Connected to the metro station off Praça General Osório, this elevator whisks passengers up to Cantagalo, a favela that's wedged between Ipanema and Copacabana. The sparkling sea views from the elevator are quite fine, though local residents are happy simply to have a convenient way to get home that doesn't mean ascending hundreds of steps. From the top, keep heading uphill for even better views over Ipanema and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.
As far as security goes, Cantagalo has been safe to visit since the police pacification units arrived in 2009. Recent high-profile visitors include Lady Gaga, Carla Bruni and Brazil's president, Dilma Rousseff.
