Roberto de Tarso
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Pedra de Gavea
If you like to walk in the forest (and get a major workout in the process), a hike to Pedra da Gavea is an absolute must in Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca Forest. You can spot this monolith from the far end of São Conrado Beach; the hike itself is a challenging 2-hour (each way) trail that takes you past waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, and, of course, a thick forest of trees. If you’re new to climbing, parts of this trek will look intimidating – so book a guide ahead of your hike to help out with all the necessary gear and know-how.
Café do Alto
When in Brazil, it’s imperative that you try feijoada, a stew made with beans, beef, and pork – and Café do Alto in Santa Teresa is one of the best places to get it. If you don't eat animals, you’ve come to the right place, because vegan and vegetarian versions of he stew are on offer as well. While you’re out here, make a day of it: Santa Teresa is an amazing place to spend an afternoon walking off your meal and wandering amid the 19th-century buildings. Don’t miss Parque das Ruinas, a public park/art gallery hybrid constructed around the ruins of a former mansion, and its photogenic viewpoint.
Prainha
Of course Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beaches, but the most beautiful beach of all, if you ask me, is Prainha. It’s a small beach surrounded by forest, and nothing manmade –no buildings, no houses – is in sight. It's the only beach in Rio de Janeiro to have earned the prestigious Blue Flag distinction, which means it’s passed a rigorous series of benchmarks for cleanliness, safety, and sustainability, certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education. It’s also one of the best surf spots in the city.
Rio de Janeiro is a city where culture, diversity, and a focus on the environment blend seamlessly into one another. Outdoor lovers will enjoy its beaches and hiking trails mere kilometers from the city center; nightlife enthusiasts will be equally busy with Rio’s lively, never-ending party scene. Being that it’s legal to drink in the street, it isn’t uncommon to spot young people meeting in the streets at sunrise after a big night out, drinking a beer as they stroll and watch the rest of the city begin its day.
Roberto de Tarsa is a human rights lawyer, vegan, and landscape photographer who loves to walk in nature and see the world from different points of view. To him, photography is a way to show the world how important it is to protect nature and historical places.