The Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay begins its journey around Brazil on Tuesday (3 May) in Brasília. After leaving the country's capital, a modernist masterpiece that is on Unesco's world heritage list, the torch will visit a series of towns in the state of Goiás in Brazil's rural heartland and then enter the mining state of Minas Gerais.

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The 10 first torchbearers include a host of Brazilian sporting stars, such as Fabiana Claudino, double Olympic gold medallist in volleyball, and world surfing champion Gabriel Medina. Former marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima, bronze medallist in the memorable Athens 2004 race, will be also be carrying the torch, as will Artur Ávila Cordeiro de Melo, a recent winner of the Fields Medal, considered to be the Nobel Prize for mathematics. A 12-year-old refugee from Syria and an inspirational teacher will also share the honours.

Daniela Mercury kicks off the party

On the first day of the relay, the Olympic torch will pass by iconic buildings and monuments in Brasília, including the Cathedral, the JK Memorial, the Itamaraty Palace and the Praça dos Três Poderes, home to the country's government. Along the way it will descend from an army helicopter by abseil, cross a swimming pool and be borne by guards on horseback. The day will end with a concert by Brazilian music legend Daniela Mercury.

A homage to the traditions of Goiás

On Wednesday, the torch will leave Brasília and cross into the rural state of Goiás, visiting the towns of Corumbá, Pirenópolis and Anápolis. In historic Pirenópolis, celebrated country music duo Zezé di Camargo and Luciano will carry the torch. On its journey across Goiás, the relay will witness a traditional countryside festival, the colourful Cavalhadas. On Thursday, the torch will travel by ox-drawn cart in Itaberaí, before heading onto the state's picturesque former capital, Cidade de Goiás, birthplace of poet Cora Coralina. The torch will end the day in the current state capital Goiânia. On Friday, the relay will move onto Trindade, Aparecida de Goiânia, Piracanjuba, Morrinhos and finally Caldas Novas, a resort town famous for its hot spas.

Crossing the frontier

On Saturday the torch will visit Pires do Rio, Ipameri and Goiandira on its way out of Goiás, before crossing into the state of Minas Gerais, a region rich in history, culture and industry. After visiting Araguari, the relay will end the day in Uberlândia. On Sunday, the torch will visit the towns of Araxá, Serra do Salitre, Patrocínio and finally Patos de Minas.