Cachoeira do Chuveiro

Want a break from the crowds? Craving some peace and quiet or a nice bath in a cooling waterfall? Rio de Janeiro’s plethora of secretive, calming waterfalls can fulfill your desires. The city has tons of waterfalls but one of the best, and most easily accessible from zona sul (where most tourists tend to reside),...

Só Danço Samba….

When João Gilberto sings the words “só danço samba,” (just dance samba), in his hit song, you find yourself lost in a soothing groove. Although the song is considered “bossa nova,” and not “samba,” the message is so accurately relevant to Brazilian culture. The song illustrates a typical Brazilian’s feeling when in a predicament, or,...

Want a break from Rio? Try out Petrópolis

Engulfed in the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range, Petrópolis was once the capital of Rio de Janeiro state. The city is also known for being the summer getaway for many Brazilian Emperors in the 19th century. About a one-hour drive from the city of Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis is now a popular tourist city for...

Parque Nacional da Tijuca and Christ the Redeemer

Parque Nacional da Tijuca is one of the world’s largest urban forests – a collection of trees that surrounds a city or town. A wide-ranging collection of trees, wildlife and spectacular views, Parque Nacional da Tijuca (or Tijuca National Park) is engulfed by Brazil’s second largest city: Rio de Janeiro. When some think of Rio,...

Cheap Travel Tips

Let's be honest: traveling is expensive. Depending on the destination, you have to consider airplane tickets, hotel reservations, food, sightseeing and of course, souvenirs. With all these expenses, how is traveling cheaply even possible? By following these few, simple guidelines, you can enjoy a vacation without emptying the wallet. First: do research....early! When planning a...