Geocaching

My favorite activity both in Rio and at home. When visiting Rio (and if you have a GPS) look for caches, you will discover incredible sites and views and you will meet some really cool people who like to have fun. Just like you!!!!!!!!!!!!
If this sentence has mystified you, have a quick look at www.geocaching.com. It will introduce you to a treasure hunt played worldwide. At the time of this writing there are 770.759 caches hidden, though in Rio there are only 28.
All you need is a GPS and a desire to discover new places

Above, the view from Pedra Bonita, great trail

My friend Monica who bravely hiked up Trilha dos Bem-te-vis, up to urca in search of treasure


And this one, looks like a turtle doesn't it, on a search for fortune and a wild deserted beach way out of Rio

Brazilian Jocquei Club

Our favorite activity on a Monday night is to go to the races
Though races happen four times a week, it is really special to sit in the stands, cheering your horse on, while the night slowly falls and the lights come on over the city.
It only costs R$1 to get in, almost the cheapest entertainment in town (guess you could always go to the beach instead and not pay anything)
You can bet anything from $.50 upward and how exciting it is to go and collect, even if it is only one or two reais.
The food in the restaurant is very good
The building, build in 1926, is of a Luis XV style and will remind you of days past. It is beautiful.
You can get there on any bus that says `Via Jardim Botânico´ or you can park practically in front of the main gate and an old gentleman, who has been for over 25 years, will take care of your car.
NO SHORTS ALLOWED

Praça Santos Dumont, Gavea

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

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.