As promised, here are the first three picks on my list of Top 10 “Road less traveled” things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
#1 Dance until the sun comes up at Alto Vidigal
Alto Vidigal is a bar and hostel at the top of Favela Vidgal with heart-stealing views of the ocean and Ipanema beach. They do a great mojito and fantastic party. “But aren’t favelas dangerous?!” You might ask. Vidigal is a favela (slum) that runs up the side of Morro Dois Irmãos" (Two Brothers mountain). It was pacified in 2011 and is now quite safe. In fact I lived there for about a month last year and loved it. To get to the bar, I recommend hailing a moto-taxi at the bottom of the favela (you can’t miss them) and ask your driver to take you to Alto Vidigal. It’s an exhilarating, hair-raising ride to the top, around many lumps, bumps, twists and turns, so hold on tight! They will drop you off at the top of the stairs that lead to this hidden, but increasingly popular hang out. Stay up all night. The sunrise from the top is worth it.
#2 Praia Diabo/ Devil’s Beach
Praia Diabo is a lesser known and much less populated gem-of-a-spot nestled between the tourist-dense Copacabanna and Ipanema beaches. It’s cozy, tucked out of the way and the view is great. However, don’t swim too far out from shore or during rough weather because the current can be strong.
Praia Diabo is the little beach to the right of the big rock in the foreground. Copacabanna arches along the right side and Ipanema jets off to the left side of this photo.
#3 Climb Morro Urca and take the bonjinho down
Pao de Acucar is pictured on the left and to the right is the slightly shorter Morro Urca.
While Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain) is one of the most touristy places in Rio, it has unbeatable views of the city so I still highly recommend taking a few hours to check it out. You can take the road less traveled and hike up Morro Urca (Urca Mountain, the lower one of the two) It’s a great hike, about 45 minutes and not too crazy but will make you sweat for sure. Go for sunrise or sunset. It’s free, you get some exercise and on the way you can see many unusual tropical plants and a bunch of curious monkeys.
To hike up Morro Urca go through the square at the base of the mountain (near the entrance to the cable cars) and you will see a small beach called Praia Vermelho (Red Beach). To the left of the beach is a running path and just through the gate, near the beginning of the path you will see a trail that goes off to the left and up the mountain. Take that trail.
From the top of Morro Urca you can decide if you want to take the bondinho (cable car) up to the second mountain which is the Sugar Loaf or enjoy the view from there (still incredible) and then take the tram down for free. I think it’s worth it to pay the extra fare (about $10) to take the second cable car to the top of Pao de Acucar. There you will encounter a sweeping panorama of Rio de Janiero. You can see all of Guanabara Bay and Copacabana beach as well as parts of Ipanema, Christ the Redeemer across the Bay and the surrounding mountains and ocean. Be warned, Rio is so beautiful you may never want to leave.
Top 10/Part 2 coming soon~