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Discover Sao Conrado Beach in Rio de JaneiroLying between Leblon and Barra da Tijuca, Sao Conrado beach originally called Praia da Gávea is a truly beautiful, relaxing and sunny spot in Rio de Janeiro.
Among the main attractions of Sao Conrado beach are the strong water swells that provide a nice view though swimming might be hard to practice here. Still this is a very interesting destination for experienced surfers in Janeiro.
The waves are hollow, fast and powerful, the beach-break type, heading right and left on a rather short distance. Normally, waves may reach from 50 to 150 m in the good days. The swell is between 1m – 3ft and 2m – 6ft.
Besides surfers, another category of tourists that show interest in Sao Conrado are the hand gliders.
Close to the beach rising from the Atlantic stands the magnificent Gavea Rock, an impressive granite mountain laying proudly on Rio’s shores.
This is a very popular spot for peak lovers, only experienced and well trained hikers are advised to take the tour which lasts for about 8 hours.
The first part of the trip is through the exotic and extremely luxuriant Atlantic Rain Forest. The latter part of the tour will conquer you for its breathtaking panorama of the ocean and city.
The whole trip would cost you around 50 U$. Still remember that Pedra de Gavea is one of the most dangerous places regarding the rock climbing conditions. Only tours for the well fit, fully equipped people accompanied by trained guides are advisable.
Another extreme sport that you may practice here is paragliding, assisted by instructors. One good spot for paragliding on Sao Conrado beach is at Pepino.
You’ll be marveled by the sites of Tijuca Reservation and the Atlantic Rain Forest. The take off is located somewhere in Tijuca National Park where you can admire some of the most colorful birds, fid wild berries and squirrels.
You’ll probably find this experience wonderful and breathtaking. Yet, if you wish for something more relaxing, take a tranquil sip of beer and enjoy music for a while at one of the barras around.
This is a crowded spot all the time and most of all on week-ends.
So you’d better watch out for your things in order to prevent any rips that might happen on the beach or elsewhere around. Above Sao Conrado beach is the place of Favela of Rocinha, the largest slum in Janeiro that spreads for about 800sq meters and houses more than 200 000 inhabitants.
The living conditions are really poor, but you may find this place interesting if you take a tour. Still, do not venture to visit this favela by yourself.
A guided tour offers more safety and information related to the history of the place, its legends and thus you may contribute to the wellbeing of the place. You’ll have the chance to visit some houses, shops and churches and get a glimpse of the day to day reality of a favela.
You’ll find the place around Sao Conrado beach a place of contrasts, as most places in Janeiro and Brazil.
Close to the beach stands a first class hotel, Inter-Continental Rio, a glamorous area assorted with deluxe fashion malls, exclusive bars and high class golf clubs.
Among the most fashionable places to go shopping, is the Fashion Mall in Sao Conrado In this list we’ll also include Rio Sul, located between Botafogo and Copacabana and Barra Shopping.
Though you may enjoy as well to bargain over for suvenirs with the sellers at the nice small shops close to the Sao Conrado beach.
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