The Abandoned Gavea Tourist Hotel In The Rio Forest
HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE ABANDONED HOTEL IN RIO?
Deep in the heart of Rio, hidden in the forest between Gavea and Sao Conrado, stands an architectural skeleton – a specter of grand ambition that never came to fruition. This is the story of the Gavea Tourist Hotel, an unfinished project whose eerie allure continues to captivate the minds and hearts of urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
I first discovered this hotel when I was walking up the Estrada das Canoas to visit Pedra Bonita. My friend and I didn’t know that at the time, but we ended up stumbling on something really unique.
History of the Gavea Tourist Hotel
Our tale begins with a vision. Decio da Silva Pacheco had a dream to build a luxury hotel amidst the serene setting of the forest. The plan was grand: a 30,000 square-meter area boasting a lavish restaurant, 16 floors of upscale rooms, and even a cable car system for easy access. In 1953, the first bricks were laid, and the dream slowly started to take shape.
Despite the snail-paced construction, Pacheco wasn’t deterred from indulging in the venue’s incomplete charm. The skeletal structure witnessed its fair share of exuberance, playing host to outrageous celebrations like the unforgettable New Year’s Eve party in 1965 and numerous events at the Sky Terrace nightclub.
After a 19-year struggle, California Investimentos, the developer responsible for bringing Pacheco’s vision to life, found itself in a financial crunch. By 1978, the funds dried up, and construction was abruptly halted. Not long after, the company declared bankruptcy, and all hopes of completing the hotel vanished into thin air.
The site quickly fell victim to scavengers and vandalism. The unprotected property saw its construction materials pilfered, and by the 1980s, it had become a shelter for the homeless and a hideout for criminals. What once promised to be a haven for luxury turned into an empty shell, a monument to unfulfilled dreams.
The Hotel Today
Today, the Gavea Tourist Hotel stands as a haunting reminder of grand dreams that never materialized. Its skeletal remains tell tales of opulence that was planned but never achieved. This ghost hotel, while devoid of its initial promise, has found new life as a magnet for the curious and the adventurous.
I had a chat with Diogo Vasconcellos a fellow adventurer who’s got a knack for navigating Rio’s hidden corners. He also took all the photos in this article. According to him, you’ve got to shell out R$5 to R$10 to get a peek inside this hollow titan. Odd as it sounds, the entry fee goes into the pockets of security guys hired to keep a watchful eye on the place.
There is also a rumor that someone died, and it now remains closed, but I wasn’t able to find confirmation of that. People who I know have been there all say the same thing – they don’t consider the area dangerous, but like with any urban exploring, you have to take care.
Safety Considerations
Now, let’s talk safety. Just like with any adventure, playing it smart is key. I don’t mean to scare you, but we’re dealing with a 16-story hotel skeleton here. It’s an adventure, sure, but it’s not a walk in the park.
The fact of the matter is, this place wasn’t designed for visitors. Those wide, open stairways? They don’t have handrails. And elevators? Forget about it. Every step you take in this towering shell could be risky, so tread lightly and carefully.
And here’s another thing to consider: the place has been associated with some shady business in the past. While it might not be a hotspot for dodgy deals anymore, being aware of your surroundings is vital. I don’t say this to dampen your spirit, but to remind you that a little bit of caution can go a long way.
After all, urban exploring is about the thrill of discovery, not courting danger. So, if you decide to take the plunge and explore the remains of the Gavea Tourist Hotel, keep your wits about you. Safety first, always.
Getting to the Gavea Tourist Hotel
So how can you get to the Gavea Tourist Hotel if you want to explore inside? The hotel is located right off the Estrada das Canoa, which takes passes by the Vila Canoas favelas and heads into the direction of Pedra Bonita.
Let’s be clear, walking up Estrada das Canoas is not only incredibly long and tiring, it isn’t, in fact, the usual route up to Pedra Bonita. Most people take a bus or catch a lift with one of the hang-gliders to get to the entrance of the hike. It avoids walking up a paved road that cars and trucks hurtle down.
However, the advantage of taking the long way up was that I had more time to appreciate the surroundings. After a while, it was impossible not to notice a large abandoned hotel in the middle of the forest. Off the road, it simply looms through the surrounding trees and looks kind of eerie.
More Rio de Janeiro Blog Articles
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Final Thoughts: The Gavea Tourist Hotel
So, there you have it. The Gavea Tourist Hotel is a reminder of dreams that stayed dreams. It stands not as a symbol of failure but as a testament to the ambitious vision and human endeavor.
While it’s not your typical tourist hotspot, for those of us with a thirst for the offbeat and unknown, it’s a siren call. But remember, this urban exploration is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a journey of thrill, discovery, and a dash of risk.
So, if you’ve got the guts and the gumption, the Gavea Tourist Hotel awaits. Venture wisely and let the echoes of the past guide your steps. This ghost hotel, in all its eerie glory, is ready to share its secrets, if you dare to listen.
If you’ve been, I’m all ears. Share your story, and let’s keep the spirit of urban exploration alive, one adventure at a time.
