Arena Copacabana Hotel: special accomodation in a remarkable scenary

In front of Copacabana beach there is the brand new hotel, the Arena Copacabana Hotel. In addition to be located on the most famous beach in the world, the guests are close to main touristic attractions such as the Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. From there it is easy to get to cultural places such as theaters and museums and Rio´s nightlife.

When booking a Deluxe Room or a Superior Room, the guest receives a special treat– a seafront apartment, making their trip to Rio unforgettable. Another detail to highlight is its sustainability policy, such as CO2 emissions made through the use of recyclable materials, sustainable technologies to heat and treat the water and energy efficient lamps.

To relax before going to the beach or to go sightseeing, use the sauna and swimming pool of the hotel. The restaurant Trocadero has the local specialties and options of international cuisine. As the restaurant is on the seafront, it is nice to eat looking at the beautiful view of Copacabana beach. The hotel also has two convention rooms for work related events.

Address:
Arena Copacabana Hotel
Avenida Atlântica, 2064 – Copacabana
Information: (21) 3034-1500 ou www.arenahotel.com.br

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Boutique hotel with only seven bedrooms has one of the most stunning views of the city

Those who pass through the elevated “Elevado do Joá” road which connects the South Zone of Rio to Barra da Tijuca in the western region of the city can see many mansions embedded in the mountain above the sea, and certainly must consider what a privileged view these homes must enjoy. Few people realize that between the mansions is hidden one of the most unique hotel options in the city, La Suite Rio. It is breathtaking when the door of this discreet boutique hotel opens to reveal the amazing decoration that is found in every room.



There are only seven bedrooms, divided by colors that emphasize their decor, all with balconies. Moreover, in the hotel there is also a terrace where breakfast is served and two swimming pools - one of them has infinite visual effects of the city. The owners are Rodrigo Harold, Brazilian, and François-Xavier Sussol, French, both omnipresent and hard workers. The menu, signed by the chef Pascal Joly, is a mix between Italian and Brazilian cuisine and is yet another reason to enjoy and appreciate the view of Rio for endless hours.



La Suite

Rua Jackson de Figueiredo, 501 - Joatinga

Tel. 2484-1962 - www.lasuiterio.com

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Hostels: comfort and entertainment without spending too much

Hostels: comfort and entertainment without spending too much
An excellent alternative on housing for young people who would like to visit Rio de Janeiro without spending too much are the countless hostels around the city. By putting together comfort, fun and money saving, the guests get to enjoy their stay and meet people of different cultures, from all over the world. For those who think that low costs mean dubious infrastructure – the hostels in the city offer accommodations that are cozy, safe, provide fine service and community areas for entertainment and leisure. An excellent opportunity to visit the city and save some money!

Located one block away from the beach at Leblon, the recently opened Z.Bra Hostel combines design and safety with its modern and intelligent facilities, where the beds are safe capsules that keep all technological equipment, documents and luggage belonging to travelers. Its four floors house 7 multiple bedrooms and 5 luxury suites, as well as an elevator, a conviviality area, room and bathroom accessible for disabled guests, movie sessions followed by parties with a DJ and a selected drink menu in its charming bar.

At the charming Santa Teresa district, Bellas Artes Guest House combines hospitality to culture and environment, with collective and private bedrooms,
lounge, reading room and garden, as well as offering music, arts and dance events, in order to bring the guests closer to the city’s artistic and cultural scenery. The estabilishment also respects nature, through its sustainable structure, with selective garbage disposal and water heating by means of solar panels. The Copa Hostel can house 68 guests in its facilities, besides offering entertainment in its Guimo`s Pub, on wednesdays and weekends, with music events and an open bar. The hostel also offers special tours to its guests to the city’s touristic spots and beaches close to Rio, such as Ilha Grande and Búzios.

Serviço

Z.Bra Hostel
Rua General San Martin 1212, Leblon
Tel. 3596-2386 - z.brahostel@gmail.com
www.zbrahostel.com

Bellas Artes Guest House
Rua Andrés Belo, 15
Santa Teresa - Tel. 3734-6147
info@bellasartesguesthouse.com
www.bellasartesguesthouse.com

Copa Hostel
Av. Nsa. Sra. de Copacabana, 1077
Copacabana - Tel. 2521-1952
www.copahostel.com.br

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Extreme Sports at Parque da Catacumba

Zipline, canopy climbing, base tree climbing, wall climbing and rappelling
All those looking for a little adventure and ecotourism in the city should check out Parque da Catacumba, close to Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. The park is home to Rio’s first adventure circuit created within a environmentally protected area.

Since 2009, Lagoa Aventuras company created activities for children and adults that include zipline, canopy climbing, base tree climbing, wall
climbing and rappelling.

The 500 feet long canopy climbing course includes nine obstacles, set 22 feet off the ground. Base climbing is the best option for younger and less adventurous participants. It’s 6 feet high, 200 feet long and includes five hurdles. Another great option is their 22 feet high climbing wall, with three levels of difficulty.

The rappel platform is located at Morro do Urubu, requiring a 15 minute walk up the hill, and is set 420 feet above sea level. Beautiful views of the city make the a day of sports even more enjoyable: 240 feet zipline course is available at the lower part of the park, with great views
of Lagoa. Closed shoes, light clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent are advised.


Service

Parque Natural Municipal da Catacumba
Avenida Epitácio Pessoa, 3.000 – Lagoa - Tel: 2247-9949
Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm
Directions: Central Ipanema: 123, 132 or 308 buses or
get off at General Osorio subway station and walk to
Lagoa.
Zipline
Minimum age requirement: 6
Price: R$ 20 per person

Rappel
Minimum age requirement: 12
Departures: by appointment, 24 hours in advance
Schedule: 9 am
Price: R$ 100 per person

Canopy climbing
Height threshold: Participants should be 5,7 feet, arms outstretched.
Price: R$ 30 per person

Base Tree Climbing
Minimum age requirement: 4
Height threshold: Participants should be 4,7 feet, arms outstretched.
Price: R$ 20 per person

Climbing wall
Minimum age requirement: 4
Price: R$ 15 per person
All sports include equipment, personal insurance and a bilingual guide.

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Galocantô at Trapiche Gamboa

Group brightens the evening with their samba circle

Come see Galocantô’s fantastic samba circle alive and kicking, at Trapiche Gamboa, this Saturday. In addition to songs from the band’s  two CDs, many samba classic will be revisited. The show starts at 10.30 pm, and tickets cost $ 20. The elements of this samba group are Rodrigo Carvalho (vocals and percussion), Leo Costinha, Edson Cortes and Lula Matos (percussion and vocals), Pablo Amaral (cavaco and vocals) and Marcelo Correia (guitar). Galocantô has been nominated for the Brazilian Music Awards  in 2010, for best samba group.

Service

Galocantô

Trapiche Gamboa – Rua Sacadura Cabral, 155, Praca Mauá, Port Area

Saturday  

Tickets - $ 20

Tel: 2516-0868

http://www.trapichegamboa.com

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Parque Lage

Enjoy the city withy kids

Spending the day at Parque Lage is one of the most enjoyable children’s tours in Rio de Janeiro. The park is located between Corcovado Hill and the Botanical Gardens, and picnic areas, lakes, gardens and trails are available, allowing for a relaxing family trip that explores the natural beauty of the park.

Start your day with a breakfast at Café du Lage, including fruit, warm bread, homemade jams and other delicacies. The place fills up quickly, so arrive early. After that, explore the mansion built around a pool and erected as a gift to Italian opera singer Gabriela Besanzoni and which now houses the School of Visual Arts of Parque Lage. The tiles, marbles and mosaics were created by students of the art school, and seem like the perfect spot for contemplation. Check out the fountain and its geometrical gardens, in front of the mansion, and then go for an afternoon picnic at the large grassy area. Finish your tour on a high note, by gazing at the spectacular views of Christ the Redeemer and the Atlantic Ocean.

The artificial caves feature fake stalactites descending from the ceiling and are another of Parque Lage’s highlight. Twelve aquariums with a few fish species were built into one of the cave’s walls. A playground with slides, swings and seesaws is available for younger children. For a perfect finish to a great day, trek up one of the trails that leads straight to Christ the Redeemer.

Service

Parque Lage
Rua Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico
Daily 8 am – 5 pm
Breakfast: R$ 20 per person
Tel: 3257-1800
www.evaparquelage.org.br
Free admission
Directions: Catch the subway to Jardim Botânico or Gávea from Botafogo subway station.
Bus: 170, 172, 174, 176, 179, 409, 410, 571, 573 and 583

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Version by Ron Daniels on show until April

William Shakespeare’s widely interpreted play now gets a Brazilian version at the hands of director Ron Daniels. This new version of “Hamlet” features Thiago Lacerda as the young Danish prince, haunted by his doubts on whether he should honor his dead father’s will and kill his uncle. The show is on at Teatro Tom Jobim, at Jardim Botânico, until April 14th.

After a successful season in São Paulo, “Hamlet” comes to Rio de Janeiro with the responsibility of telling this timeless story written in the 17th century, covering issues like revenge, obsession and promises. Known Brazilian theatre actors like Antonio Petrin, Selma Egrei, Roney Facchini and Eduardo Semerjian are part of a cast of fifteen.

Director Ron Daniels is a drama veteran and a specialist in Shakespeare.  Daniels began his career in the late 60s, and after a long season in Great Britain, he won the title of associate director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. This is his third staging of Hamlet.

Service

Hamlet
Ends April 14th | Fridays and Saturdays at 9pm; Sundays at 7 pm
Teatro Tom Jobim – Jardim Botânico Street, 1008 - Jardim Botânico | Tel.2274-7012
Tickets: Friday - R$ 20 to R$ 40; Saturday - R$ 30 to R$ 60; Sunday - R$ 25 to R$ 50
http://www.jbrj.gov.br/cultura/espaco_tom_jobim.html

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