Hotel in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Che Lagarto Hostel Copacabana
Check rates & availability on Booking.comWell-managed hostel chain with a great Copacabana location and lively social atmosphere. Dormitories and private rooms available, rooftop bar, and free caipirinha hour for guests. Short walk to the beach.
Che Lagarto Hostel Copacabana is part of the established Che Lagarto chain, which operates multiple hostels across Brazil and Latin America. This Copacabana location sits on Rua Barata Ribeiro, a key artery connecting the beachfront boulevard to the inland streets of Copacabana and Leme. The hostel is less than three blocks from the beach, making it one of Rio de Janeiro's most convenient budget options for travelers whose primary goal is beach access.
Accommodation ranges from mixed dormitories to private rooms, catering to solo backpackers, couples, and small groups. The rooftop bar is the social center of the hostel and is one of the defining reasons guests choose this property. A complimentary daily caipirinha hour for registered guests is a widely praised tradition — the caipirinha, made from cachaça, lime, and sugar, is Brazil's national cocktail, and the ritual brings together guests each afternoon to share stories before heading out to explore the neighborhood. The bar continues to serve throughout the evening, with a range of drinks available at hostel prices.
Laundry facilities serve guests on extended stays, and luggage storage is available for those departing on late-night or early-morning flights. The hostel's staff are experienced in helping guests plan day trips to Corcovado, Sugarloaf Mountain, favela community visits, and the beaches of Barra da Tijuca. Tours can typically be booked through the front desk.
Rua Barata Ribeiro itself is dense with supermarkets, pharmacies, and per-kilo restaurants — buffet-style eateries where meals are priced by weight — keeping daily food costs manageable. Cardeal Arcoverde metro station is one block away, connecting Copacabana to Botafogo, Flamengo, and the historic center in minutes. The combination of beach proximity, metro access, social atmosphere, and free caipirinha hour makes this hostel one of the most consistently recommended budget options in Rio de Janeiro.
Amenities
- wifi
- rooftop bar
- lockers
- free caipirinha hour
- laundry
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Rua Barata Ribeiro, 111 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
-22.9655, -43.1789 — View on map
Highlights
- Daily complimentary caipirinha hour at the rooftop bar for all registered guests
- Location on Rua Barata Ribeiro, three blocks from Copacabana beach
- One block from Cardeal Arcoverde metro station for city-wide access
- Social rooftop bar serving drinks at hostel prices throughout the evening
- Mixed dormitories and private rooms available for different traveler needs
Tips
- Arrive at the rooftop bar around the caipirinha hour to meet other travelers before heading out — the time varies seasonally so confirm on arrival
- Cardeal Arcoverde metro station is one block away and far cheaper than taxis for reaching Botafogo, Flamengo, or downtown
- Per-kilo restaurants on Rua Barata Ribeiro offer quality Brazilian food at very low cost — look for signs reading 'por quilo'
- Book at least two weeks in advance for Carnival and New Year's Eve when Rio accommodation fills completely
- Ask staff to book tours of Corcovado or Sugarloaf — the hostel works with reputable local operators
FAQ
Is the complimentary caipirinha hour really free?
Yes, Che Lagarto Copacabana offers a daily complimentary caipirinha hour for registered guests. Times can vary by season, so visitors should confirm on arrival.
How far is the hostel from Copacabana beach?
The hostel is approximately three short blocks from the beachfront — roughly a five-minute walk.
Are private rooms available?
Yes, in addition to dormitory beds, private room options are available at the hostel.
Can tours be arranged from the hostel?
Yes, the front desk assists guests in booking guided tours including Corcovado, Sugarloaf Mountain, and favela community visits.
Is Cardeal Arcoverde metro station nearby?
Yes, Cardeal Arcoverde is one block from the hostel, providing quick and affordable access to the wider metro network.
Accessibility
The hostel occupies a multi-floor building with internal stairs between levels. Travelers with mobility limitations should contact the hostel in advance to inquire about ground-floor accommodation availability.
When to visit
Copacabana is a year-round destination. Avoiding the December to February peak and Carnival period means lower rates and smaller beach crowds; the May to September window offers pleasant temperatures and easy accommodation availability.