Hostel Rio de Janeiro, Beach Backpackers Hostel

São João Batista Cemetery is a short walk away from Beach Backpackers Hostel and definitely worthy of a stroll around with your camera in hand. It is a must for any keen photographer and best of all it is free to enter.

The entrance  is impressive as are hundreds of rows of graves, each sporting statues and religious icons. Along the central avenue of the cemetery you will find the elaborate tombs which look more like small ornate houses than graves! Some boast life size statues depicting religious scenes. The large old trees lining the avenue provide pleasant dappled shade and add to the peaceful atmosphere.

In the back ground you will see Christ the Redeemer overlooking the city and echoing the religious statues in the cemetery.

The cemetery has a few notable graves, among them is Antonio Carlos Jobim – Brazilian musician (composer of “The Girl From Ipanema“). You will also find the grave of Emílio Garrastazu Médici, the 28th Brazilian President.

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How to get there from Beach Backpackers Hostel:

1. Turn right out the door of the hostel.
2. Walk to the end of the street and turn right again.
3. Take the first left and walk for two blocks, at the end of the street you will see a large white wall of the cemetery.
4. Turn right and walk two blocks to the entrance.

Get directions on Google Maps: