Best of both worlds! Secure and gorgeous modern architecture building located within one of Rio's lively favelas. All set within a few meters proximity to the idyllic Ipanema + Copacabana beaches and the heart of Rio!

I felt very safe and comfortable in the favela. Everything you need is right there in the community...leave the luxury of Louri + Renato's apartments, and in the 3 minute stroll down the hill you can pick up your groceries, stop and have a meal, or get a drink at a bar with the locals, then a hire a moto-taxi off into the city and beaches.

Louri was such an awesome host, succinct + efficient, prompt on whatsapp, helpful with my ridiculously overpacked luggage and even lent a hand with a local phone call for me. He's a wealth of knowledge for Rio and beyond. Well traveled people are my favourite people! I am so grateful we got to connect Louri, I definitely look forward to keeping up with your design projects, and swapping more food + travel recommendations. I'll be back in 2016, and look forward to being back in Cantagalo again with you + Renato. Tchau!