In the heat, there is no escape from visiting the beaches of Rio. Of breaking, the tourist ends up going in the ‘flow’ and taking advantage of the tourist points and the ‘points’ of Rio. Traditional itineraries, of course, are mandatory (at least on a first visit to the city), but how about enjoying the cooler temperatures to risk a less crowded itinerary with more outdoor walks? Places such as Morro da Conceição, Ilha de Paquetá and Museu do Açude are highly recommended attractions for those seeking less explored tours.
When planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro in the winter, consider a rate 25% lower in hotels than in the high season, according to the Rio Hotels Association. With this ‘B-side’ itinerary you can still save on tours, with prices Much more modest than conventional scripts.
Founders of the Facebook group Rio de Janeiro, which intends to reveal the ‘findings’ of the state of Rio, journalists Carol Rezende, Christine Lages and Raquel de Medeiros Monteiro recommend a visit to the Island of Paquetá. Bairro do Rio, the island is 60 minutes by boat from the city center. The boats leave Praça XV and tickets cost R $ 5.60.
The trip in time already begins in the crossing of the Bay of Guanabara, where the visitors take the opportunity to contemplate the landscape and to take photographs. Disembarking on the island, it is possible to hire tours offered by Ecotáxis (electric bicycles) or electric carriages – trolleys that have replaced horses and which can hold up to five people. It is also possible to rent a bicycle or take a walk. Moreninha Beach is one of the main tourist attractions in Paquetá. Another mandatory stop is the Municipal Park Darke de Matos, which houses centenary trees, gardens and a viewpoint from where it is possible to see Niterói, the Sugar Loaf, and the Christ Redeemer.
Another picturesque walk in the city is a visit to Morro da Conceição, which is on the outskirts of Plaza Mauá and can be reached on foot. With its alleys and constructions dating from the colonial period, the hill preserves important part of History, not only of Rio, but of Brazil. It is a tourist attraction full of culture. There, there is the famous Pedra do Sal, a stage of lively samba wheels, and Suspended Garden of Valongo, lookout and leisure area located on Rua Camerino, which is on the ascent of Morro da Conceição.
Another place that deserves attention is the Museu do Açude, in Alto da Boa Vista. It is a great tour for those who enjoy history, art and nature. The museum was the former residence of businessman and patron Castro Maya (1894-1968). Visitors can see a green area of more than 150,000 square meters and rich collections of art – collections of Porto tiles, oriental art and applied arts, as well as contemporary outdoor art installations. Admission costs R $ 6.
Taking advantage of the low cost double, a good request is also the Rio Antigo Fair, the city’s most democratic attraction, which always happens on the first Saturday of the month. The free event is held by the Polo Novo Rio Antigo Association for 20 years and it has gathered up to 30 thousand visitors to attend the more than 400 exhibitors. The most popular season of these bands is winter, when visitors are less tempted by the beach and win the streets of the old center.
B side of the Night
Lapa is the right place for everyone, but Botafogo has been called BotaSoHo by the locals in reference to the hip New York neighborhood of SoHo. That’s where the young gang has gone. Among the new features of the evening, the Coordenadas Bar is a bar with a dance floor on the second floor (access to the track costs $ 20 at the weekend). On Tuesdays, there is live music show. In the Harbor Zone, Jazz In ‘is a charming lounge bar with a varied weekly program (DJs, live music, and Wednesday karaoke).
Stretch
As winter demands a jump in the mountains, those who want to take advantage of the station to explore the interior destinations can not miss Le Canton, located two hours away from the city of Rio de Janeiro. Known for being one of the most complete leisurely hotels in Brazil, the resort is inspired by the Swiss countryside and features a charming L’Occitane spa, a capricious cuisine that is the face of winter with wood-fired pizza, fondue, And an excellent wine list, as well as leisure options for the whole family, which include a medieval games castle, farm and the newly opened Canton Ville leisure center.
Photos: Divulgação