Aussies in Rio: Favela Edition
Our crew was a mixed bag of Aussie tourists, aged 35 to 60, most visiting Brazil for the first time. Naturally, there were nerves. "Are favelas safe?" "Will we get mugged?". Valid questions. But curiosity won, and we jumped into an Uber from our hotel in Copacabana, a breezy 15–20 minute ride and were dropped off at "Praca do Vidigal, Avinida Niemayer". Here is the Google Maps link.
Moto madness vs. Minivan zen
At the base of Vidigal, we had two choices: hop on a moto taxi or squeeze into a minivan. The thrill-seekers (myself included) went full Fast & Furious on motorbikes, while our elders opted for the more sensible van. The ride? Exhilarating. Terrifying. Hilarious. We dodged trucks, zipped through hairpin turns, and flew uphill like there was no speed limit. Brit, my fearless girlfriend, filmed the whole thing until her driver politely asked her to put the camera away as we approached a group of locals with AK-47s. Yep. Real life.
Arrival: Bar da Laje
After 10 minutes of adrenaline, we were dropped at what looked like a bus stop. A quick uphill walk later, we arrived at Bar da Laje, a multi-level rooftop bar perched high above Rio. Think panoramic views of Ipanema Beach, the glittering coastline, and the endless Atlantic. It was fancy - something you’d expect in Australia, not a favela.
Entry was 50 Reals per person (not redeemable for drinks), which felt steep, but hey, the view was priceless. Our minivan mates arrived later, slightly rattled after being approached by a local offering to “guide” them to the bar for 10 Reals. Classic.
Sunset and snacks
We ordered overpriced cocktails and snacks, which felt normal by Aussie standards but luxe for favela pricing. Then we just… soaked it all in. The sunset turned Rio into a golden dreamscape. The ocean shimmered. The city pulsed below. Britt looked around and said, "I could live here". Her vibe: humble, grateful, and joyfully simple, which matched the energy of Vidigal perfectly.
Our elders? They enjoyed the experience but were happy to head back to Copacabana. Fair enough.
Real talk: what you should know
Vidigal has transformed in recent years. Once considered rough, it’s now a hub of street art, rooftop bars, and cultural pride. But it’s still a favela. Unpredictable, vibrant, and very real. Be respectful. Don’t flash your phone.
PIX Like a Local
Now, here’s where GringoWallet comes in. During our trip, some of our crew struggled to pay for things like soccer tickets, beach vendors, and even some hotels because Brazil’s payment system (PIX) doesn’t work for us foreigners.
As a GringoWallet adoptee and guest blogger, I’ve seen firsthand how it simplifies payments for travellers, letting you pay like a local without the drama.
Final thoughts
Vidigal was wild, beautiful, and unforgettable. It challenged our assumptions, gave us stories for life, and reminded us that the best views often come after the steepest climbs - literally and metaphorically.
See you in Rio next time😉!
Pay PIX now even without a Brazilian bank account.
