The location of Alto Vidigal Hostel & Bar, founded by two young-minded adventurous friends in 2009, couldn't offer a better sight for a visit in the vibrant 'cidade maravilhosa' of Rio de Janeiro.
Imagine staying on the top of a great hill with a marvellous view down to the famous beaches of Ipanema and Leblon, surrounded by colourful, artistic graffiti paintings typical of Rio de Janeiro on the building walls and local kids flying their kites high up in the sky and playing football on the streets until the sun goes down.
Now let's get to one crucial fact you should be aware of regarding this cosy hostel. It is situated on the top of a pacified favela community of Vidigal on the South West area of Rio. Yes, you got it correct - in a favela. If you're asking what's a favela, it is a Brazilian Portuguese word for a slum where local people live in a lower stage of living conditions.
However, nowadays Rio de Janeiro has plenty of pacified favelas where it is absolutely safe to stay and move around without a feeling of insecurity. You may trust our word and personal experience of staying in a favela - during the couple past years it has already been an increasing form of tourism accommodation and when implicated in the right way it can furthermore support the local community in a sustainable way.
Offering basic accommodation in shared rooms and also a private room, the main aim of Hostel Alto Vidigal is to provide a unique accommodation experience for open-minded travellers who wish to explore Rio off the beaten path. In addition to the bar upstairs with an amazing rooftop terrace view down to the beaches, Alto Vidigal has recently opened another bar serving delicious cold drinks on the ground floor, too. And if you get tired after spending a day discovering the city, there are also a couple of cosy hammocks waiting for you to chill out and relax at the hostel public area outside.
Are you courageous enough to experience the pure favela life of the heartwarming Vidigal community?
Book a bed now at Hostel Alto Vidigal and feel the magical city of Rio de Janeiro like a local!
Photo credits: Mari Koskelo