My husband and I recently spent two beautiful days and one fun filled night with the most amazing, humorous person, Rafael Torres Lopes. We have been blessed to travel to numerous places around the world. Rio de Janeiro, by far, has the most gorgeous natural beauty of any place we’ve traveled. The absolute best way to see the most special places in Rio is with Rafael. I am omitting some of what we did for the sake of space. The first place we went to was the fishing village of Niteroi across the bridge from Rio. It appeared that we were the only tourists there. We met some friendly fishermen with lovely smiles that invited us on their fishing boat. The boat was small for the four or five men that would spend nearly a week at sea!
As we were walking along the street Rafael pointed out an old, interesting bar. The owner, an elderly man motioned for us to come inside the small place. He insisted on frying us some complimentary codfish balls. (Rafael could tell a funny story about me concerning the codfish balls) They were delicious! He filled a shot glass with the potent cachaca liquor. We finally had to say enough! The kind man was thrilled to have us foreigners stop by his humble place.
Rafael took us to a spot that has gorgeous views, as beautiful as those from Sugarloaf or Christ the Redeemer. It is where he jumps off of when he hand glides. We could see Sugarloaf, different neighborhoods, and beautiful beaches.
Rafael took us to beaches where only the locals go. They were just as lovely as the more famous beaches in Rio but without crowds. At another place we stood on hills of granite and looked over at children playing in the water and on the white shimmering beach.
We went to a Restaurant that had a large assortment of native foods. Rafael explained what the dishes were. I’ve never eaten food as good as this!
We needed a piece of luggage. Only Rafael would turn shopping for luggage into an experience! He took us to what I think was a black market in Rio. He said, don’t speak English. We did our best to look like a Brasileiros. Rafael secretly took a picture of us there. I would have been somewhat fearful if I had no confidence in Rafael. There was a sexy looking young woman singing with a band. Three little girls were dancing to the lively music. There were little huts selling beer and food. Further down the walkway were the goods. There were items for sale at much lower price than downtown.
Rafael finally took us to our Hotel, in his very nice vehicle, ten hours after picking us up that morning. At 11:00 p.m. Rafael came back for us and drove us to Lapa to a club called Carioca da Gema, where beautiful people listened and danced to the incredible musical rhythms of the samba. We were fortunate to be there this night because Luiza Dionisio was performing. She is an incredible performer as well as a sweet and friendly person. Rafael bought us a tasty drink called Caipirinhas. I must admit it went to my head, but I had a blast! My husband and I did our best samba. Rafael’s friend, Marcone, joined us. The four of us had so much fun. It was like getting crazy with life long friends. I could have stayed there the rest of the night but the guys were getting hungry. We went to an open air arena where there were crafts, music, and restaurants. We had a delicious meal there. There were no tourists, only the interesting people of Rio! We were treated as one too. We got back to the Hotel at 3:00 a.m. We told Rafael we would like to sleep late. He picked us up at noon.
The second day Rafael took us to a Park near Sugarloaf. Rio families spend many leisure hours at this jungle looking area with cliffs overlooking a large body of water. Rafael was prepared in case we saw a certain animal. We weren’t disappointed. During our walk we came upon a tree full of monkeys! They ate bananas out of Rafael’s hand! Later, we went to the Botanical Gardens. Breath taken array of luscious plants filled the many acres. We saw a colorful Toucan as well as a few more monkeys. After dining at another favorite local Restaurant, Rafael took us to meet some special people in their home. It was there where we started to feel like part of his family.
It was evening now. We walked along the famous Copacabana Beach as well as others. By the way, Rafael can recommend a beautiful place to stay with a spectacular view at a reasonable price! It was time for Rafael to take us to the airport. Another thing I should mention is his price is no more than what one would pay for traveling with a bus full of tourists seeing touristy places.
Of course, do all the musts in Rio like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf. However, for an added dimension, see Rio de Janeiro or any other tours Rafael offers for a one of a kind experience. Rafael had us e-mail him our likes/interests. He tailor made our itinerary for us. He’ll do the same for you.
During the plane ride home, the beauty of Rio filled my mind. However, the real jewel that belongs to Rio is Rafael Torres Lopes! SIMPLY THE BEST!
Linda Head from Louisiana
P.S. Don’t give the OK sign in Brazil. Rafael will tell you why!
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