Terra Brasilis Hostel – Santa Teresa – Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Santa Teresa is becoming increasingly popular as travellers look for a more authentic alternative to the tourism throngs that have besieged Copacabana, and Ipanema. Staying in Santa absorbs you into the fabric of the bohemian neighbourhood – leaving may be the only problem though.

Wander the charming cobbled streets, with ears perked for impromptu samba sessions, drum workshops, rodos de caipoeira – just leave your mind wide open as to where your day might end. Hang off the sides of the Bonde (street car) as it wobbles it’s way through the many hidden pockets of Santa Teresa – carry your camera, becasue the views are startling, and ever changing skies mean a constantly shifting horizon.

Visit the museums that pepper the area, or pop into the tiny 40 seater cinema in Largo de Guimaraes; browse in the bookshop that perches over it all, rummage through the (reasonably priced) vintage clothes shops, or pop in for a chat to one of the artists workshops dotted along every street. Santa Teresa is a feast for the imagination; just remember there’s a whole city down below too, often missed by the gringo who goes to Ipanema and stays there for their entire trip. Nice, but only a tiny aspect of Rio!!!

The Hostel

We’ve already been voted number one hostel in Rio on Hostelbookers – come to Santa Teresa and find out why! Come stay with us opposite Parque das Ruinas, a charming park where local kids come to play, and home to Chacara de Ceu museum.  But, be ready to forget all that you left behind while ambling around the cobbled streets of Santa when you enter our home and see the views. We’re perched on the side of a hill (don’t worry, the bus or Bonde (street car) can take you up if the legs aren’t willing) – only a ten minute walk from Lapa and Gloria, so the views down over the city are amazing. It’s a city scape you can pratically touch – it’s really that close!!

Ripping off tourists isn’t our thing, and we work with authentic partners that can show visitors around without the tack and expense that is often attached to these things. But, you don’t really need a guide for most things around here – just the heads up that there’s something worth seeing around the corner. We’re here to make sure you have a great time – whatever it is you’re into. The house is a cultural centre, and we regularly house art and photography exhibitions in the house, and have live music and to-die-for pizza in our downstairs garden on Saturday nights. We’re aware of our precious environment and try to work in a eco-friendly way; we separate and recycle our trash, and try to not waste water.

We serve a fine breakfast in the garden overlooking the city – you can watch the bonde cross over the renowned Lapa arches while sipping an endless cup of strong sweet coffee (the only way Brasilians drink it) and munching on your toastie, then amble upstairs to our dorm room, which offers an different perspective on the same scene. Sit on the balcony contemplating it all using our free wireless internet, or go upstairs to our suites which really are something else. The views, the space, the price – We can gaurantee that you won’t be disappointed by any aspect of your stay with us.  Come and see for yourself. Just try to get out of the hammocks and enjoy what the city has to offer. Join us on Facebook “Brasilis Hostel” to check out some snaps…