Your TV screen this August is likely to be blanketed with gorgeous helicopter tracking shots of Rio de Janeiro's gorgeous hills, lagoons, bays and beaches, but of course the real Rio has so much more to offer than the standard view from the Christ Statue. Rosie Tobin from South America specialists RealWorld takes a look at some of the ways you could get away from the hype and hustle of the Olympics, and off the beaten track (and field...) in Rio this summer.

With the 2016 Olympic Games fast approaching, the world has its sights firmly set on the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro. And with the media awash with stunning photos of Brazil's carnival capital, it's no surprise that so many people are dreaming of a holiday to Rio this year. But with nearly half a million people expected to descent on the city this August, and many more inspired to visit by the Olympics, tailor-made South America specialists RealWorld Holidays (http://www.realworldholidays.co.uk) are now offering an even bigger range of completely customisable trips to Brazil, to help you escape the crowds and experience the 'real' Rio de Janeiro.

Rio has undergone what is probably its biggest transformation this year, with sports stadiums, shopping malls and nearly 100 new hotels being constructed in preparation for the 31st Olympic Games, the first ever to be held in South America. The city's metro system has been renovated with new lines added, and the iconic yellow trams have been reinstated in the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, which should mean the hordes of visitors will find getting to and from the games and the major sites easier than ever.

But if you'd prefer to do a bit more than just tread the well-worn path up to the iconic Christ Statue, it's definitely possible to see the best of Rio through the eyes of a local not a tourist, as Rosie Tobin from RealWorld explains: “There are some great local guides in Rio who can help you get off the beaten path. They know all the 'secrets of the city', and can make sure you see things that most people miss.” So, for example, if you want to avoid the crowds and clichés but you don't think you can go to Rio without seeing the Christ Statue, why not get a private guide to take you up there for a sunrise breakfast before it's open to the general public? Or for a completely different experience to the usual “favela safari” where tourists are bundled around one of Rio's shanty towns in a big yellow bus, how about walking up through the Vidigal favela with a local guide, stopping for coffee and a chat in cafes along the way, before reaching the twin peaks of the Morro Dois Irmaos, which afford spectacular views across the city but are a world away from the tourist meccas of Corcovado or Mount Sugarloaf.

If you enjoy really getting to know the people of a city, then some of Rio's English-speaking supper clubs give you the chance to enjoy some fantastic food in a private home, and if you're a bit of a foodie then a visit to a local market to sample some of the weird and wonderful Brazilian produce is a must. You can expect plenty of shots of carnival dancers in the Olympic coverage, but what about attending a local samba night yourself so you can feel the real carnival spirit? And if you're all about the scenery and the photos, helicopter flights or paragliding trips offer unbeatable opportunities to get the perfect pictures of Rio's hills, beaches and bays, or you could take a private sailing trip out into the Maria de Gloria Bay where the Olympic sailing events will take place, for some fabulous views of the city's skyline.

No matter what kind of trip you're planning, Rio is a fabulous city, but as with most big cities across the world, if you avoid the standard 'off the shelf' tours and instead look for companies which offer the chance to do something different, you'll find the real rewards are just a few steps away from the glitz and glamour of the Olympic Park...

RealWorld Holidays

RealWorld Holidays specialise in tailor-made travel to South America, offering everything from Machu Picchu Inca Trail treks to off-the-beaten-path Amazon Rainforest stays, and everything in between. Their 14-day Brazil Nutshell trip includes plenty of time in Rio, with a range of personalised tours to choose from, as well as a visit to the magnificent Iguazu Falls and a wildlife-watching stay in the Pantanal Wetlands; the best of Brazil in a nutshell. The 2016 price of £2,695pp includes all accommodation in 4-star hotels, with breakfasts, internal flights, transfers, and guided tours. International flights are available for less than £500 per person with TAP Portugal. For more information visit http://www.realworldholidays.co.uk/brazil/ or call 0113 262 5329.

Notes for Editors:

For more information and hi-res imagery for these itineraries please contact Dan Clarke at RealWorld on 0113 262 5329, or dan@realworldholidays.co.uk.