That Nice 2-bedroom Apartment in Copacabana

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Apartment for rent in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!

Rent that nice, brand new, two bedroom apartment in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - directly from the owner. We are positive that you will enjoy staying in this apartment that will surely match your requirements. This apartment is situated in a safe area, in proximity to shops and supermarkets, half-a-block to the nearest Metro station, local nightlife and most importantly, a mere 2 blocks to the beach!



In addition, we can also provide you with a concierge service that caters to international and local celebrities, executives and businessmen who simply want that extra service while in Brazil, We can provide a Luxury Car/Chauffeur Service for those who want to travel in style and convenience, and a Travel Agency that offers excursions, tours and guide service.



Thus, RioApartments provides everything for the visitor to Rio de Janeiro, whether you are here for business or pleasure, we are with you every step of the way to enhance your Rio experience.

By the way, we are English speakers.

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Gallery of Photos

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Click on the images to enlarge

Living/Dining

Living

Close-up of Sofa and Coffee Table

Sofa/Bed

Sony Bravia LCD 42" TV w/ Cable

Dining

Bedroom One

Bedroom Two

Kitchen





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Call us now for a great quote; or email us at godigutierrez@gmail.com. State you name, dates you want to reserve/book, how many persons are planning to stay, and your phone number where we can reach you.

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Why Rio?

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WHY RIO?
Rio is the most beautiful city in the world. Not only that, but because it's incredibly scenic, has the most fantastic atmosphere – and because Brazilians have a real joi de vivre about them. I also love the food and the cocktails. If I had to choose another city in the world to live in, it would be Rio.

ANYTHING SPECIAL I SHOULD PACK?
Your coolest bikini, a large hat, a camera to take some photographs from the top of the Corcovado – and a big smile and a party attitude.

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU DO?
Go down to Copacabana Beach. There's a heck of a buzz about that part of town – everybody knows Copacabana and not just from the Barry Manilow song. I love to walk down the beach and take in the amazing views.

WHERE DO YOU STAY?
The last time I was there I stayed at a lovely 2 BR apartment in Copacabana and I truly enjoyed staying there with my 2 friends from the East Coast. I thoroughly recommend it. Give Godi, the manager a call - 55 21 8204 0470.

WHERE WOULD YOU MEET FRIENDS FOR A DRINK?
I'd probably be flash and go to have a cocktail or a caipirinha at the Copacabana Palace Hotel (2548 7070; www.copacabanapalace.com), which has all those associations with the "Rat Pack" and still exudes that "Copacabana glamour". You might even spot a film star.

WHICH IS THE BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH?
I'd go to one of the big churrascos like Porcão (www.porcao.com.br) – a restaurant chain – where they come around with a skewer with chunks of lovely steak, and when you've finished you put up your hand as if to say: "More please!" There's a real sense of theatre and fun to eating at such places.

AND FOR DINNER?
There is great chain of Bahian restaurants called Siri Mole (2267 0894; www.sirimole.com.br), one is in the Copacabana area. They make these great moquecas – and the Prawn Muquele is just delicious. I'd go back there and eat it every day if I could.

WHERE WOULD YOU SEND A FIRST-TIME VISITOR?
You've got to go up to the Corcovado, one of the city's two iconic landmarks – the other, of course, being the Sugar Loaf. They might be touristy, but the view from the top of the Corcovado, in particular, is incredible. And then go down to the beach and check out the beautiful people. It's a city for sitting and watching and lounging.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING HOME?
Havaianas flip flops, a sarong, or maybe a bikini. They do "beach" incredibly well, better than anywhere else in the world. So if you want funky beachwear, Rio's the place. You could also get some leatherware or jewellery from the "hippy market" – or a bottle of cachaca.

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Samba all night long during Carnival in Rio

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WITH A dizzying swirl of gyrating samba dancers and pulsating music, Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is one of the world's biggest and most flamboyant celebrations.

Thousands of dancers, many wearing little more than feathers and smiles, parade through Rio's streets and party all night long before Lent, the traditional solemn Christian period before Easter.

Carnival is an all-city blowout for this Brazilian metropolis, where gritty shantytowns edge up to high-rise havens that tower above silky, white-sand beaches.

Dozens of the city's samba schools will compete in Carnival, in early March this year, each with hundreds and hundreds of dancers prancing to drummers' beats. Hawk-eyed judges watch them strut their stuff in the Sambódromo, a viewing area with grandstands, declaring the samba-school champion (and runners-up), a fiercely prized honor in Rio.

Nab a ticket in the Sambódromo bleachers or splurge for a seat in a private box. Or head to the city's outdoor Carnival parties, where tens of thousands cavort to the music. To really get in the Carnival spirit, some samba groups let foreigners dance along.

Just keep your wits in mesmerizing but crime-plagued Rio, so no pickpockets or other criminals rain on your parade.

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Cidade Maravilhosa

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The 2016 Olympics host, Rio de Janeiro is an awe-inspiring city where impossibly steep granite mountains rise from the ocean between glorious stretches of golden sand. Brash skyscrapers vie for space with impeccable colonial buildings, and lush forests tumble down hillsides into densely populated residential areas.

Its diverse cultures and peoples live in varying degrees of wealth or poverty. Rich exclusive areas stand in stark contrast and close proximity to the slum areas or favelas. But no matter what their background or economic standing, the Cariocas (Rio's residents) are characterised by a passion and enthusiasm for life.

The cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) revels in life, with the beach, football, samba and Carnival the principal diversions. High above all this fun and frivolity are Rio's ever-present landmarks - the statue of Christ the Redeemer on the summit of Corcovado (hunchback) mountain and Sugarloaf with its historic cable car.

As well as these twin icons, Rio boasts a wealth of attractions and activities, plus great food, music and entertainment - enough to keep a visitor busy for any length of stay.

A natural port of the Baía de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay) in southeast Brazil, the city was founded by the Portuguese on 1 January 1502. They named it Rio de Janeiro (River of January), under the mistaken impression that it was an enormous river mouth. Since then, it has grown to a city of over 6 million people, with a further 5 million in the greater metropolitan area.

Migrants find that the city has more than its fair share of social problems. Attempts have been made to curtail crime, but visitors should remain alert to petty thieves.

From a record low in 2002, the Brazilian Real has doubled in value against the US Dollar and rallied against other world currencies, so the country is not as cheap as it used to be. However, Brazil is still affordable and gaining in popularity - 2007 saw a 15% increase in visitors, mainly headed for Rio. With Brazil set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2014, that trend is likely to continue.

In Rio's summer (December to February), temperatures regularly reach 40ºC (104ºF) or more. When the heat is on, tourists should follow the Brazilian example and hit the beach rather than rush around. These months are also peak season - not only are international flights more expensive, but domestic travel and hotels are charged at a premium and get booked up quickly.

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Rio General Information

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Rio is an awe-inspiring city where impossibly steep granite mountains rise from the ocean between glorious stretches of golden sand. Brash skyscrapers vie for space with impeccable colonial buildings, and lush forests tumble down hillsides into densely populated residential areas.Entry point for cruise ships is the Baía de Guanabara, a huge crescent-shaped bay backed by the stunning cityscape of man-made structures and dramatic natural attractions. Rio has a unique history and culture, passionate people and vibrant beach, city and nightlife, characterised by football, samba and above all Carnival. The cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) will not fail to impress.

Sightseeing
It's relatively easy to orient yourself in Rio as its harbour and beaches run the length of its seaward side and the landscape is dominated by the twin peaks of Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) and the Corcovado (Hunchback), which is topped by the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue.

Copacabana and Ipanema beaches remain the focal point for many visitors to Rio but those prepared to venture a little further will discover a bustling city with exceptional museums, art galleries, historic buildings and parks amid the skyscrapers and favelas (shantytowns). The contrasts continue into the suburbs which eventually give way to the wildlife rich wilderness of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic forest).

Highlights

• Pão de Açúcar cable car
• Corcovado views
• Paço Imperial (Imperial Palace)
• Mosteiro de São Bento (Monastery of St Benedict)
• Museu Histórico Nacional (National History Museum)
• Maracanã (football stadium)
• Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lake and park)
• Tijuca National Park (world's largest urban park)

Tourist Information

Riotur - City of Rio de Janeiro Tourism Authority
Praça Pio, 119/9th - Downtown, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel: +55 21227 17000.
Website: www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br

Shopping
Rio is the place to invest in good quality beach and swimwear, competitively priced fashion, antiques and jewellery. Brazilian soccer shirts also make great gifts. Leblon and Ipanema are the areas to head for exclusive boutiques. There are several large shopping malls throughout the city. Quality arts and crafts are available at colourful outdoor markets.

Eating Out
Rio de Janeiro is a phenomenal destination for foodies, where traditional and contemporary Brazilian mix with a huge range of international flavours. The local speciality is feijoada - a thick stew of black beans and meats traditionally eaten on Fridays.

When To Go
It can get very hot and sticky during the summer (December to February), which culminates with Carnival, when Rio is heaving. The cooler months outside this period make sightseeing more pleasurable. It can rain at any time of the year.

Time Zone GMT - 3.
Currency Real (R$) = 100 centavos.
Language Portuguese.
Location Southeast Brazil, South America.
Population 6 million.
Government Federal Republic.
Religion Most people are Roman Catholics but a number of evangelical cults are also represented, as are animist beliefs, particularly candomblé.

Social Conventions In informal situations, it is common to kiss women on both cheeks when meeting and taking one's leave. Handshaking is customary between men. Swimwear is the norm on and around the beaches. Casual clothes are acceptable in most neighbourhoods but suits are worn in the business district, and a shirt and tie or smart eveningwear is still expected in the most exclusive restaurants.

Tipping: 10% is usual for good service in bars and restaurants, where it is not already added to the bill.

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Ipanema - The World's Sexiest Beach

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Rio de Janeiro, along with Hong Kong; San Francisco; Capetown, South Africa; and Sydney, Australia, form a pantheon of the world's most naturally beautiful cities. In Rio's case, that beauty is the result of mountains, rainforests, beaches, lagoons, tropical vegetation and the South Atlantic coming together to form a dramatic backdrop.
It's the beaches, more than any other single aspect, with the possible exception of its world famous carnival, that best define life in Rio. While the city has 56 miles of beach running through its very heart, two of them — Ipanema and Copacabana — rank among the world's most famous strips of sand.

The tall and tan and young and lovely girl from Ipanema might just be a figment of a songwriter's imagination, but the upscale boutiques (think H. Stern and his collection of precious jewels), million-dollar mansions and trendy sidewalk cafés that line the beach are very real. TV's Travel Channel has dubbed Ipanema "the world's sexiest beach."

Although equally beautiful, Copacabana seems less intimidating. By day, volleyball players dominate the sand, and vendors sell everything from Coca-Colas to that Rio staple, the thong bikini. At night, the cafés fill up with tourists and Cariocas (locals), and the mosaic walkway that runs parallel to the beach hums with activity until the wee hours.

Rich architectural history

As tempting as it is to spend all of your time at the beach, Rio has much to offer beyond it. And as the preparations for the city to host the 2016 Summer Olympics get under way, the offerings are sure to ramp up.

Start by taking the train up Corcovado Mountain for a close look at the city's most visible symbol, the statue of Christ the Redeemer. At 130 feet tall and weighing 635 tons, it is the largest Art Deco statue in the world.

You'll also want to go by cable car (or if you're incredibly fit, by foot) up Rio's other famous mountain, Sugar Loaf, overlooking Guanabara Bay, for the city's most spectacular view.

There's plenty to do at ground level as well. Rio, discovered in 1502 and reaching its zenith with the arrival of the Portuguese court in the early 1800s, has many vestiges of its past on display. One of the most interesting is Largo do Boticário, seven colorful colonial town houses set in a grove of date palms.

Another link with the past is São Bento Monastery, which occupies a solitary position on a hill overlooking the city and provides a tranquil oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Built between 1617 and 1641, the monastery has a richly decorated interior, and during Sunday Masses, the monks spice up the liturgy with Gregorian chants.

For Brazilian history of a slightly more recent vintage, spend a few hours at the Museum of the Republic in the impressive Catete Palace, the former residence of Brazil's presidents. While the museum's focus is on paintings, furniture and other decorative arts, it does have a more eerie twist. One of the country's former presidents, faced with a public scandal in the 1950s, shot himself in a third-floor bedroom, and his ghost is said to roam the palace.

Like its South American sister, Buenos Aires, Rio is a city of magnificent architecture, with many stunning examples of the Belle Epoque period of the 19th century. Perhaps the most exquisite is the Municipal Theater, home to the city's opera and ballet. Modeled after the Paris Opera House, it has stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers and curved marble staircases.

Another Belle Epoque gem is Confeitaria Colombo Coffee House in the heart of the old city. The Art Deco salon, with its stained-glass skylight, wall-to-wall mirrors and ceiling fans, is the perfect spot to enjoy a steaming cup of rich Brazilian coffee.
If Rio by day is active, Rio by night is positively mind-boggling, with seemingly endless choices. You can get as upscale as you want (an evening at a champagne bar or jazz club on Ipanema Beach) or indulge in local color with a visit to one of the numerous samba schools to watch members prepare for carnival, or to check out a gafeiras, a typical Brazilian dance hall (visitors are welcome at both). If you can't get to Rio during carnival, the next best thing is to book a table at one of the samba extravaganzas such as Plataforma. Sure, it's touristy, with its flashy dance numbers and colorful Carmen Miranda costumes, but hey, you're a tourist, aren't you?

Whatever form of entertainment you choose, make it late — say, about midnight. You have to eat first, and Cariocas like to dine late. Many restaurants don't even open for dinner until 9 p.m. and finally get hopping around 10. Like any cosmopolitan city, Rio has every variety of ethnic food from which to choose, but for real Brazilian flavor, you must sample feijoada, the national dish, and churrascaria, a smorgasbord of meat dishes.

Tradition dictates that feijoada, a stew of black beans, dried beef, bacon, salt cured pork and ribs and various types of sausage, is served in Brazilian homes only on Saturday nights, but thankfully, Casa da Feijoada in the Ipanema District, serves it every night.

A churrascaria dinner is often likened to a Roman emperor's banquet for its jaw-dropping array of courses. If you have the appetite for it (and the money — it's pricey) book a table at Marius Carnes Churrascaria on Copacabana Beach. Waiters just keep bringing different meat courses until you signal you've had enough.

You might have to surrender after the fifth or sixth course, but it's unlikely that you will decide you've had enough of anything else this beautiful city has to offer.

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The Marvelous City by the Bay

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The sun is shining again in Brazil's most flamboyant city – and new flights should mean lower fares. After landslides devastated parts of Rio in April, the former capital is back to its vibrant self. Even in Brazil's so-called winter, you can soak up the beach life, mountains, forests and party spirit of the self-styled Marvellous City in pleasingly balmy temperatures.

Touch down

TAM (020-8741 2005; tam.com.br ) starts non-stop flights from Heathrow on 10 August, competing with BA (0844 493 0787; ba.com ). Air France, Iberia and TAP Portugal fly from the UK via their European hubs. Tour operator Hayes & Jarvis (0871 664 0246; hayesandjarvis.co.uk ) offers seven-night twin-centre packages to Rio and Iguazu Falls from £1,099 per person, including flights and transfers.

The international airport is officially named after Antonio Carlos Jobim (composer of 'The Girl from Ipanema') but everyone knows it as Galeao. A taxi to the beaches of Copacabana (1) or Ipanema (2) will cost about 80 Reais (R80/£30) and take at least 25 minutes.

Get your bearings

Rio's dramatic topography makes it one of the most mesmerising cities in the Americas. Neighbourhoods are pocketed between haphazard peaks, favelas (shanty towns) stack up on hills, vertiginous mountains fold into the haze, and everything spills down to dazzling Atlantic beaches. This also makes it a bewildering city to get to grips with. The Centro business district edges north up Guanabara Bay, but the biggest draws are south of here. Work your way to the mouth of the bay via Sugar Loaf Mountain (3) and the beaches – Copacabana (1), Ipanema (2) and Leblon (4) – start trailing west. Rising behind all of this are the elevated Lapa and Santa Teresa districts, with the forested peaks of Tijuca National Park (5) looming in the background.

The main tourist bureau, Riotur (6), is at 125 Rua Mexico (00 55 21 2333 1037; rioguiaoficial.com.br ), with a kiosk on Copacabana beach (1).


Day One

Take a hike

Even now in winter, temperatures nudge a comfortable 25C, so to catch the breeze do as the Cariocas do and head to the beach. Copacabana (1) has lost its glamorous edge. Instead, focus on the three-mile stretch of soft fawn sand and emerald waves split between hipster-central Ipanema (2) and exclusive Leblon (4) - punctuated by the rocky outcrop of Ponta do Arpoador (10), a popular spot for sunset-seekers.

Amble along the retro black-and-white mosaic promenade, dodging the pseudo-catwalk of joggers, and note the different lifeguard posts. Each traditionally attracts a different crowd: seven is for surfers, eight's rainbow flag attracts a gay crowd and nine is for the jet set.

Just after the channel separating Ipanema and Leblon you'll come to post 10 and the futevolei courts, where elastic men play an enthralling cross between football and volleyball that goes some way to explaining the Brazilian football team's legendary skills.

Window shopping

Shake the sand from your Havaianas and continue your exploration of Ipanema and Leblon, where the biggest concentration of shops and boutiques can be found. Leblon Shopping (11) at 290 Avenida Afranio de Melo Franco is stuffed with luxury brands such as Prada and Chanel, as well as local names such as Bum Bum Ipanema (for "dental floss" bikinis) and Osklen (contemporary fashion). A Hippie Market takes place each Sunday, 9am-5pm, on Praca General Osorio (12) in Ipanema.

Lunch on the run

Where were Coldplay spotted before playing at the enormous Sambadrome earlier this year? At Sushi Leblon (13), 256 Rua Dias Ferreira (00 55 21 2512 7830; sushileblon.com ). After Japan itself, Brazil is home to the world's second-largest Japanese population, so sushi is both ubiquitous and good. Tuck into tuna and salmon maki rolls, sashimi, teppanyaki, tempura... even miso-marinated salmon and foie gras. Dishes range from R22 (£8) to R51 (£19).

Image-conscious Cariocas can also be found lingering at one of the many suco or juice stalls, such as Bibi (14), 591 Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva in Leblon. Choose your combination from a panoply of tropical fruits and get it blended from around R8 (£3) per glass.

Cultural afternoon

In anticipation of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, Rio hums to the sound of regeneration - that's to say, demolition and construction. Copacabana (1) is aiming to shake off its seedy image with a new Museum of Image and Sound (mis.rj.gov.br ) which New York-based architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro (responsible for the Big Apple's new High Line park) began work earlier this year. Until that is unveiled, make for the Instituto Moreira Salles (15) at 476 Rua Marques de Sao Vicente in Gavea (00 55 21 3284 7400; ims.uol.com.br ), where the modern garden and ceramic fresco were designed by Roberto Burle Marx, responsible for the city's iconic mosaic pavements. The house was built for the father of acclaimed film director Walter Salles, and now homes engaging cultural exhibitions, from film to music and visual arts. Open daily except Monday: weekends 11am-8pm, from 1pm on other days, admission free.

An aperitif

Start off with a cold beer at the Devassa microbrewery (16) at 1241 Avenida General San Martin (00 55 21 2259 8271; devassa.com.br ) - with several other outlets in the city. A chopp, or small draught beer, starts at around R10 (£3.70). Later in the evening, the place to be is Rio Scenarium (17) at 20 Rua do Lavradio (00 55 21 3147 9005; rioscenarium.com.br ) in lofty Lapa. The old mansion-cum-antiques-market-cum-bar heats up with music, dancing and caipirinhas from around 9pm.

Dining in style

Zaza Bistro Tropical (18), 40 Rua Joana Angelica (00 55 21 2247 9101; zazabistro.com.br ) delivers a hit of sultry Ipanema romance. The building feels like a cross between a fairytale grotto and your grandma's house, crammed with fairy lights, ferns, candles, retro and religious curios. Tables overlook the quiet street, while upstairs there are cushions and low tables. Fresh, organic ingredients are used to create fusion dishes such as seared tuna with seaweed, tapioca, horseradish mash and sesame broth, and lamb shank with truffle cream and pasta. A three-course meal will cost around R70 (£26) per person, without drinks.

Day Two

Sunday morning: go to church

Surrounded by Centro's seventies structures and skyscrapers, the baroque façade of Candelaria church (19) (00 55 21 2233 2324) manages to hold its own. Built in 1775 on the site of the city's first church, work continued on it sporadically until the late 19th century. The limestone cupola was sent from Lisbon. Open 9am-1pm on Sundays (7.30pm-4pm Monday to Friday, 8am-noon Saturday; free).

Take a view

To grasp properly Rio's topography, aim high. The 396m graphite monolith of Sugar Loaf Mountain (3) serves well to offer spectacular views from its position at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. Start the two cable-car journey from the station at nearby Praia Vermelha (00 55 21 2461 2700; bondinho.com.br ; 8.10am-9pm; R44/£16.30). The most seductive views are to be had from the peak at sunset, when the city is hung with a golden glow.

Take a ride

The steep cobbled streets, colourful mansions, buzzy cafes and clattering 19th-century trams combine to bestow quaint charm on Santa Teresa. The most charismatic way to teach this elevated, arty district is by the canary yellow Bonde trams that heave up from Carioca station (20) to Largo dos Guimaraes (21) via the top of the 18th-century Lapa viaduct. Tickets R0.60 (20p) one-way.

Out to brunch

The Brazilian equivalent to a Sunday roast is feijoada. Vegetarians might want to pass on the pork- and beef-heavy stews, accompanied by clay pots of black beans, pork scratchings, rice, cabbage and deep-fried cassava. Plenty more might want to pass on the "noble meats" (tail, feet, tongue), too. A popular spot for this long and filling meal is Bar do Mineiro (22), Rua Paschoal Carlos Magna 99, Santa Teresa (00 55 21 2221 9227). A meal for two costs R40 (£14.60).

A walk in the park

Why settle for a walk in the park when there's a rainforest on the doorstep? The precipitous folds of Tijuca Forest (5) form a verdant national park harbouring waterfalls, wildlife, leafy trails and, of course, that statue. The crowning glory of the 710m-high Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, was clad in scaffolding until earlier this month when a £2.7m restoration was unveiled. If the walk up is too daunting, take the train that climbs through the rainforest from Cosme Velho train station (23); be prepared to queue (00 55 21 2558 1329; corcovado.com.br ; daily 8.30am-7pm; R36/£13.30 return).

The icing on the cake

The other side of the lasso-shaped Guanabara Bay is guarded by the city of Niteroi, whose icon is the Museum of Contemporary Art (24). The museum (00 55 21 2620 2400; macniteroi.com.br ) was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the Brazilian architect responsible for much of the 50-year-old modernist capital, Brasilia. Appearing to hover over the water like a Seventies fruit bowl, it makes a stark contrast to Sugarloaf on the other side of the bay. Open 10am-6pm daily except Monday; R5 (£1.85).

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Rio de Janeiro

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ON THE landing approach to the city airport of Rio de Janeiro, the Aeroport Santos Dumont, a passenger with a window seat immediately realises why Rio is called the "Cidade Maravilhosa" (marvellous city).

The azure-blue Atlantic Ocean nestles up to the pearly white beaches in the small bays, which are bordered inland by a sea of houses, rugged hills and mountains and the lush green of the rainforest.

Like no other city, the metropolis of six million people on the Atlantic has stamped the image of Brazil. Copacabana and carnival, football and samba parties – these are just a few of the cliches which fire tourists’ imaginations long before they land in the city under the "Pao de Acucar" (Sugar Loaf Mountain).

It is recommended that, after arrival, one take in two Rio classics to get an overview of the city. One is the Pao de Acucar, elevation 396 metres, which can be reached via cable car and, in good weather, offers a superb view.

The same applies to the second peak, the 700-metre-high Corcovado mountain, atop which a further Rio trademark reigns: the huge Cristo Redentor (Christ the Saviour) statue.

Since 1931, the 38-metre-tall statue of the holy figure with arms spread wide has towered protectively over the city. The path up the Corvocado is a steep one and its best to depart from the Cosme Velho neighbourhood to take Brazil’s only rack-and-pinion railway to the top.

Pope John Paul II rode the "Trem do Corvocado" tram in 1980 in order to reach the statue. The half-hour trip goes through a thick Atlantic rainforest, the Mata Atlantica, teeming with nectar-seeking hummingbirds and red-blossomed hibiscus trees.

Travel-hardened city tourists then immediately head for the next attraction, which, as a practical matter, can also satisfy their hunger and thirst.

"Garota de Ipanema" (the Girl from Ipanema) is not only the title of a hit song, the first line of which (Olha que coisa mais linda ...) every Rio fan should be able to sing. It is also the name of the tavern in which, according to legend, Vinicius de Moraes (lyrics) and Tom Jobin (music) wrote the song.

Back then, in 1962, the tavern went by the name "Bar Veloso".

Above the table hangs a giant copy of the original song lyrics, which tell of the enticing charms of the 19-year-old girl, Helo. Each day, she would stroll past the Bar Veloso on her way to the nearby beach of Ipanema, along what was then the Ruoa Montenegro and today is the Rua Vinicius de Moraes.

(from top) The Cristo Redentor (Christ the Saviour)
statue; Pao de Acucar; and (centre, left) the
Maracana Stadium.
The lovely apparition drew the admiring glances of the bar’s regular customers, like Vincius and Tom. In reality, the song did not get composed in the tavern at all, but the legend lives on anyway.

Rio de Janeiro holds every person in its thrall. One of the most elegant elegies about the city is from the pen of Austrian novelist Stefan Zweig.

After a lengthy and bitter escape from the Nazis, he arrived in Brazil in 1940 and wrote a German-language classic Brasilien – Ein Land der Zukunft (Brazil – a country of the future) in 1941.

"There is – and nobody who has seen it once will contradict me – no more beautiful city on earth, and there is scarcely a more unfathomable, more confusing one," wrote Zweig, who would, in 1942, put an end to his own life in Petropolis, across the bay from Rio.

The writer, who in downright ecstatic terms had honoured it as the "fortune bringer." Until 1960, it was Brazil’s capital: "One is never tired, you can never get enough."

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Búzios, Brazil: Sun, surf and fabulous beaches

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BUZIOS, Brazil -- Just 120 miles north of Rio de Janeiro lies a small peninsula known as Armação dos Búzios. It is only eight kilometers long and adorned with over 20 magnificent beaches bathed in brilliant sunshine year-round.

Some beaches are small and accessible only by short hikes or water taxis and others are expansive, sandy stretches of shoreline with restaurants, cafes and bars. The diversity and options these beaches offer creates the perfect setting for vacations in the sun with fun outdoor activities.

No wonder this small Brazilian paradise has already been discovered by numerous LGBT travelers seeking the perfect relaxing gay-getaway.
Búzios has a long history as a small fishing community and holiday destination. But in 1964, when Brigitte Bardot -- super model, actress and icon of the Sixties -- posed for photographs in Búzios wearing a bikini swimsuit, which was a new rage at the time, the peninsula gained a new reputation.

Naturally a beautiful screen goddess in a skimpy swimsuit declaring this small fishing village to be an “aphrodisiacal wonderland” proved to be more than enough to launch an entire industry of tourism, which is still thriving today. In her honor, you can stroll along the Bardot Cove and on the Orla Bardot you will find a statue of her sitting on a suitcase and gazing out to the ocean.

Sunset is the best time here to experience the magic of Búzios and understand the mystique which captivated Bardot in the sixties and lives on today.

With a resident population of about 25,000 people, this is a truly international community. The locals have a long history in the community going back several generations. But many of today's residents came to visit Búzios on vacation and then returned later to make this Nirvana their permanent home.

Perhaps this is the reason why the peninsula enjoys a reputation for tolerance and acceptance of all visitors including the LGBT traveler. Although this a very typical Brazilian cultural community, there is also a strong European influence, which leads to comparisons with the French Côte d'Azur towns like Saint Tropez.

In the main center of Búzios, the narrow cobblestone streets and unique architecture housing restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques emanates a sophisticated flair while the countryside offers rich tropical vegetation, rolling hills, spectacular views and sandy beaches.

Although the main attraction here is water sports and beaches, Búzios is also an ideal place for people who appreciate fine dining. There are French, Italian, Moroccan, Thai and other restaurants to please the most discerning tastes. The influx of foreigners who relocated here is partially the reason for this diversity, having brought the recipes and spices from their native countries.

Fish and seafood remain the favorite local dishes because Búzios is surrounded by beaches on all sides and an ocean plentiful with a variety of seafood. The popular Brazilian “Buffet By The Kilo” is well-represented in Búzios by Boom Restaurant where the choices are incredible from salads to hot entrees, or meats cooked to order on the assado. At Chez Michou there is a wide range of sweet and savory crepes, which are perfect at any time of the day. For gourmet dinning at night, be sure to visit Patio Havana for great food and entertainment accompanied by ocean views.

Almost every restaurant offers a Catch of the Day but the real delight is at the Fish Shanty on the promenade where the catch is direct from the ocean to the grill, and to your table. Or perhaps some Argentine beef at Don Juan is an option from seafood delights. Whatever you are craving it is all available in Búzios and always with a different view.

Almost every accommodation on the peninsula is gay-welcoming but during my visit I was fortunate enough to experience two of the gay and lesbian owned pousadas.

First, I stayed at Chez Wadi where the gay owners strive for -- and achieve -- perfection in making you feel right at home from the moment you walk through the front door. Located just 100 meters from the expansive Manguinhos Beach, Chez Wadi offers 10 air-conditioned large rooms in a tropical garden with a swimming pool and artistically furnished common areas. This quiet location and carefully manicured lush tropical flora is the perfect place to relax and yet still be close to all the other attractions of Búzios.

Second, I stayed at the lesbian-owned Our House, which is the only exclusively gay resort in Brazil. Located just a 10-minute walk to downtown and about the same distance to the popular Ferradura Beach, Our House offers eight rooms with ocean views, a large swimming pool, a rustic cafe area where breakfast is served, an entertainment lounge and more. Owners Maria and Giselle endeavor to provide a safe and comfortable place for gay vacationers to enjoy exclusive privacy and relax in a totally gay environment. They also offer a wide range of hiking or biking eco-tours along some of the peninsula's most beautiful trails and countryside. This is a great location, with great views, and perfect hosts.

Naturally the beaches and water activities are the main attraction and Búzios offers everything imaginable including snorkeling, surfing, kite-surfing, fishing, ocean kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, fishing and hiking. Of course simply relaxing on the beach and swimming in the crystal-clear blue waters is a must!

On one side of the peninsula, the waters are slightly cooler with stronger waves for the surfers and the other provides calm, warm water for less strenuous sea sports. Whatever the preference for activities, the diversity of more than 20 large and small beaches offers beach-goers of all ages the perfect place to spend the hot sunny days.

No visit to Búzios is complete without at least one boat trip onto the Atlantic Ocean coupled with visits to the secluded beaches and scenery that is not readily accessible by land.

I was fortunate enough to spend four hours at sea with Búzios Nauta hosted by their experienced sailors and tour guides. During this cruise we stopped at four of the more secluded beaches where swimming and snorkeling or relaxing on the beach were enjoyed by all. The boat was well stocked with both alcoholic beverages -- mostly Brazilian Caipirinhas -- water and soft drinks. Plus in the afternoon our short stops included visits from kayak or boat deliveries of Pizza and fresh prawns. A truly blissful time in the sun on the oceans gentle waves with cool breezes.

Getting around Búzios is easy on foot, by inexpensive taxi, or you can rent bicycles or dune buggies to explore more of the peninsula's beaches and lush tropical scenery. However, make sure you have a map and good navigator as the narrow, winding and curved country roads require careful maneuvering.

With a close proximity to Rio and the very gay-friendly atmosphere, Búzios is rapidly becoming increasingly popular as a new favorite South American gay vacation destination. What could be more gay than amazing beaches, calm and clear ocean waters, gourmet dining, gay accommodations and late-night clubs, bars and entertainment? All of this at reasonable and affordable prices with a tropical climate for surf and sun gay get-aways. Make sure you add Búzios to your upcoming vacation plans and you won't be disappointed.

Additional information

www.buzios.biz/Gay-Buzios.php

www.visitebuzios.com

www.Chezwadi.com

www.ourhousebrazil.com

www.ecobiketour.com

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