By Madeleine Wilson
January 26, 2010
Rio de Janeiro's busiest time of year is definitely carnival. You will need to be savvy about booking a place to stay in time for this extravaganza, often months in advance. But with carnival just round the corner, help is at hand. Some of Rio's best hostels still have accommodation to offer but do expect to book a minimum of six nights during the carnival period.
The city has excellent transport links with buses running through the night so whether you decide to camp on the doorstep of party central or shack up on the outskirts of town, you are never too far from the action. It's a good idea to look out for hostels offering guests private lockers and air conditioning, even if it is only usually switched on at night. Most places have good kitchen facilities where you can rustle up a packed lunch, hot dinners or quick bites to keep you going throughout the day.
It's always great to relax in a hostel garden, on terrace or balcony but it seems that most of Rio flocks to the beach at some point of the day so an outdoor area is one easy thing budget travellers can compromise on.
Beach Backpackers Hostel Rio de Janeiro
This hostel really has its finger on the backpacking pulse. On arrival, you will receive a hostel business card to keep with you during your stay, so there is no getting lost in this big city. The staff will also provide you with a nightlife guide and handy tips on where to visit if you are on a tight budget. Foreign cuisine can be a little daunting and they provide a local guide for this as well to help you order in restaurants.
This hostel is so in tune with travelers' needs, don't expect anything less than free wireless internet, 24 hour check-in, tv and dvd selection and a fully equipped kitchen. Only 2 blocks from Botafogo beach, the hostel is also located just 15 minutes walk from the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches so you really are spoilt for choice.
Vila CasaNova
Caught up in the hubbub of carnival, some of you might prefer to return to smaller, intimate lodgings instead of carrying on with the party back at a large hostel.
You will find Vila CasaNova down a quiet residential street in Santa Teresa. Only 10 minutes from the nightlife of Lapa, you are not far from all the goings-on in the city centre. You can choose from dorms of up to 8 people or private double and single rooms which have either air conditioning, a ceiling fan or a lovely balcony overlooking the green valley. This bed and breakfast also has a swimming pool if you fancy a dip. Shops and bars are all within walking distance.
Best Rio Hostel
If nowhere else than Copacabana will do, Best Rio Hostel is just three blocks from the beach on a tree-lined street. It has good transport links nearby should you wish to visit some of Rio's well-known tourist attractions including Sugar Loaf, the Botanical Gardens and Christ the Redeemer.
Both the dormitory and private rooms have air conditioning, respectfully switched on between 10am to10pm and guests have access to Wi-Fi too. You can prepare some cheap and cheerful meals in the kitchen with shops nearby to stock up on supplies. Breakfast is included in the price but do go looking for the best Caipirinha in this neck of the woods.
Rio Surf n‘ Stay - Backpackers
The main event is carnival but don't forget Rio's other attractions - the beaches. Rio Surf n' Stay Backpackers is located about an hour's coastal bus drive from Ipanema. This is the place to really put your tired dancing feet up, have a swing in a hammock and watch the local surfers. If however you don't fancy jumping off the fun wagon just yet, this surf hostel can set you up with some lessons in riding the waves. The hostel is just a few steps from Macumba beach in Recreio but the instructors will drive you to several different beaches to make sure you are getting the best waves of the day.
They offer private and dorm rooms but those on a really tight budget can pitch a tent in the tropical garden out front. You get your own key you can come and go as you please. Quality home-cooked Brazilian meals and BBQs are available and the bar serves beers or a decent Caipirinha. If you book the 6 night carnival package they throw in a free surfing lesson and a ticket for the BBQ.
Yes, you have left it a bit late but don't panic, all the Rio hostels covered in this article have accommodation available between the 11-17 February.
Madeleine Wilson joined HostelBookers at the end of 2009 and has experience in traveling to international festivals. On visiting Brazil, she recommends staying in Rio hostels during carnival time.
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