By Nicole Pelligrino, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO – A small but conveniently located neighborhood lays between Lagoa, Botafogo, Jardim Botânico and in the shadow of Christ the Redeemer at the base of Corcovado. Its name is Humaitá. The name serves as a dedication to the Battle of Humaitá in Paraguay during the War of the Triple Alliance.
The western side of Humaitá holds quaint, shaded streets with beautiful old homes which border the striking granite rock faces and tree-covered hills. The main through ways of the neighborhood include Rua São Clemente (which changes into Rua Humaitá), Voluntârios da Pâtria, Visconde de Caravelas, Visconde de Silva, and Pinheiro Guimarães.
Along Rua Humaitá, Visconde da Silva and Pinheiro Guimarães sit boutiques, bars, grocery stores, and restaurants. Largo da Humaitá bustles during the day with residents, shoppers and merchants. Buses to all points of the city pass through the neighborhood, functioning as the primary alternate route for buses that circumvent the waterfront. This makes it one of the most strategic locations in Rio de Janeiro for convenient public transit.
For nightlife, many residents opt for Cobal do Humaitá on Voluntârios da Pâtria. During the day, the space functions as a produce market. At night, it transforms into a lively scene, as seven adjacent bars and restaurants merge together offering chopp, snacks, pizza, sushi, grilled chicken, and most importantly, live music. In 2004, a Gastronomy zone was designated on the main streets of Humaitá and Botofogo; as such great cuisine remains abundant in the neighborhood.
The area remains relatively peaceful and safe into the evening hours and furthermore, affordable. A spacious two-bedroom apartment runs from R$250,000 and up. For a two-bedroom rental, expect to pay anywhere between R$700 to R$1,500, depending on size, outdoor space and views. Three-bedroom properties typically start around R$400,000, but prices can climb into the millions. Three-bedroom rentals start in the low R$1,000’s, but expect to pay in the R$2,000 – R$2,500 range.
What Humaitá lacks in size, it more than makes up for in accessibility, affordability (especially in comparison to other Zona Sul neighborhoods) and tranquility.
For listings, visit: http://www.zap.com.br.