São Conrado is an affluent neighborhood in the South Zone (Zona Sul) of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. It is nestled in between the wealthy neighborhoods of Barra da Tijuca to the southwest and Leblon to the northeast. São Conrado is famous for its hang gliding (popular with locals and tourists alike), Fashion Mall which houses over 150 stores carrying national and international designers, and golf course. The neighborhood, or bairro, is made up of sophisticated residential buildings, night clubs, and elegant restaurants. Contrasting with the wealth, however, is the sight of the Favela da Rocinha, Brazil's largest shantytown, which clings to the unmistakable Morro Dois Irmãos. It is also very well known for the mansions on the foot of the Pedra da Gávea mountain, which is filled with forests and wild animals.
Despite being situated near this favela, São Conrado enjoys a high level of safety and continues to be a desirable location for the well-heeled of Rio.
Brazilian police rescue 35 hostages from InterContinental hotel August 2010 in São Conrado. (Al Jazeera)(BBC)
Hang-Gliding in Sao Conrado Off Pedra Bonita - HD Video Narrated in English