Guia 7 Dias - Volume 1

rio de janeiro 59 randaí, 5), which serves tidbits typical of a Brazil- ian granny’s cuisine, such as the coxinha (a salted doughnut filled with chopped or shredded chick- en meat) and stews, and the hyped Roberta Sud- brack (Avenida Lineu de Paula Machado, 916), led by the namesake chef, who was acclaimed by experts as the best cook of Rio de Janeiro. For those who enjoy nature-related activities, the afternoon can be reserved for a few rides at the Parque Nacional da Tijuca (Tijuca National Park). Several roads lead to the area of 40 km2, which includes, among other wonders, the Corco- vado Hill. Some paths can be covered by car, oth- ers by bike or on foot. Various travel agencies in the region conduct tours around the place too. As it’s impossible to get to know the entire park in just one day, the solution is to pick some of the main attractions. Among the most recom- mended are the overlooks of Morro Dona Marta (Dona Marta Hill), where you can have one of the best views of the city, and of Vista Chinesa (Chi- nese Pavilion), built between 1902 and 1906. At night, if you still have the drive, visit the region of Baixo Gávea (Lower Gavea), with plenty of bars that represent the synthesis of the carioca informality. Or, if it happens to be the season, join a samba school research for the Carnival parade. On Saturdays, schools like the traditional Mangue- ira use to set their drums sections to work to their fullest at the samba courts.