In pictures: Postcards from Rio

With the Olympic games set to commence in Rio de Janeiro this week, efforts have been underway to transform the city. Hundreds of thousands of people have flocked to Rio as athletes around the world have been training and participating in Olympic trials.

The host city has faced sharp criticism ahead of the games as it continues its attempts to control the spread of the Zika virus while Brazil's economic crisis and political unrest have come to the forefront of the media, overshadowing the usual fanfare that surrounds the summer sporting event.

Searching for a different viewpoint of the city, we look at a series of stunning pictures capturing Rio's beauty through its landscapes and cityscapes.

Christ the Redeemer is seen behind Morro da Coroa (Coroa slum) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

Aerial view of the statue of the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: AFP

An aerial view shows people on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Vidigal slum is pictured from above in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, less than two weeks before the start of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. PHOTO: REUTERS

Aerial view of the Fort Copacabana venue where will be hosted the marathon swimming, triathlon events and will be the starting point for the road cycling discipline during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. PHOTO: AFP

Sugarloaf Mountain is seen from the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) during sunrise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTER

Christ the Redeemer is seen from the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) during sunrise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

Aerial view of the Marina da Gloria which will host sailing events during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. PHOTO: AFP

A pilot steers his helicopter at night over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Rio de Janeiro skyline is pictured during sunset from Niteroi, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Christ the Redeemer statue is seen through the beach volleyball venue on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

An aerial view of the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. PHOTO: REUTERS

A woman is pictured at the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) during sunrise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

A night view of Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Museu do Amanha (Museum of Tomorrow) is seen during sunrise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

Children run after a capoeira lesson in the Rocinha favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

Aerial view of the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: AFP

Aerial view of the Deodoro Aquatics Centre which will stage the swimming section of the modern pentathlon during the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games. PHOTO: AFP

An aerial view of the 2016 Rio Olympics beach volleyball venue on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Maracana Stadium is pictured from above in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

People playing soccer are pictured from above in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Olympic Village is reflected in an apartment window during a guided tour for journalists to the 2016 Rio Olympics Village in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

Christ the Redeemer is seen atop the Corcovado mountain and the Botafogo beach during sunset in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

Morro Dois Irmao (Two Brothers Hill) is pictured from Pedra Bonita mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS

An aerial view of a highway toll booth in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. PHOTO: REUTERS