Hotel Portinari

Activities

• Beaches: The hotel is located a stone's throw from Copacabana beach and a 10-minute stroll from Ipanema. Take sunscreen, flip-flops and enough money for a snack but don't bother taking a book - there's far to much to look at! Deckchairs and parasols can be hired on the beach. Watch out for the undertow which can be dangerous
  
  
• Shopping: A 10-minute walk takes you to Ipanema and some of Rio's best shops, particularly on Rua Prudente de Morais and Rua Visconde de Piraja. For convenience, take a taxi to the Rio Sul shopping mall near Copacabana for the best selection of skimpy bikinis, shoes and t-shirts at rock-bottom prices. On Sundays check out the hippy market just round the corner in Ipanema
  
  
• Nightlife: There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, but Rio's hottest nightlife is in Lapa, a slightly edgy district about half an hour by taxi from the hotel. Join the locals on a Friday or Saturday night at Rio Scenarium and Carioca da Gema for live samba and choro - it's an absolute must
  
  
• Sights: For the best views take the train up the Corcovado mountain, on top of which stands the iconic 30m-high statue of Christ the Redeemer. Another must is the cable car trip to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
  
  
• At the hotel: Laze in the rooftop Jacuzzi, sweat out the toxins in the sauna, or work out in the gym