Discover the Strange Side of Rio with These Unusual Activities
Rio has vibe for everyone…and if your vibe is creepy, strange, and maybe a little spooky, we’ve got you:
1. Visit the Catacombs of São João Batista Cemetery
Explore the eerie catacombs of São João Batista Cemetery, where you’ll find elaborate mausoleums and tombstones dating back centuries. This lesser-known cemetery offers a spooky glimpse into Rio’s past.
2. Hike to the Ruins of Vila Canoas
Trek through the dense forest to the abandoned village of Vila Canoas. The crumbling buildings and overgrown pathways create an eerie atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a haunted adventure.
3. Explore the Ilha Fiscal Castle
Take a boat trip to Ilha Fiscal, a small island with a mysterious castle that once hosted the last ball of the Brazilian Empire. The gothic architecture and isolated location make it a creepy yet fascinating destination.
4. Visit the Museum of the Republic
This historical museum is housed in the Palácio do Catete, where President Getúlio Vargas took his own life in 1954. The room where he died remains preserved, offering a chilling peek into a significant moment in Brazilian history.
5. Attend Yemanjá celebrations
Also known as Iemanjá, Yemanjá is a goddess from Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé and Umbanda. She is the orixá (deity) of the sea, often depicted as a beautiful woman emerging from the ocean and is considered the protector of fishermen, sailors, and all those who live by or depend on the sea. On special dates like New Year’s Eve and Yemanjá’s Day (February 2), people gather at the beach to offer flowers, perfumes, jewelry, and other gifts to the goddess. These offerings are usually placed in small boats or baskets, which are then released into the ocean. The act of offering flowers is a way to ask for protection, blessings, and prosperity for the coming year or to give thanks for the previous year’s blessings.
6. Explore Little Africa (Pequena África) and the Cemetery of New Blacks (Cemitério dos Pretos Novos)
Little Africa, or “Pequena África,” is a neighborhood in Rio that carries the weight of a dark and tragic past. This region was a major entry point for enslaved Africans brought to Brazil. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural contributions of the African diaspora, but it also holds some of the city’s most haunting sites. One of the eeriest places to The Valongo Wharf, where thousands of enslaved Africans were brought to Rio. This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as a chilling reminder of the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade.
Another place that echoes the pain of the past is the Cemetery of New Blacks (Cemitério dos Pretos Novos). This site was discovered accidentally in the 1990s during renovations, revealing a mass grave where the bodies of enslaved Africans who died shortly after arrival were unceremoniously buried. The cemetery is now a small memorial and museum, preserving the memory of those who were lost. The atmosphere here is undeniably heavy, as you are confronted with the brutal reality of the lives that ended before they even began.
7. Walk the Tunnels of Forte de Copacabana
Descend into the underground tunnels of Forte de Copacabana, where you’ll find a maze of dark passageways and hidden chambers. The fort’s military history adds to the creepy vibe.
8. Visit the Esoteric Bookstore in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is known for its bohemian charm, but it also has an esoteric bookstore filled with occult literature, crystals, and mystical artifacts. It’s a quirky spot to explore the supernatural side of Rio.
9. Explore the Abandoned Hotel at Gávea
The once luxurious Gávea Tourist Hotel now stands abandoned, with its empty rooms and decaying structure attracting urban explorers and ghost hunters. Its eerie ambiance makes for a spine-chilling visit.
10. Experience the Mystery of Pedra da Gávea
Hike to the top of Pedra da Gávea, a massive granite mountain that some believe holds ancient carvings and secrets. The hike is challenging, but the legends and panoramic views add an element of mystery and awe.
From haunted cemeteries to mysterious mountains, Rio has a strange and spooky side that’s waiting to be explored.
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