Rio de Janeiro Off the Beaten Path Tips by racheljapi

Don't just go up to the top of Sugar Loaf. At the base there is a path for walking and running. It's a beautiful path and you can also feed these cute little monkeys. (although you aren't supposed to) Even if you don't, the view and just looking at these little guys is enough. Walk over to the beach part and get yourself a coconut!

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On the road to Christ there is a perfect little place to climb. Go with a local or a good climber. Just make sure you have all your own gear. If you don't want to climb it's also a beautiful walk with a waterfall. Well, it's called a waterfall but it's actually re-directed river water coming from a tube. Still great to shower under, especially after the beach!

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Livraria da Travessa, in Ipanema, is awesome. When I needed a little private time from where I was staying I'd head there. Go in, grab some over-priced American or British magazines and head up to the coffee shop. There you can have a cafe and a smoke (if you smoke) and read up to 5 mags or books at a time! If you aren't living there as an ex-patriot, just visiting, it's also a great place to get books about Brazil or books/magazines in Portuguese.

Hours are: 9am-10pm Mon-Fri; 9am-2pm Sun
Another bonus: You can get internet for a fairly good price. I don't remember exactly but it was only a couple of reais for a half hour.

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Phone: 21 3205-9002
Website: http://www.travessa.com.br/
Other Contact: Visconde de Pirajá 572 Ipanema

There are 2 main types of Capoeria: Angola and Regional. I have just started practicing Angola (a more controlled and slow moving version while Regional is faster and more aggressive). It is an amazing sport and fun to do. The movements aren't like anything I have ever done before. I highly recommend either watching a practice or Roda or joining in on a practice.

The group I meet with is very relaxed and everyone is entitled to a demo (free) class. It's located at Victory Academia in Laranjeiras. The address is Rua Conde de Baependi 71. Come by and check it out or locate one near you.

FYI: We have traditional Rodas every Saturday at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to watch

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Phone: 2265-9099

This is a bakery/snack place that is a perfect pre-beach stop, especially when busing it to Ipanema. Come in here to get a large bottle of water for 1.80 reais or a snack before hitting the beach. Make sure you go to the cashier before the counter. You have to figure out what you want first, go to the cashier and pay for it, then take your receipt to the guys at the counter. The food is at one counter and you get your water at the counter at the far end of the store.

This place is located on the corner of Jaoana Anjengelica and Visconde de Piraja

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This is a well known pit stop on the way home from the bar or club (for people living in this part of Zona Sul anyway). Here we have the BEST hotdogs of Rio. I suggest trying one with everything. Everything includes 4 sauces, corn, the skinny potatoe chip things, peas, friend onions and peppers, salt, and some other stuff I can't remember. Nothing tastes better at 4 in the morning (or even at lunch).

Located on the corner of Rua General Glicerio and Rua Laranjeiras (I believe).

PS. It's just a little stand. (and it's very cheap!)

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Ok, so the chiquita banana lady is said to not be modeled after Carmen Miranda but that's a load of $^%@. Have you seen the photos?! Anyway, the Carmen Miranda museum is great. It's tiny, much tinier then she deserves, but it's a sight to see. The outside looks like a park bathroom but check it out anyway. There is great stuff inside, including the mirror she was holding when she died, and some tacky cool shirts in the giftshop/office. It's one of those hidden treasure cult museums. After my visit I wanted to start a petition to get her a bigger and better museum, at the very least some fruit on top of the one she has already :) Then again, I was 9 months pregnant and very hormonal...

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Phone: 55-21-2299-5586
Website: www.carmenmiranda.net
Other Contact: Av. Rui Barbosa | Flamengo , Rio