We used Vitóría as a stopover to Rio de Janerio because it was conveniently located one overnight bus ride from Porto Seguro and one overnight bus ride from Rio de Janeiro.

Due to our lack of Internet in Porto Seguro, we had no accommodation booked in Vitóría. Our ongoing dependency on WiFi to book accommodation and securely transfer money is somewhat pathetic. However, being able to research and sort out everything online has given us a lot of freedom with our schedule; we have been booking most of our accommodation and transportation at the last minute.

Our preparation for Vitóría was the address of two pousadas (something like a guesthouse) with no information about their facilities or rates because they don't publish much information online. One did not exist, according to the taxi driver, and so we drove to the other in Vila Velha, a town that had been swallowed up by the sprawling metropolis of Vitóría. On arrival we found it was too expensive (R$125/night) for the facilities offered. We walked up the street in the vain hope of bumping into worthwhile shelter. Talk about flying by the seat of your pants.

In the end we resolved ourselves to staying at the Champagnat Praia Hotel for R$120/night with all the expected hotel services: free WiFi, a complete and diverse breakfast, a/c, daily cleaning and towels, cable TV and a fridge. It was luxury. We attempted to meet our budget during our stay by eating lunch at pay by the kilo restaurants and eating sandwiches in our hotel room for dinner. How devious.

Besides from eating we didn't do that much in Vila Velha and we never made into Vitóría proper. I guess we took this as a chance to charge our batteries for Rio de Janiero. Though why we needed downtime after holidaying down the coast of Brazil is truly bizarre.

We walked a great deal during our second day to see the view from a nearby convent, which was idyllically located on top of a hill. The views were lovely

This was followed by a trip to the shopping centre by the longest and most convoluted route possible - which has happened often throughout this trip. Some city maps are highly inadequate. Matt wanted a bandanna to encourage his dreadlocks to drop. We found one, but it made him look like he was about to play tennis...constantly. Now he simply wears his Inca beanie to sleep and it works like a charm.

Our other outing was to the odd (read yellow/orange) coloured beach. It was a scorcher of a day and the water was brisk with dumping waves. After some cooling off we wondered along the beach to the point and found a per kilo restaurant to eat lunch. Everyone was on the beach that Saturday - playing soccer, enjoying cocktails, showing off fancy bikinis and sunbathing. The point was beautiful, just like the city.

Location