bursting with colors, alive with sounds and rich with aromas, the food markets, or ferias livres, of rio de janeiro are a real feast for the senses. as traditional and cheap as they are fun, these exotic markets are the best way to pick up rio's best produce, whilst experiencing a genuine slice of carioca life.

products at these expansive markets range from sweets to spices, and from fish to meat, and as brazil is blessed with almost perfect growing conditions, visitors can expect a great variety of fresh produces all year round, in addition to exotic offerings, flown in from the amazon.