Maria's AirBnB is one of the best properties I've stayed at in the world. Her home is located in the mountains above Rio, and provides amazing views of the city and the mountains. The living room provides a direct view of the Christ the Redeemer statue, and I loved being secluded in the mountains and awaking to the sounds of birds chirping and the sound of trees swaying.
The property is a detached guest home that is completely private. The guest house is a modern, beautifully designed space will a fully stocked kitchen, comfortable furniture, a modern bathroom, and air conditioned guest rooms. The highlight of the property is the patio, which gives you panoramic views of much of Rio and Christ the Redeemer. The living room has large, floor to ceiling glass doors, so you're treated to these views whether you're indoors or outdoors.
Maria fully stocked the kitchen with wine, beer and other snacks, and she will purchase any special requests for you. For several nights I had food delivered to her home with Uber Eats and enjoyed my dinner along on her patio with great views of the city. Maria's housekeeper Eliele is also available to help you with anything that you need.
Before arriving, Maria communicated well and provided me with directions in Portugese for the taxi diver. Her home is easily accessible via Uber. All of the other major areas in Rio, including Santa Theresa, Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are a 15 to 30 minute Uber ride away, as long as you're not travelling in rush hour. Uber is super convenient and inexpensive in Rio (each of my rides were only about $5), and I recommend using Uber Select or Uber Black cars which make the ride on Rio's cobblestone streets much more comfortable, and don't cost much more. Also, as with any metropolis, plan your Uber rides around rush hour.
Maria's home is a great alternative to the crowded tourist areas of Copacabana and Ipenema. I also felt very safe in Maria's home, since it's protected with large walls. Door to door Uber service makes travelling around the city very safe as well.
city very safe as well.