visiting Botequim Vaca Atolada is an experience I will remember forever. While we were in Rio, we wanted to get a taste of samba music live for the first time in our lives. My guidebook recommended Vaca Atolada so we made our way to Lapa.
At first, it doesn't seem like much. It's just a regular bar. And it was packed to the brim. We're talking packed like sardines. Where you can't move. Definitely not for people who are claustrophobic or not a fan of being in large crowds. And since it's Brazil, be careful with your belongings. A place like this is ripe for pickpocketers. And there's no A/C so I was sweating. You're starting to think to yourself, how is this a five-star experience?
Because you put up with all of that for a true cultural experience. Toward the back of the bar, in the center, live samba. The energy of the crowd was insatiable. People were dancing. Singing. Everybody was happy. You could feel the energy. My guidebook says it's the best spot to see samba and it didn't disappoint. It was one of my favorite moments in Brazil and I was happy I made my way to this no-frills spot to hang with locals and get an authentic experience. read more