…and the rumours are true, the powers of Rio will seduce even the most cynical of travelers with its charms. For starters, Mother Nature halts the march of the city at every turn, from the rainforest that creeps up its rolling hills to the huge lagoa (lagoon) surrounded by the continent’s most expensive real estate and, of course, the most beguiling stretches of urban beach on the planet – Ipanema, Copacabana, Arpoador and Leblon.
Whether it is the statue of Christ perched atop Corcovado mountain or the Sugarloaf cable car, the hoards kite-surfing off Barra beach or dancing to samba on the smooth slopes of Pedra do Sal rock, this is a city and landscape turned playground, where life isn’t taken too seriously and the twists and turns of the daily political and economic soap opera has ingrained a rueful cheeriness and creativity in its people.
The BR-101 runs along the jagged coast line of Brazil. This area is called Brazil’s Costa Verde. Characterized by the Serra do Mar escarpment reaching Atlantic Ocean. This creates a mountainous landscape very near the coast. It is considered the greatest extension of Atlantic Forest biome reaching the ocean anywhere in the world
State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty
Paraty is a charming little town that was once a thriving gold port. With its Portuguese colonial architecture, Paraty is known for the cobblestone-paved streets. No cars or trucks are allowed in this part of town, only foot traffic or bicycles.
Paraty has been able to maintain many of its historic buildings. Much of the architecture of the city has not changed for 250 years or more.
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Estrada Real (RJ-165) from Paraty to Stone Macela
The Estrada Real winds from the coast town of Paraty to the breathtaking sceneries of mountainous regions around Cunha. You still can see parts of the old mule pathways used to transport Gold and other heavy loads in caravans down to the harbour city.
Pedra da Macela (1840m) is one of the highest peaks on Serra da Bocaina. This mountain is localized near of the border of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo States and can be reached by a 2km steep walk.
It is a bit of a ride off the main road (BR-101), but it worth it for the stunning views.
Where this ride ends….. and the rumours are true, the powers of Rio will seduce even the most cynical of travelers with its charms. For starters, Mother Nature halts the march of the city at every turn, from the rainforest that creeps up its rolling hills to the huge lagoa (lagoon) surrounded by the continent’s most expensive real estate and, of course, the most beguiling stretches of urban beach on the planet – Ipanema, Copacabana, Arpoador and Leblon.
Whether it is the statue of Christ perched atop Corcovado mountain or the Sugarloaf cable car, the hoards kite-surfing off Barra beach or dancing to samba on the smooth slopes of Pedra do Sal rock, this is a city and landscape turned playground, where life isn’t taken too seriously and the twists and turns of the daily political and economic soap opera has ingrained a rueful cheeriness and creativity in its people.
