We wanted to experience the contrasts of this vast city, so after staying on Copacabana for nearly a week, we moved up into the hills to stay at Majon's for several nights. I cannot say enough about her place...It was fantastic!

First of all, Marjon was very accommodating. She allowed us to check in a bit earlier than her listed time since we had to be out of our other Airbnb at 11:00. Additionally, our Uber driver was a bit confused and since our Portuguese is not so good, I called her and she spoke directly to the driver to get us there!

Upon arrival, she got us in and situated and was gracious enough to sit and chat with us to share the local places to eat and drink in Santa Theresa, letting us know what was considered a "touristy" place or what was a "local" spot so we could decide where we wanted to go ourselves. After that, she was there when we needed her, and was scarce when we didn't. The perfect host!

Our 4 days there were something that I am SO THANKFUL that we did. The house was absolutely breathtaking with its white walls, colorful tiles, and warm wood accents. We could've stayed at the home without leaving and been perfectly content. The views of the hillside at night with the twinkling lights and the sounds are not something I will soon forget. Seeing Christ the Redeemer in the mornings with its haze and then with the morning light hitting it was surreal. Then seeing it again illuminated at night was wonderful.

Oh, and the monkeys!! We saw them several days, but on one morning in particular we saw many (we counted around 15- unless they were circling around and coming back and then it was less), and they stayed and observed us through the open sliding door from the balcony for quite awhile so there is no exaggeration there. It was amazing to experience the wildlife up close and personal like that. One evening around dusk we even saw a toucan.

As far as location, it was only about 5 minutes on the bus to the center of Santa Teresa. From there, it wasn't much farther to get to Lapa, or anywhere else for that matter. If your not comfortable using the bus (which we hadn't considered until talking to Marjon and then once we tried it, we rode it for the rest of our trip), you can take an Uber or Taxi from her place to Santa Teresa for about 7 real (2.50USD) and from her place to the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema with an Uber for about 28 real (8.75 USD).

If you are looking for a truly unique and beautiful place, this is the place for you. When we return to Rio, which I know we will, I will not hesitate to stay at Marjon's again! Thank you for such a wonderful stay!