Rio Guide

Category: Urca

  • Boteco Belmonte: Experience the typical Rio-style pub

    Boteco Belmonte: Experience the typical Rio-style pub

    Just in front of the beach of Urca, this is the sixth branch of the chain Boteco Belmonte, a very typical pub in Rio (the first Boteco Belmonte opened in 1952 in Flamengo). Brazilian meat, cold draft beer (chopp) and seafood appetizers are the specialities of this easygoing restaurant, ideal for lunch or just for a drink. If you like futebol, come here in weekends, when cariocas gather around the TV of the pub to support their team.

    Boteco Belmonte Urca
    Avenida Portugal 986, Urca
    Phone: +55 21 2543-1268
    Website: www.botecobelmonte.com.br

  • Praia Vermelha (Red Beach): At the shadow of the Sugarloaf

    Praia Vermelha (Red Beach): At the shadow of the Sugarloaf

    With an unforgettable view of the Sugarloaf, Praia Vermelha is possibly the most idyllic beach of Rio. This tiny oasis of quietness and beauty , so called because it becomes flushed with red at sunsets, is located between Morro da Urca and Morro da Babilônia, in the very safe area of Urca. Being within Guanabara Bay, it is seldom crowded. The water is not the best, but the natural scenario is simply breathtaking. Avoid the bar and restaurant of the beach (low quality, high prices) and buy a coconut water at one of the kiosks. Then relax on the sand and just enjoy.

  • Sugarloaf (Pão de Açucar): Jump on the cable car and admire Rio

    Sugarloaf (Pão de Açucar): Jump on the cable car and admire Rio

    Rising 396 mt above the sea level and located at the entrance of the Bay of Guanabara, the Sugarloaf is one of the symbols of Rio. Two cable cars (teléferico in Portuguese) lead up to the top of the mountain – the first stretch to the hill of Urca (Morro da Urca) and the second to the very top of the Sugarloaf, where a spectacular 360° view of Rio will astonish you.

    The ticket office is located in the district of Urca, opening at 8.00 am and closing at 7.50 pm. The two trips take 3 minutes each, running every 20 minutes.