Cool Places to Stay in Rio: Santa Teresa

Just as many people come to Brazil for the beaches and the party, but then return because of the people, it works the same way with accommodations.

Most people on their first visit to Rio will stay in a hotel or an apartment in Copacabana or Ipanema.

But obviously life's much more interesting the further away you get from the tourist track. That goes double for Rio. Since Rio actually has many options for housing that you won't find in other places.


Rio Hostel pool, Santa Teresa, RJ, Brazil

Sure you can get an amazing place right on the beach in one of Rio's best neighborhoods, Ipanema. And along with everyone else, I love Ipanema. You'll never go wrong with this option.

But for the more adventuresome, Santa Teresa awaits.

For housing options in bohemian Santa Teresa, you can choose between hostels, pousadas or B&B's and even homestays with local artists.

Hostels

Hostels in Santa Teresa include Rio Hostel, which is right on the bonde route, minutes from Lapa. You can stay in a dorm for about $20 per night.


Rio Hostel, Santa Teresa

Pousadas

For something a little more upscale, check out a B&B, known in Brazil as a pousada. A great site for pousadas all over Brazil is Hidden Pousadas Brazil.

Alison, who runs the site, lists several pousadas in Santa Teresa. They include Casa Beleza, an exotic mansion in lush tropical gardens in the heart of Santa.


Casa Beleza, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janiero

Another really cool B&B in Santa Teresa is called Casa Mango Mango. It is run by a charming Irish woman named Julie who I met in Rio nearly 10 years ago.

Casa Mango Mango is a converted mansion that she renovated with her husband in 2001 into a comfortable place to chill in the heart of bohemian Rio.


Suite at Casa Mango Mango, Santa Teresa, RJ

Casa Mango Mango regularly hosts parties and barbeques. And Julie had a 10-page list of cool stuff to do back in 2001. She really knows what's happening in Rio.

Actually, Julie's the one who first turned me on to Baixo Gavea.

Homestays

For a complete immersion into Brazilian culture in Rio, check out Cama e Cafe.

It is a network of artists in Santa Teresa who welcome guests into their home, known as homestays. You not only get to stay in the coolest part of Rio, but you get a unique viewpoint from your hosts.

Santa Teresa was once where the royalty of Brazil lived on the hill to escape the summer heat.

Now you have a chance to experience some of this old world charm and you don't even have to rule a monarchy.

Que bom!

Brazil Visa

Related posts:
Riding the Bonde Train into Another Era
If It's Friday Night, This Must Be Lapa
Ipanema Apartment Rentals Available Now