A bonde (tram) is seen in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 14, 2016. Rio de Janeiro is a marvel and a mess all at once. When it hosts the first ever Olympics in South America, starting Aug. 5, visitors will see a city whose stunning topography – stark, verdant mountains loom over packed and playful beaches – competes only with the drama of daily life here. Despite drug gangs, violent crime, gaping inequality an heavy pollution, the natural splendour of Rio makes even locals joke that no matter how hard they may try, they somehow never manage to ruin the place. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





Sugarloaf Mountain is seen from the sea-line of Praia Vermalha beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 5, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





Christ the Redeemer is seen behind Morro da Coroa (Coroa slum) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 13, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





Christ the Redeemer is seen from the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) during sunrise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 4, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





A bonde (tram) is seen on the Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), an old aqueduct from the colonial era, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 14, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





An aerial view shows Christ the Redeemer atop the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 16, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





An aerial view shows people on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 16, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





An aerial view shows the Pedra da Gavea mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 16, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





An aerial view shows the Christ the Redeemer atop the Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 16, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





A woman is pictured at the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) during sunrise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 4, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





The Rio de Janeiro skyline is pictured during sunset from Niteroi, Brazil, May 31, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





Morro Dois Irmao (Two Brothers Hill) is pictured from Pedra Bonita mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 3, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)





Sugarloaf Mountain is seen from the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) during sunrise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 4, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)