Rio de Janeiro is open to all types of travellers – including backpackers. Catering to the fast-paced and budget travel of backpackers, the city features several facilities, accommodations, sights, and services designed for this travel style.

 

Hostels

A major tourist destination, Rio has a number of hostels to serve as ‘home’ for the backpackers. Among them are the following:

 

Rio Backpackers

Travessa Santa Leocádia nº38

Copacabana

Rio de Janeiro/Brazil

On the corner of Pompeu Loureiro between Barao de Ipanema and Bolivar Streets

 

A big 3-storey house dating from the 1940s, Rio Backpackers is just four blocks from the Copacabana Beach. It is nestled at the foot of the Cabrito hill, between Copacabana and Ipanema. It takes either a short walk or a quick ride to the metro or cab to get to many of the city’s entertainment options. The hostel has several facilities to make you feel warm and at home.

 

El Misti Hostel and Pousada Copacabana

Tel.: +55 (21) 2547 0800 / 7265

Travessa Federico Pamplona, 20, Copacabana

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

Offering free transfer from Rio’s airport or bus terminal, El Misti is situated just 3 blocks from the marvellous Copacabana beach. It features an atmosphere that is friendly and accommodation that is warm and entertaining. To make backpackers feel more comfortable, it also has some private rooms that are comfortable and clean. Rates start at R$25 per night.

 

Sun Rio Hostel

Tel: +55 (21) 2266 1260 / 0461

Praia de Botafogo 462, Casa 5

Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22250-040 Brazil

 

Sun Rio is located in Botafogo, a neighbourhood in Rio which is just a few minutes from the city’s main attractions. A family-run hostel, it has a reception (with an English speaking staff) that accommodates to the backpacker’s needs for 24 hours. It provides guide books, tourist information, and maps of the city, all free of charge.

 

The hostel has ensuite, shared and private rooms, a fully-equipped guest kitchen, internet access, and cable TV. It also offers bar, bike rental, and individual lockers among others.

 

Safety

As a big city and a resort town, Rio has its own share of crime. For backpackers, this would mean taking extra care and precaution to be safe. That said, backpackers should remember not carry themselves the same way that they do at home. As a tip, bringing people to your hostels, particularly those that you just met in town, should be a big No-No! Also, try to avoid dark alleys at nights, especially when you are alone; do not wear jewellery nor bring pricey stuff too when going around the city.