My first time in Rio de Janeiro & first coliving experience

Veronika Süssova
2 days ago
5 min read

I’ve been following Nomadico since the very beginning, because we were in Madeira at the same time back in 2022. I wanted to try coliving ever since, but I always ended up renting an apartment in the end, because it was more cost-effective than “just a room in a coliving.”

However, I also mostly ended up crying there by myself, because it was really challenging to make like-minded friends, no matter how many digital nomad meetups and WhatsApp groups I chased.

So, for my time in South America, I decided that after two years of working remotely, I would do it differently this time. Also, in South America, coliving prices are more in favor of my Czech marketer’s budget.

A quick note from the Nomadico Team

This story was written by Veronika, who stayed with us in Rio de Janeiro.

Scroll down to read her experience.

Interested in sharing your own Nomadico story?

👉 Get in touch.

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Why Rio de Janeiro?

I started my 4-month trip through South America in Argentina, but there is no Nomadico yet in 2025. There should be, though, because Buenos Aires is extremely cool (and warm), and that’s coming from someone who actually doesn’t like big cities.

Through the Iguazu waterfalls, I got to Florianópolis in Brazil, where there is an amazing Nomadico coliving; however, it was just about to close for the season until April when I got there in December. I did have a chance to check it out during the Open Coworking Friday, though. And it is totally worth staying there by the pool at Cle’s home!

From Florianópolis, I moved to a bigger Florianópolis, as I call it: Rio de Janeiro. Lively, hilly, green, warm, with an ocean where you can even surf, full of street samba, and cheap and tasty caipirinhas.

And of course, I wanted to see Jesus. And not only to stand by him, but to see him from above - from a helicopter, to be precise. It was my birthday month, so why not spoil ourselves a bit?!

How to get to Rio

I was honoured to be the first-ever Nomadico guest in Pauline’s home during the grand opening on January 4th, 2026.

So yes, I missed the famous New Year’s fireworks in Rio, and since I stayed just two weeks, I also missed the carnival in February. Nonetheless I had a stellar time!

So, how to get there? Easy. There are two airports in Rio de Janeiro: the international one (GIG) and the domestic one (SDU). Both are only a 25-minute cheap Uber ride from Nomadico.

How was the coliving experience in Rio?

Let’s just say it set a very high standard for my next coliving experience in terms of community. There are 10 rooms, but during the opening, we were a nice, small group of six. Each one of us was so different, yet we complemented each other.

As our amazing Community Manager, Valen from Argentina (I’ve never met anyone with so much energy), said, “You were my favorite group.” (We were her first group, but yes, she was right.)

And as my new Rio bestie from Morocco put it, “Have you noticed that Nomadico always brings together a great group of people?”

The coliving home in Rio de Janeiro

The house itself is a very special old three-floor house (or even more? Hard to say, because I kept getting lost there). It has a terrace garden with a stunning view of Rio, where I practiced yoga.

There is a brand-new coworking space with a view of a blossoming tree with monkeys in it, which makes for a little distraction during work hours. There is also a chill-out zone with a hammock. And each floor has its own kitchen.

So there is plenty of space to hang out, but also plenty of space to play hide and seek if you want to have some me time.

The location of the Nomadico coliving in Rio is also very special, right at the border of the bohemian district of Santa Teresa, known for its street art, and the very local nightlife of Lapa.

The border is marked by the famous stairs, Escadaria Selarón, where everyone wants to take the perfect Instagram shot. Well, these steps are going to be your daily workout for grocery runs, and you get to see them at night without the crowds.

Fancy a beach? You can get to Flamengo Beach from Casa da Gente in just a 30-minute walk, and to Copacabana or Ipanema within 30 minutes by Uber or metro.

What to do in Rio before or after work

This is a list of what I managed to do during my two weeks in Rio. Needless to say, I’m a very (pro)active person. A two-week stay is essential, I’d say. Rio is too big and stunning to rush through in just one week. More is always more.

Have breakfast at Mô Café, wander around the street art of Santa Teresa, and enjoy the view from Parque das Ruínas
Catch Christ the Redeemer with the first morning train at 7 am to avoid the crowds
Do the Free walking tour through Little Africa
Visit Harry Potter-style Real Gabinete Português de Leitura and the 132-year-old Columbus café (be there at their opening hours to avoid the line)
Do a sunset hike to Morro da Urca (the smaller and less packed Sugarloaf hill)
Try a proper climb hike to Pedra da Gávea, the nicest and toughest hike in Rio
See Jesus from above, try the helicopter ride, then unwind with a beach day at Recreio
Surf at sunset at Arpoador beach
Try the original and best açaí at Tacacá do Norte at Flamengo Beach
Caipirinha & samba night out in Lapa
Party on Monday at Pedra do Sal
Zola pizza night (might be the best pizza I’ve ever had) in Santa Teresa

Nomadico family farewell dinner in Santa Teresa

How to survive Rio in 8 steps

You might have a feeling that Rio isn’t the safest location in the world, and you’d be right. Another reason why I would rather stay in a coliving is sticking with a group when going out.

I’ve heard too many stories of drinks being spiked and people waking up missing more than just their memories (for example, a kidney). But rest assured, we spent two weeks there and we still have two kidneys! So, what are my tips for getting through Rio smoothly?

Keep your phone in your fanny pack or on a string in your pocket.
No need to carry cash with you, since you can pay anywhere (and I mean literally even at the beach) by card.
Alternatively, like some people I met, get a burner phone and a burner purse with just an old card and a little cash.
Keep your drink at hand and avoid tasting drinks from people you’ve just met.
Uber is your best friend when going out.
Unlike Florianópolis, you can get by here without Portuguese, but it’s always good to speak at least a poquito español.
Don’t even try buying a local SIM card. I spent one hour in an official shop and gave up, as did my friends who purchased SIM cards on the street and tried to activate them later.
Get a Wise account; it is widely used in Brazil and South America in general.

Why I’ll always choose coliving from now on

My conclusion? Staying at a coliving might be significantly more expensive than renting your own space in some locations, but in my experience, paying more for instant friendships with people who share similar values and an approach to life pays off.

In fact, I’m writing this article while watching the lush green hills and palm trees in Colombia, at Nomadico Manizales, just a four-hour bus ride from Medellín, where I came to recharge after a week at Nomadico Medellín.