Explore The Hidden Side Of Rio De Janeiro In Brazil

Rio de Janeiro has long been a popular destination for travelers, with its colorful mix of colonial and modern architecture. It is also renowned for its gorgeous beaches, mountainous landscapes and sculpture. While many travelers head to Copacabana and Ipanema, it is truly worthwhile to explore the city’s back streets to experience Rio de Janeiro’s historic and colonial past. While there, also spend time in the city’s beautiful green spaces.

Stroll in Parque Lage, Rio de Janeiro

While Rio has many green spaces, ideal for a rest while exploring the city, some are a little more hidden out of the way. One of these is Parque Lage, a public park in the Jardim Botanico neighborhood at the foot of Corcovado Mountain.

According to Atlas Obscura, before it became a park, the land used to be owned by an industrialist and his mansion stands on what is now a public park. After it was remodeled in the 1920s and 1960s, the land became a public park. Moreover, the city added walking trails, all leading through the park and up into the lush green forests of Tijuca National Park.

While strolling in Parque Lage, monkeys can regularly be seen in the trees, while the grounds even have a mysterious cave to explore, along with an aquarium and an old tower. Meanwhile, the industrialist’s original mansion now houses an art school, where visitors can explore the students’ work and take time out in the courtyard café on site.

While the park is a hidden and out-of-the-way place to visit, Parque Lage does have its own fame in modern times. It has been used as a filming location for music videos by such greats as Pharell Williams, the Black Eyed Peas and Snoop Dogg.

Largo do Boticário, Cosme Velho

Largo do Boticário, which roughly translates to the Square of the Apothecary, is hidden behind Corcovado Mountain in the Cosme Velho neighborhood. Meanwhile, the colorful and interesting square was originally a farm, after which it became an apothecary to produce ointments and medicines for the Royal Family of Brazil.

When the square eventually fell into disrepair, it was rescued by a local journalist, Sylvia de Arruda Botelho Bittencourt. Her family originally owned one of the houses in the square and they eventually restored it to its original glory.

The square is still a little “shabby chic,” but the bright and colorful houses, typical of Portuguese colonial times from the 18th century still stand. Moreover, the square is backed by beautiful, green hills, making it the perfect spot to relax while exploring Rio de Janeiro. Even better, the area is home to many friendly painters and art dealers, who will often let visitors explore their homes.

On your next vacation in Rio de Janeiro, make sure to take time out to visit these less-traveled and beautiful areas of the busy city.