring one of the most beautiful views in the world. Later, they continue the ride to the top of Sugar Loaf and you'll enjoy a complete view of the Bay's inlet, as well as all of southern Rio de Janeiro and its beautiful beaches. From this vantage point, it is easy to understand what makes a "Carioca" so proud to live here.

MAM - Modern Art Museum During this excursion, you'll visit the Modern Art Museum located in Flamengo Park alongside Guanabara Bay and close to downtown. The museum was inaugurated in 1958 and has a very unusual history. After a disastrous fire in 1978, hundreds of people from all over the world flocked to rebuild this cultural treasure, helping to repair the building and replace its collections. The MAM currently houses some 1,700 works including paintings, sculptures and engravings by Brazilian and foreign artists. It also holds a specialized art library and a well-known cinemathèque that is among the most popular in town.