Brazil: Flavors of Rio Edition

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Michelle Lindemann
Curated By

Michelle Lindemann

  • Beaches

  • Brazil

  • Tropical Vacations

  • Boutique Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • Active Travel

  • Local Culture

Advisor - Brazil: Flavors of Rio Edition
Curator’s statement

From this hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa, where the cobblestone streets are lined with murals and questionable hairpin turns — to a sketchy freeway drive leading to the tropical colonial coastal town of Paraty — and back up north to the iconic Copacabana beach- Rio de Janeiro is the perfect location for cityscapes and coastal sunsets capturing Brazilian luxury and charm for the first-time Brazil traveler.

The Fora Difference

Book with Michelle Anne to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Icon Travel Perks
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Icon Recommendations
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Icon Inside Knowledge
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Brazil

Unlock perks by contacting Michelle Anne to book your trip.

Things to do in Brazil

Sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain

  • Open-door helicopter around Christ the Redeemer: exhilarating views of Rio from up above. Soar over the iconic beaches dotted with umbrellas and around the iconic Wonder of the World.

  • Take the cable car and enjoy sunset cocktails and views atop Sugarloaf Mountain at Classic Beach Club perched within the cliffside.

  • Wander the mural covered streets of Santa Teresa, which are filled with local bohemian cafes, shops and galleries.

  • Explore the street markets and the iconic Selaron Steps, where Snoop-Dog & Pharrell filmed their music video.

  • Catch live samba at a bar with bossa nova vibes like Armazem Sao Joaquim.

  • Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant in Leblon, such as at Michelin-rated Chez Claude, steak at Clan BBQ or sushi at Togu.

  • Drive four hours south to the Portuguese colonial coastal town of Paraty. Stay at a boutique hotel such as Casa Mar Paraty or in the old town at Pousada Literaria de Paraty.

  • Rent a sailboat and sail around the small islands off the coast. Enjoy lunch at beach cafes in secluded coves where the owner hops in a dinghy to bring you to shore for a fresh seafood lunch.

  • Stroll the cobblestone streets of the old town, where live music fills the air and endless options for restaurants are available offering many different cuisines.

  • Kayak along the coast at sunrise or sunset for beautiful views and beach yourself at the first beach restaurant you see for a freshly made Caipirinha.

  • Weather permitting, Hangglide back in Rio and enjoy the sunset on Ipanema beach before scootering along the Copacabana/Ipanema bike/scooter pathway.

Places to eat & drink in Brazil

Vittorio Trattorio before the dinner crowd

  • Boteco Belmonte: The Ipanema location known for its greenery wall and high ceilings directly across from the beach.

  • Fogo de Chao: The Original Brazilian Steakhouse.

  • Churrascaria Palace: Established in 1951, this is an upscale steakhouse with churrasco-style serving.

  • Classico Beach Club Urca: Atop Sugarloaf mountain for the most amazing views and music.

  • Explorer Bar, Santa Teresa: Hotel's rooftop restaurant with decorative greenery and yummy cocktails.

  • Portella Bar e Restaurant, Santa Teresa: Local eatery with unique decor serving traditional Brazilian cuisine.

  • Bendita's Restaurant, Paraty: Live music and international cuisine with inside and outdoor seating.

  • Vittorio Trattoria, Paraty: Italian cuisine on the corner with outdoor seating and delicious fresh pasta. The seafood pasta was a win!

  • Pero Restaurant, Paraty: Amazonian-inspired cuisine. A true culinary delight!

  • Recanto Caicara, Paraty: You can only arrive here by boat and can enjoy a fresh lunch on the water.

Need to know

These locations are ideal for the first-time Brazil traveler and offer the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, nature, activities and relaxation.

Advisor - Michelle Lindemann

Travel Advisor

Michelle Lindemann

Get in touch with Michelle Anne

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Michelle Anne within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

For more inspiration and travel recommendations, check out our Brazil page.

We use cookies to enhance the user experience. Read our Privacy Policy here.