Gilson Martins

Gilson Martins is a well-known designer of handbags.
Most of his handbags have a Rio design.
Not only can you find something nice for yourself but possibly also something for a friend at home like the little bag I like to use when going to nightclubs. It perfectly fits some money, a credit card, lipstick and cigarettes.

Volleyball on the beach

Should you want to feel like a real carioca, come and play volleyball on the beach.
Pelé has sessions every week-day morning, starting at 7am. If you just want a pick-up game rather than a practice session, just show up before 9am.

Ipanema, in front of rua Garcia D´Avila, tel: 9702-5794

Arpoador -

Arpoador is a neighborhood between Ipanema e Copacabana.
The rocks are a favorite place for fishermen and lovers of the sunset.Where else can you see people cheering when the sun dips into the ocean?
Have a caipirinha with us and cheer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I went there around 11am for a walk on the rocks and much to my surprise found out that the corner of the beach is a gathering point for elderly people. This being Rio of course men had on sungas and the ladies bikinis. I felt very comfortable there. And they were chit-chatting a mile a minute. In Brazilian that is called ^jogando conversa fora^, throwing away chit-chat. It was really nice to see, after all, who wants to see old people in a nursing home?

There you will also find the Devil´s beach (Praia do Diabo). It is a very good surfing beach.

Trail up Pedra Bonita and hang gliding

If you have driven to Barra, or along São Conrado, you will probably have seen the hang gliders floating along beneath the blue sky. Well, they jump from high up a mountain surrounded by the Tijuca Forest.
Anyone can do it, as you will be accompanied by expert flyers.
From the parking lot for the hang gliding a 1250 m. trail leads up the Pedra Bonita.
For the hike you need stamina, but it is well worth the effort. Make sure to take some water.
The view is spectacular.
The location is a bit difficult to find. Once in São Conrado, keep to the right following signs for Estrada do Joá, right onto Gabriel Garcia Moreno. The access to the parking lot will be a sharp turn to the left after a good 10 minutes.
There is a nice look-out on the way.

Parque Penhasco Dois Irmãos

Many places in Rio provide lovely vistas but are outside the usual tourist trek.
This park is located at the end of Leblon and provides a lovely view over the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, all the way to Copacabana.
Access it by car (or a long walk) up the Rua Igarapava, which in turn starts on Rua Visconde de Albuquerque, which runs along the canal