Brazilian Venice, a secret beach and mangrove forests right in the heart of Rio

Very close to the noisy center of Rio hides a completely different world: an island without cars, cozy canals and quiet streets with atmospheric cafes. This journey is a real “little Italy”, hidden among the mangrove jungle with crocodiles and capybaras.

Zhigoya Island - Brazilian Venice

By boat we will cross to the island of Zhigoya - an amazing corner where there are no cars or motorcycles. Instead of roads, there are canals, and instead of city noise – silence, greenery and cozy pedestrian streets. The atmosphere is more like a small Italian town than Rio.

Rio Pantanal

Then we will take a boat trip through the so-called Pantanal Carioca – a maze of mangroves, islets and winding ducts. Just a few hundred meters from the city you can meet crocodiles, capybaras, unusual birds and other inhabitants of this unique ecosystem.

After the walk, we will return to the island to dine in one of the cozy restaurants overlooking the water.

Secret Beach and Modern Rio

At the beginning or end of the tour (depending on the weather and time of day), we will visit a secluded ocean beach, hidden between the rocks, and an observation deck with a beautiful panorama of the coast. On the way we will get acquainted with the Barra da Tijuca district - the most modern and prestigious district of the city.

What will you know?

You will learn why the island of Gigoya is not at all like the usual Rio, what role mangrove forests play in the ecosystem of the city, how real wildlife has been preserved near skyscrapers and why many residents consider Gigoya one of the most pleasant places to live. Although formally this island can be called a favela!

Included

• guide
• islanding
• beachside

Not included

• boat trip (payment is made to the captain: from 50 to 100 reais depending on the duration of the program / comfort of the vessel)
• Lunch/dinner at an island restaurant
• taxi from the secret beach to the island (about 15-20 reals per car)