Colonial charm in Rio de Janeiro state is to be found not only in Teresopolis, but much further west too on the doorstep of the
Paraty: A story of gold and pirates, of sea and sand
Colonial charm in Rio de Janeiro state is to be found not only in Teresopolis, but much further west too on the doorstep of the neighbouring state of Sao Paulo. Lying 150 miles west of Rio de Janeiro city and straddling the lush Costa Verde, Paraty has become almost as ingrained into a tourist itinerary as Rio itself; a beautifully
Read moreGo West, young man!
Think Rio, think beaches. Think beaches, think Ipanema and Copacabana. Those who restrict themselves to these world famous stretches of sand are missing out. Taxi, bus, cycle or hop west from Ipanema and some spectacular, secluded – and often deserted – beaches lie in wait. After an arduous traverse of the condominium car park that acts as an entry point,
Read moreBúzios: The St. Tropez, and the Ibiza, of Brazil
Lying 100 miles east of the city of Rio de Janeiro, the resort town of Búzios is a hangout for the rich and famous – and has been called the St. Tropez of Brazil. It also masquerades as the Ibiza of Brazil. Every summer, the small peninsula of Armação dos Búzios, to give it its full name, throngs with beach
Read morePacification of Rio favelas breathes new life to beleaguered communities
They are an ubiquitous sight in Rio de Janeiro, and can be imposing, intimidating and beguiling in equal measure. Clinging to every hillside of this vast city, occupying real estate with arguably the best views in Rio, are favelas (shanty town/slum in Portuguese), the often substandard housing so besmirched by Brazil’s middle and upper classes. The perception of the favelas
Read moreFinding urban adventure in Rio: the story of Selaron, the streets and the bonde
The city of Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with its green, winding hills and peaks. Atop one such hill not far from downtown sits one of the more interesting neighbourhoods of the city. A neighbourhood of history, charm and atmosphere, Santa Teresa overlooks the city, with downtown and Cristo Redentor coming intermittently into view between buildings like dolphins coming up
Read moreTime for hammock, beer and relaxation in Rio de Janeiro state
You could be forgiven for thinking the delights of Rio de Janeiro – synonymous with sun, sea, sand and samba – are confined to the city and its beaches. Travel a few hours north, however, and it’s like entering a divergent world, like the curtains have been drawn on the Cidade Maravilhosa. It’s late summer in Brazil. This
Read moreWho said Rio couldn’t be tranquil?
Beneath the symbolic embrace of Cristo Redentor atop Corcovado mountain lies one of Rio de Janeiro’s principal attractions, a weekend getaway of sorts for cariocas. Jardim Botânico, in the neighbourhood of the same name in the south zone of Rio, is world famous, and people flock here on weekends to escape the oppressive heat and maddening crowds
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