We spent a week in Lisiene's apartment and the only thing we can say is that we didn't want to leave! The apartment is clean, comfortable, spacious, tastefully decorated, well-equipped and has the most amazing, relaxing view you can imagine. It was hard to pull ourselves away from the terrace each day. Lisiene and her family welcomed us warmly and were always available to answer questions.
The new well-lit bicycle/walking path to Leblon makes it easy to walk to Leblon/Ipanema/Copacabana. The small beach literally across the street is a nice alternative to take a walk or spend some time on the beach in the morning before heading off to other areas.
Here are a few tips about the area/transportation:
- You can do grocery shopping in Leblon (Zona Sul) or there is a small market at the entrance of Vidigal (close walk) where you can buy good fruit and essentials. There is a also a pharmacy.
- Take a combi (van) for 3 reis to the top of Vidigal (last stop) and ask for the Hotel Arvrao or Bar do Lage. The view will take your breath away and your friends will never believe the pictures. From there you can find the path (trilha) to the Dois Irmaos with an even more stunning view. It seemed very safe to us. The beginning of the path is hard to find -- read up online before you go.
- There is another amazing, lesser known park nearby -- Parque Penhasco Dois Irmaos with access from Visconde de Albuquerque in Leblon. We lived in Rio for many years and never knew about this jewel of a park. Safe, clean, well-kept and amazing views. Great alternative if you don't want to climb up the Dois Irmaos trail.
- If you are taking buses, we found the 557 to be very convenient and fast (it goes along the beach). From downtown, the 177 is a good option. There are many other buses, but we found these to be good. You can walk down to the beach in Leblon and to catch the bus to the metro in Ipanema. The bus to the airports also stops right in front of the apartment.
- When taking a taxi, you may need to explain that the street of the apartment (Estrada do Vidigal) is parallel to Avenida Niemeyer (if walking, you go up steps in-between) and the taxi needs to enter Vidigal and turn right immediately.
In all--Lisiene's place is highly, highly recommended and we can't wait to go back.
P.S. If this apartment is booked, Lisiene also has a small studio so check it out.

Foi uma semana maravilhosa! Vista, apartamento e a amabilidade/hospitalidade de Lisiene e seu marido. Voltaremos com certeza!