Imagine being able to combine culture and history, with a beautiful bay filled with island and virgin beaches?
This is what Paraty can offer, and chartering a sail boat is the perfect way to enjoy this to the fullest.
Set in one of the most stunning stretches of the Brazilian coastline, backed by rainforest clad mountains on one side and locked-in by the sea on another.
Paraty’s colourful colonial architecture references back to its important role as a main port for gold export from Brazil to Europe. It has a vibrant culture and nightlife, great local shopping, waterfalls and a bay filled with islands and virgin beaches which are best explored by chartering a sailing boat.
Can you imagine gather some of your best friends or family and sail around pristine beaches with all comfort and the liberty to do the trip as you please?
One of our favorites is a Lipari 41, a modern catamaran, with wide open decks, excellent panoramic visibility and a cockpit with seating for eight at the table.
Contact us to know more about our sailing charter suggestions.
The Olympics are just around the corner and Matueté provides expert consulting to devising the best strategy to enjoy the games and Rio as much as you should!
Rio has been preparing for this great event since 2009 and most of the venues are now finished and test events are now in full swing.
The downtown area, in particular, has been spruced up and some off-radar areas, such as the suburb of Barra da Tijuca, are now firmly on the visitor’s map.
Not to mention the breathtaking Museum of Tomorrow, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, which is already opened to the public in the redeveloped port district.
Copacabana beach will be the location for beach volleyball contests, the cycling road races will pass through Ipanema neighborhoods and the inshore waters off the Lagoa and Gloria neighbourhoods will host the sailing competitions, which already guarantees a brand new look of Rio.
Lots of visitors combine a stay in Rio with a flying visit to the Amazon, Pantanal or northern beaches, but there are plenty of overland options close to the city that will be less crowded after the games.
This Thursday morning we had the dear presence of Rosana Takahashi, account manager of the Belmond group, for a cheerful breakfast here in the office. She shared with us the latest news about the Cataratas Hotel, in Foz do Iguaçu, a true national icon.
Even though Foz do Iguaçu is one of the most popular destinations in the country and the falls one of the 7 wonders of the world, there are still a lot of people who haven’t been to this natural paradise, with its majestic falls, exuberant landscapes, the largest bird park in Brazil and the impressive hydroelectric plant of Itaipu.
But the best part is to enjoy all of this as a guest at the Hotel das Cataratas, the only property located inside the National Park which allows exclusive access for the Brazilian walkways outside of the park hours. This makes an incredible difference in a location visited by tourists all year round.
The Hotel is delightful, with Portuguese colonial style rooms, spacious and rustic, stunning views and also a number of must-see activities such as the boat ride at the full moon, where you’ll be able to see (if lucky) a bright rainbow in the middle of the night!
Thanks a lot Rosana, we cannot wait to visit the Cataratas again and breathe the pure and fresh oxygen over there!
Can you believe that in one year we’ll be celebrating the start of the first Olympic Games in Brazil?
It may seem like there’s still much time left, but you can already feel the Olympic atmosphere raiding a lot of places of Rio de Janeiro and here at Matueté, because if you want to guarantee a good placeto stay (or the best accommodation available), in one of the most exciting sporting events ever, the moment is now!
The construction of the four main areas of the event has already began, as the Deodoro Sports Complex, the Olympic Park and the Regions of Maracanã and Copacabana are almost 85% completed.
The bad news is that it’s not easy to get tickets and a nice place in the sun, since Rio has a surprisingly limited number of hotels and even more limited when it comes to luxury hotels. As a pre-condition for Rio winning the Olympics bid, the local government had to secure that almost 100% of the inventory would be offered to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and their sponsors.
But do not worry, because here in Matueté, we are pretty cautious and still have great options of apartments, penthouses and incredible Villas available for the game period, all you have to do is check out our website, select the one that suits you and also the events that would like to attend.
We take care of the rest!
For more details, follow the link to our informative Rio Olympics 2016 – FAQ and let the countdown begin… 🙂
For those who still see Sao Paulo as the “city of skyscrapers with no architectural personality,” be aware that the MASP Museum (Art Museum of Sao Paulo) just joined the Condé Nast Traveler list of the 10 most beautiful buildings in the world!!!
It’s not rare, for city locals, to pass by the Paulista Avenue and not even notice the boldness of this modernist building which is the authentic portrait of the city: four red beams supporting an almost suspended concrete block, under an exceptional urban landscape. Some people like it, others not that much, but the impact caused by the building is undeniable!
MASP was projected by famous Brazilian/Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi in 1947, with the concept of creating an artistic platform (shaped as a container), and has become one of the most important museums in the Southern Hemisphere, with a very impressive collection of more than eight thousand pieces including renowned names in national and international painting, such as Van Gogh, Cândido Portinari, Anita Malfatti, Renoir, Rembrandt, Degas, Velázquez, Goya just to mention a few.
There’s nothing better than feeding the soul with remarkable experiences, so, whenever you’re in town, don’t miss the opportunity to feel like a real paulista, by walking around MASP and checking out all the cool events and expos happening there every month, such as the awesome retrospective of 200 years of French Art (From Delacroix to Cézanne) which is happening until October.
It may appear that Sao Paulo has become the Street Artists’ “sweet heart” from day to overnight, but this recognition is the result of persistence and audacity of many urban enthusiasts that, for years, have been investing in creative art, promoting awesome artists and really cool galleries, comparable to the ones in Berlin, Tokyo or L.A.
Jardins and Pinheiros are renowned neighborhoods wich still dominate the scene, but if you walk around unusual areas like Cambuci, Glicério or the city center itself, you’ll see more and more venues appearing and constantly renewing its programs with workshops, lectures, soirees and even pocket shows, to become even more attractive and complete for the general public.
We love this topic so much that we decided to list 11 must-see galleries in the city, to enjoy and inspire!
A7MA (pronounced A-setima), is located at a very strategic point of Vila Madalena’s neighborhood, just in front of Beco do Batman (the best spot in the city to check graffitis) and had become a reference amongst artists/connoisseurs, filled with works of emerging artists, friendly staff and honest prices. On Wednesdays, they promote a famous Soiree with great performances, and on Saturdays there’s always nice exhibitions and interesting fuss!
King Cap started as a graffiti shop (the first one based out of the city center), selling spray cans, marker pens, sneakers and t-shirts. Nowadays, it has an area on the top floor which houses some of the best exhibitions in town, always top quality! It’s worth the visit and a look at the cool books and magazines they have there. We suggest you also check out King Cap’s Instagram 🙂
Located in the historic city center, Tag Gallery derives from the old Tag and Juice, wich used to be a mix of gallery and bike shop. Curated by Billy Castilho, the space promotes the development of Street Art and connects artists from all over the globe. The vernissages are always fun, with beautiful people and an incredible view of the city, a real portrait of São Paulo!
Not far from Pinacoteca de São Paulo (one of the city’s most famous museums/art centre), Overground is a creative studio in which the concept is to present daring artists and taggers veterans. Under the supervision of Zezão (celebrated artist who draws in the sewers of worldwide urban centers), the gallery has a very avant-garde underground language. If you feel like getting out the obvious, this is the spot …
In the mezzanine of Copan building (projected by master Oscar Niemeyer), the PIVÔ is a cultural non-profit association that promotes experimental activities using art, architecture, urban planning and other contemporary manifestations. The program includes exhibitions, speeches and workshops, alternating design projects and self-made productions. For those who like to photograph, the location is very appealing!
Founded in 1998, this rustic little house started with the intention of showing the historical and contemporary engraving in all its diversity, with temporary exhibitions and a precious collection. The gallery claims to be the only exhibition space in the country dedicated solely to engraving, with over one hundred exhibitions held in the past 10 years. A real classic!
Choque Cultural was the pioneer of this Street Art frenesi in SP, with epic exhibitions in the late 90’s, with artists like OsGemeos,Bijari Collective and Speto. The casting of artists represented by the gallery is still one of the most powerful in the country. Be sure to stop by and check out the facade which is renovated every season. Maximum respect!
Branch of the famous gallery with the same name in London, White Cube landed in São Paulo to expand the contemporary art scene in mid-2012 and still remains fresh and original. Lodged in a converted warehouse, brings many international artists to exhibit frequently. Avant Garde!
This one is especially for photo lovers, like us! (and we’re not talking about Instagram). The gallery, which also works as an office, is focused on what is sensed by other people’s lenses, with incredible proposals. In addition to the expos, the space also organises workshops and meetings to discuss Photographic Art.
Since 1988, Casa Triangulo is one of the most important and respected Brazilian galleries of contemporary art, and plays a crucial role in the consolidation of relevant artist’s careers in the recent history of Brazilian art, like graffiti artist Nunca, for example. A must see!
And, as it should be, we have a definite urban representative: Museu aberto (or open museum), consists of 66 pillars of the subway’s support, painted by 58 different graffiti artists. The initiative of the project came when 11 of them were trying to paint these same pilasters and ended up arrested by the police. After solving this, they matured the idea and even won the support of the Ministry of Culture, which paid for all spray cans used for the project!
São Paulo has thousands of must-see attractions for all types of curious visitors. No matter if you’re in the mood for art, gastronomy, listen to good music or just a walk in the park, the city has it all! But we decided to select five absolutely classical highlights that cannot be missed the next time you decide to explore our city.
Take a peek:
1.Edifício Copan
Copan is a beast! A whole city in itself… It swerves like a giant wave, defying your sense of scale and perspective and stamping its huge footprint in São Paulo’s downtown. The building was designed by celebrated architect Oscar Niemeyer and currently has 1.160 apartments, 2.038 residents, 20 elevators and 221 underground parking spaces. Due to the large number of residents, the Brazilian postal service assigned the building its own postal code. The ground floor is home to 72 establishments, including an evangelical church, a travel agency, a bookstore, and 4 restaurants. Once there, we suggest you stop for one of the best caipirinhas in town, at Dona Onça bar 🙂
2. Liberdade, the biggest “japantown” in the world
A sprawling neighborhood centered around Rua Galvão Bueno, at Liberdade neighborhood, is home to 1.5 million Japaneses, the largest population outside of Japan. Liberdade is cherished by local people and tourists alike for its trendy shopping, top-quality oriental food, reasonably priced sushi and an unbeatable atmosphere. The area is also used for Japanese cultural events, including Buddhist festivals and a sumo wrestling championship, as well as a weekly craft market.
3. Central Market
The best urban market in South America, nicknamed “Mercadão” (or “Big Market”), is a Belle Époque beauty of Russian-designed stained glass and vast domes opened in 1933. Inside, are aisles and aisles of mostly gourmet food-related products: fresh fruits, fish, meat and several worthwhile snack stalls, bars and restaurants. After your sightseeing, don’t miss the best mortadella sandwich in the planet, at the Hocca Bar – a real gastronomic heritage of the city!
4. Afro-Brazilian Museum
Located in São Paulo’s most loved Park, the Ibirapuera, this hugely important and absolutely fascinating museum, features a permanent collection chronicling five centuries of African immigration (a nod to the 10 million African lives lost in the Brazil’s formation) and hosts a rotating array of contemporary Afro-centric exhibitions on its bottom two floors.
5. Sala São Paulo
The headquarters of São Paulo Symphonic Orchestra and one of Brazil’s most important concert halls, this former railway station was designed by Christiano Stockler das Neves in 1925. Situated in the city centre, the venue quickly became a key institution in the region’s cultural revitalization. Listed as a Historical Patrimony and targeted to be maintained as an important cultural landmark in the city, Sala São Paulo was officially inaugurated on the 9th of July 1999 with a performance of the Resurrection Symphony by Gustav Mahler.
Without a doubt, Rio de Janeiro will be the most exciting place to be during the World Cup. Not only will it host some of the most interesting first round matches of the tournament, it will also be an incredibly fun place to join the crowds and watch the matches taking place in other cities. We have prepared a selection of packages for some of the First Round matches taking place in the city. And for those looking for an extra dose of excitement, see our Round of 16 packages and also our stunning collection of Private Apartments and Villas, the perfect base for the Finals and Semi-Finals.
Belgium vs Russia Match | June 20 – June 24 | 4 night package
: 4 nights at the Fasano Hotel | June 20-24 | Rio’s Best 5 star deluxe Contemporary Style Hotel
:: 4 VIP tickets at Match Club Hospitality Level (sourced directly from FIFA) for Russia vs Belgium match on June 22nd
:: 5 days of car at disposal with driver and private guide for touring Rio and access to match
:: Entrance to any of Rio’s major tourist attractions: Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, and any museum
Special Price: U$ 9,000 per person based on a package for 4 people. Based on 2 people sharing Deluxe Ocean View Room and King Bed at the Fasano. Consult us for other categories of accommodation including the Presidential Suite or other categories of match tickets.
France vs Ecuador Match | June 24 – June 27 | 3 night package
:: 3 nights at the Fasano Hotel | June 20 – 24 | Rio’s Best 5 star deluxe Contemporary Style Hotel
:: 4 VIP tickets at Match Club Hospitality Level (sourced directly from FIFA) for France vs Ecuador match on June 25th
:: 4 days of car at disposal with driver and private guide for touring Rio and access to match
:: Entrance to any of Rio’s major tourist attractions: Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, and any museum
Special Price: U$ 7,500 per person based on a package for 4 people. Based on 2 people sharing Deluxe Ocean View Room and King Bed at the Fasano. Consult us for other categories of accommodation including the Presidential Suite and other categories of match tickets.
Round of 16 Match | 1st of Group C (Colombia, Greece or Japan) vs 2nd of Group D(England, Italy or Uruguay) | June 26 – June 30 | 4 night package :: 4 nights at the Copacabana Palace Hotel | June 26 – 30 | in an Ocean Front Suite plus an Ocean Front Room (can be connecting)
:: 4 VIP tickets at Match Pavillion Hospitality Level (sourced directly from FIFA) for the 1st of Group C vs the 2nd of group D match on June 28th
:: 5 days of car at disposal with driver and private guide for touring Rio and access to match
:: Entrance to any of Rio’s major tourist attractions: Sugar Loaf, Corcovado, and any museum
Special Price: U$ 10,200 per person based on a package for 4 people. Based on 4 people in an Ocean Front Suite and an Ocean Front Apartment. Consult us for the possibilities of triples and also for other room options or other categories of match tickets.
The Most Incredible Private Villa Portfolio in Rio
For those looking for accommodation for the Finals, we can offer an incredible portfolio of Private Apartments and Villas in and around the city. Have a look at some options here and consult us for pricing.
It will be the most amazing and exciting days in the city, and we are looking forward to meet you there!
See you in Rio!
Hidden in the West side of the Marvelous City, a few desert beaches are worth the hike
If being original is the rule nowadays, these beaches are the hipsters of Rio de Janeiro. Not too far from crowded neighborhoods such as Jacarépaguá and Recreio, lies a hidden treasure, even for many locals; more precisely at Barra de Guaratiba, there are five beaches off Rio de Janeiro’s coast which are considered desert: Buzios, Perigoso, do Meio, Funda and Inferno are only accessible by treks or boats.
Being a desert beach means nothing was modified on the coast lining, that there are no signs of urban life whatsoever, no kiosks, or anything. It´s you, and nature, and hopefully the best company you can think of to help you carry food, water and maybe a beach umbrella.
All treks have the same starting point, at Guaratiba beach. After a 40min mild hike, you´ll reach a fork, one way leading to Perigoso and Búzios, while the other way will take you to Funda, Inferno and do Meio beaches. How long you will take from the fork to each destination depends on the individual’s physical conditions as well as how much weight is being carried. The easiest to get to, and first beach you will cross is Perigoso. Another 45min-walk will lead to Praia do Meio. The furthest is Inferno beach (in English, this would be the Hell beach, but the only Hell here is not bringing sunscreen), and it has an alternative trek back to Guaratiba village, about 2h walk.
For the not-so-active crowd, the boats leave from Guaratiba port, and prices may vary according to number of passengers, luggage and the route desired. But the views you will find during the treks, can’t compare. As they say, best things in life are free – and very well kept.
According to the Condé Nast Traveller, Brazil is one of the “Destinations to watch in 2013”. So why not come to enjoy Carnaval? If you start planning now you can still make it! The festivities starts on February 8th and officially ends on the 12th. However, there will be plenty of things going on until the 17th.
This great party is celebrated all over the country, but Rio is definitely one of the best places to go. There you have many ways to celebrate:
THE SAMBADROME
The Sambadrome is the Carnival mecca. It’s where the magic happens and where the amazing Samba Parade on Carnival week takes place. It’s a must go! Rehearsals that are almost like the Parade but without costumes and with less participants also takes place there, starting already in December. It is also possible to do a tour during the day.
CARNIVAL BALLS
Rio de Janeiro, as the City of Carnival, offers a selection of Carnival balls. Though hundreds of balls happen all over the city, some are always better bets than others. The most traditional and popular ones are at the Scala and Mangueira Samba School. But the most glamorous is definitely the Copacabana Palace Ball.
STREET CARNIVAL
Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Bandas or Blocos. Both consist of an orchestra marching along a pre-determined route, followed by hordes of enthusiastic samba dancers. They may come dressed in costumes, bathing suits, plain clothes, special T-shirts, or even in drag. It’s free, spontaneous, and everybody’s welcome to participate!
