Bikes, beaches and botanical gardens

We rented two bikes and set out to ride the entire length of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, then up around the lagoon to the botanical gardens where we figured there would be shady trees - it's 35C and this is autumn.

Four hours and 20 km later we have the bikes back and enjoyed sunset on Copacabana. When we got back our hosts invited us to join them in caipirinhas and canapés as they had three friends coming over. We had a lovely evening swapping travel stories, gaining insight into Brazilian culture, politics and trying to explain British customs.Read more