Brazil 馃嚙馃嚪
S茫o Paulo
Arriving with the intention of staying only a day or two, S茫o Paulo's tree-lined streets, boutique coffee shops and local eateries were too good to turn down. I developed a healthy addiction to 脕gua de C么co, A莽a铆 bowls and Ibirapuera Parque where I spent every morning working out beside the lakes.
At this point in my trip, I'd become all too comfortable taking myself out for dinner dates. Braz Pizzaria is the go to spot in S茫o Paulo where attentitive waiters serve you by the slice and keep Chope (Brazilian draft beer) refills coming until you say otherwise.
Ilha Grande
On my way to Rio de Janeiro I stopped off at Ilha Grande, which lies off the coast of Angra dos Reis. The island is a boujee holiday destination for locals and internationals. Hiking trails stretch across the island and wind through the Atlantic forest which sprawls across the land 馃尨
I completed a number of beach treks with my favourite listed below:
- Praia de Lopes Mendes
- Praia Feiticeira
- Praia Dois Rios
RIO DE JANEIRO
Rio was the final stop of my trip and overall my favourite location. Outdoor gyms, favela street parties and stunning beach backdrops made daily life intoxicating. I stayed in Rio for three weeks and lived in three different areas of the city.
Centro
Home of the famous Escadaria Selar贸n and many bars and clubs, centro is beautifully lit up in street art. When night falls you do need to keep an eye out for 'interesting folk'. So long as you're keeping to yourself and not flashing any jewelry or luxuries it's a wonderful spot!
Botafogo
Botafogo felt like Rio's business district with more commericial buildings in sight. Generous cycle lanes carve through the streets wrapping around shopping malls and passing under highways. Excellent views of the harbour and P茫o de A莽煤car make it a great breakfast spot. Located in-between Centro and Ipanema/Copacabana it was the most convenient spot for going out with easy access to both.
Ipanema
As somone who adores the beach, Ipanema was the perfect spot. Waking up to the ocean on my doorstep was unbeatable. Nestled behind the Dois Irm茫os mountain bleached sunset skies lit up the shore every evening. Beach vendors constantly surf the crowds offering refreshments, snacks and much more.
