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.

When you make the big trip to Iguazu (or Iguassu!), it’s not just about seeing the waterfalls—it’s about experiencing them from every angle. We asked local guide Astir to share his top suggestions for how visitors can truly connect with this natural wonder. From trails and boat rides to sky-high views, here are five unforgettable ways to experience Iguazu Falls. 1. Walk the Trails Beside the Falls There’s no better introduction than stepping right up to Iguazu’s edge. Boardwalks and trails weave through the national park, leading you to jaw-dropping viewpoints and close encounters with the spray. With nearly 300 cascades spread across the border of Brazil and Argentina, the falls reveal something new around every bend. 2. Feel the Power on a Macuco Safari Boat Ride For pure adrenaline, climb aboard a speedboat and ride upriver toward the base of the falls. The Macuco Safari is equal parts thrilling and soaking—by the time the captain noses the boat under the spray, you’ll be laughing and drenched, surrounded by walls of rushing water. 3. Explore the Rainforest by Bike Beyond the falls themselves lies an incredible rainforest ecosystem. Pedaling along shaded jungle trails, you’ll hear tropical birdcalls, spot monkeys in the trees, and take in the lush beauty that frames Iguazu. It’s an active, immersive way to see the park from a fresh perspective. 4. Marvel at the Itaipu Dam While the falls showcase nature’s raw power, Itaipu Dam highlights human ingenuity on a grand scale. This colossal hydroelectric plant—the second largest in the world—spans the Paraná River and generates power for millions of people. Touring the dam is a fascinating contrast to the natural wonder you’ve just witnessed. 5. See It All from the Sky To grasp the true scale of Iguazu, you need to rise above it. A short helicopter flight reveals the sprawling rainforest suddenly split by a massive horseshoe of water, cascading in endless sheets of white. It’s a perspective few get to see, and one you won’t forget. With so many ways to experience Iguazu Falls, it helps to have a local expert to guide you toward the best angles, routes, and hidden highlights. Book a tour with Astir to benefit from his insight, stories, and deep knowledge of the region—you’ll come away with more than just great photos, but memories of Iguazu that last a lifetime.

Japan’s magic extends far beyond the hubs of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the three cities that make up the beloved "Golden Route" popular with first time visitors. But with convenient domestic train connections (and now free domestic flights when flying to Japan with Japan Airways!) it’s easier than ever to explore culture, nature, and authentic local encounters off the well-trod path. Do you want to go beyond the standard tourist route on your visit? Here are three inspiring regions away from the crowds to consider for your next journey to this magical nation. Hokkaido & Sapporo – Japan’s Wild North Cooler summer breezes, alpine scenery, and wide-open landscapes make Hokkaido a refreshing escape from the bigger cities in summer. Wander lavender fields in Furano, admire Biei’s Blue Pond, hike Daisetsuzan’s rugged trails, or embrace winter’s powdery calm. In Sapporo, markets brim with ultra-fresh seafood and regional dairy specialties—and a local guide helps you experience it all at your own pace. Explore private tours in Sapporo | See Hokkaido tour options Okinawa & Naha – Where Karate and Longevity Meet Far to the south, Okinawa blends Ryukyuan heritage with a relaxed, wellness-oriented way of life. Visit castles and craft studios, learn about the island’s Blue Zone longevity, and unwind on pristine beaches between bowls of fresh, healthy cuisine. With a private guide, you can tailor a day around culture, nature, and meaningful local encounters. Discover private tours in Naha & Okinawa | Featured: Southern Okinawa Heritage & Hidden Coast Hiroshima, Miyajima & the Art Islands of the Seto Inland Sea Western Japan offers a moving blend of history, spirituality, and contemporary creativity. Reflect at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, ferry to Miyajima to see Itsukushima’s iconic “floating” torii, wander Okayama’s celebrated Korakuen Garden, or head to Naoshima for world-class museums and architecture. Browse private tours in Hiroshima | See Miyajima tour options | Connect with guides on Naoshima Ready to See More of Japan? From Hokkaido’s wild landscapes to Okinawa’s wellness traditions and the artistic shores of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan really rewards travellers who go beyond the familiar. Book your private guide and discover a side of Japan most visitors never see.

Imagine stones older than the pyramids, castles born from a king’s dreams, and pirate-fueled cities sunk into legend—these are just a few of UNESCO’s freshly crowned World Heritage Sites for 2025, beckoning travellers in 2026 with stories written in stone, myth, and water. UNESCO’s World Heritage List recognizes places of “outstanding universal value,” spanning human history, cultural identity, and natural beauty. At its 47th session in Paris in July 2025, UNESCO added 26 new sites, expanding the global treasure chest past the 1,200-site mark. Here are five of the most compelling new destinations for history-rich journeys in 2026. 1) Megaliths of Carnac and the Shores of Morbihan, France Thousands of standing stones dot Brittany’s windswept landscape in alignments so vast they make Stonehenge seem modest. Dating back more than 6,000 years, the Carnac stones showcase Neolithic ingenuity and spirituality, set amid coastal villages and Atlantic light. Best time to visit: May–June and September for mild weather, long days, and lighter crowds. Find a guide in Brittany, France 2) Palaces of King Ludwig II, Germany Neuschwanstein and its sister palaces (including Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee) finally achieved UNESCO recognition in 2025. Their inscription took time due to the rigorous nomination process and the need to demonstrate outstanding universal value. Expect theatrical interiors, romantic silhouettes, and Bavarian mountain backdrops. Best time to visit: September–October for autumn colours, clearer light, and calmer crowds after the summer rush. Find a guide in Bavaria 3) Minoan Palatial Centres, Crete (Greece) There’s far more to Crete than Knossos. The newly inscribed palatial network—Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, Zominthos, and Kydonia—reveals Europe’s earliest advanced civilization through innovative architecture, frescoes, and urban planning. Best time to visit: April–early June or late September–October for warm (not scorching) days and fewer crowds at the archaeological sites. Find a guide in Crete 4) 17th-Century Port Royal, Jamaica Once the Caribbean’s most notorious pirate port—infamously called “the wickedest city on earth”—Port Royal was partially swallowed by the sea after the 1692 earthquake. Today, surviving forts and maritime archaeology offer a vivid window into colonial trade, corsair lore, and dramatic natural history. Best time to visit: December–April (dry season) for sunny skies, cooler breezes, and comfortable exploring. Find a guide in Jamaica 5) Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex, Vietnam This sacred northern-Vietnamese complex interlaces temples, pagodas, and ancient pilgrimage routes through forested hills. It’s a serene blend of Buddhist architecture, cultural memory, and nature, ideal for travellers seeking reflective journeys. Best time to visit: February–April for spring festivals and blooming landscapes, or October–November for cooler, clear conditions. Find a guide in northern Vietnam Final Thoughts These sites aren’t just pins on a map—they’re doorways to eras, emblematic of creativity, struggle, faith, and human transformation. For 2026 travellers, they promise encounters with history that still breathes in stones, palaces, ruins, and sacred landscapes.