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Casa Lavinia

  • Casa Lavinia
  • Casa Lavinia
  • Casa Lavinia
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A modest colonial pousada brimming with character in the heart of Sao Luis.

Casa Lavinia is a typical low-key and welcoming Brazilian pousada (guest house) right in the historic centre of São Luis, set on a street lined with restored Portuguese colonial residences. Expect no frills but plenty of atmosphere: this is an unassuming yet characterful place with a brightly painted nineteenth century façade, the evocative interior lovingly adorned with a collection of arts and crafts acquired by the proprietors during their travels. The family-run property is well appreciated for the helpfulness of its English-speaking hosts: it only receives up to a maximum 12 guests at a time, so you can be sure of personal attention.

There are just four air-conditioned guest rooms, all simply designed and furnished but each with its own nostalgic, individually conceived décor. Beamed ceilings, decorative mosaic-tiled bathrooms recalling traditional Portuguese crafts and wooden or flagstone floors create an almost rustic look in this urban environment. There’s a cosy book-lined lounge stuffed with sofas, and a breakfast room: eating options for other meals and the main attractions of old São Luis are just a few minutes’ walk away.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • Most memorable was the approach toward the Falls on impossibly built metal walkways you could not have imagined the spectacle laid out before you.  Our guide who sat on the…

    AC, Saffron walden Mar 2018
  • Most Memorable Moment?: We were lucky enough to have a major thunder storm overnight at the Iguazu falls and these were unbelievably spectacular the next day.  Also the Lencois Marahenas…

    KT, Andover Nov 2017
  • Highlights: Sambadrome and Iguacu

    RB, Reigate Feb 2016
  • Highlights?: Ouro Preto and Paraty.

    CE, Barnett Sep 2017
  • The Iguazu falls were amazing.  Brazilia was also a real experience and is undersold - it is a really singular place to visit - the parliament and other buildings are…

    AB, Reading Feb 2016
  • Expert help in tailoring a holiday that took in the nature of the country (the Amazon), the cities (Manaus, Rio and Salvador) and the idyllic beaches of Bahia - all…

    DA, West Norwood Jun 2013
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Our Expert's Opinion

Sallly
Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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    Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

    Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

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    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

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    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

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