Brazil - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 246

Ì Tupiniquim Hostel Rua Paulo Barreto 79, Botafogo
T 21 2244 1286, W tupiniquimhostel.com.br; map pp.242-
243. Billed as an alternative hostel, there's no denying the
facilities on offer: fast internet, pool table, bar, ba rbecu e
terrace, and mo re. Great value, but fills fast. Dorms R$30 ,
doubles R$110
Vila Carioca Rua Estacio Coimbra 84, Botafogo T 21
2535 3224, W vilacarioca.com.br; map pp.242-243. Small
and friendly hostel near the metrô, with neat, balconied
dorm rooms, p atio an d chill-o ut are a. Has internet access
and a/c. Dorms R$32 , doubles $110

IPANEMA AND LEBLON
Adventure Hostel Rua Vinicius de Moraes 174 T 21
3813 2726, W adventurehostel.com.br; map pp.242-243.
Don't let the name put you off: this is a well-maintained
HI hostel, and while t hey d on't have many b eds, the rooms
are spacious. Dorms R$55 , doubles R$170
Ipanema Beach House Rua Barão da Torre 485 T 21 3202
2693, W ipanemahouse.com; map pp.242-243. Actually three
blocks from the seafront, but a welcoming, laidback hostel
nonetheless, with hippy-chic ro oms a nd great socializ ing at
the outdoor pool and bar. Dorms R$50 , doubles R$160
Ì Mango Tree Hostel Rua Prudencio de Moraes 594
T 21 2287 9255, W mangotreehostel.com; map pp.242-
243. A block from posto 9 on the beach, this is easily
Ipanema's best cheap option. Spacious dorms, grand bath-
rooms and an overgro wn garden with hammocks. Dorms
R$55 , doubles R$160

COPACABANA
Bamboo Rio Hostel Rua Lacerda Coutinho 45 T 21 2236
1117, W bamboorio.com; map pp.242-243. Three blocks
from the beach in a quiet, leafy suburb, Bamboo Rio is a
hostel with refreshingly colourful, a/c rooms, a good pool
(though not exactly a “spa” as advertised) and a pl easan t
garden with wild monkeys. Great value. Dorms R$35 ,
doubles $120
Che Lagarto Hostel Copacabana Rua Barata Ribeiro
111 T 21 3209 0348, W chelagarto.com; map pp.242-243.
They pack them in here, but if big hostels are your thing and
you like the price you won't regret staying here. Clean, with
numerous facilit ies a nd the organization for which the
name is known. R$23
Che Lagarto Hostel Suites Rua Santa Clara 305 T 21
2257 3133, W chelagarto.com; map pp.242-243. This
branch of the most established chain of hostels in Rio has
gone upmarket, with smart, comforta ble roo ms and decent
facilities, 10min walk from the beach. R$160
Jucati Rua Tenente Marones de Gusmão 85 T 21 2547
5422, W edificiojucati.com.br; map pp.242-243. On an
attractive residential square, this is a bargain if you're
travelling in a group (always ask for a discount at booking).
Apartmen ts have a double an d two b unks, TV, kitchenette
and wi-fi. R$200 (four people R$260 )
Temporada Copacabana Edificio Av Atlantica 3196 T 21
2255 0681, W temporadacopacabana.com.br; map pp.242-
243. It won't win awards, but if you always dreamt of staying
by the beach and can't afford th e Copacabana Palace , this is
your place. No breakfast. R$180

3

EATING AND DRINKING
As you might expect, Rio offers a huge variety of cuisines
to discerning diners. In general, cariocas eat well at lunch,
so you'll find most restaurants in Centro and other o ce
districts only open during the day. At night eating and
drinking are always done together, whether in an informal
bar with shared petiscos (tapas plates) or pricier fine
dining. Santa Teresa, Botafogo and Leblon are the city's
key districts for innovative eating options.

CENTRO AND LAPA
Bar Luiz Rua Carioca 39; map pp.240-241. This hectic, but
essentially run-of-the-mill, restaurant and bar, serving
German-style food and ice-cold chopp , was founded in 1887
and is quite an institution. Still a popular meeting place for
intellectuals, the food is good but a little overpriced; try the
bolinhos de bacalhau (R$30). Closed Sun.
Beduino Av Presidente Wilson 123; map pp.240-241.
Popular and inexpensive Arabic restaurant, which, unlike
its rivals, offers a decent meze and falafel meal - great
option for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Closed Sun.
Cosmopolita Travessa do Mosqueira 4; map pp.240-241.
An excellent Portuguese restaurant established in 1926
with a loyal and bohemian clientele. Fish dishes are firm

STAY IN A FAVELA
Contrary to what the media would have you believe, Rio does have safe favelas , and staying in
one can be an enjoyable, enlightening experience.
Favela Receptiva Estrada das Canoas 610, São
Conrado T 21 9848 6737, W favelareceptiva.com.br;
map pp.242-243. A well-organized network of clean and
comfortable host homes within small, friendly commu-
nity Vila Canoas. Good breakfasts included; cult ural to urs
and dance classes available. Price is per person. R$70

The Maze Inn Rua Tavares Bastos 414 Casa 66, Catete
T 21 2558 5547, W jazzrio.com; map pp.240-241. An
eccentric, Gaudí-esque pousada/hostel with a truly
inspirational view across Guanabara Bay. Huge British-
Brazilian breakfast on offe r, and also host s a po pular
monthly jazz night. Dorms R$55 , doubles R$130