About me

Hi! I’m Mario Henrique Franceschini, an illustrator and creative professional. Originally from São Paulo, I’ve been living in Rio de Janeiro for over 20 years. I experience the city like a drawing in progress — colors, details, flavors, habits, and everyday rituals. I find beauty everywhere, from a bike ride around Paquetá Island to a quiet street downtown or a simple café full of visual stories. Let’s see and feel Rio together.

A day with me includes

A day in Paquetá Island

A day on Ilha de Paquetá feels like stepping back in time — while immersing yourself in one of the most poetic landscapes of Baía de Guanabara. Our experience begins at Praça XV de Novembro, in the heart of Centro do Rio de Janeiro, where we board the ferry toward the island. The crossing is already part of the charm: the breeze on your face, the outline of the mountains in the distance, and the city skyline slowly fading behind us as a slower rhythm takes over. Upon arrival in Paquetá, the atmosphere shifts completely. With no cars, quiet streets, and an almost countryside feel, the island invites you to slow down. We rent bicycles and set off to explore every corner — leafy parks, calm beaches, and tropical hideaways tucked between almond trees and historic houses. The ride is light and contemplative, perfect for noticing details, listening to the sounds of nature, and experiencing time at a different pace. After cycling around the island, we stop at a local bar to relax and enjoy refreshing drinks and traditional Brazilian snacks. Sitting by the bay, feeling the breeze and taking in the bucolic scenery, it’s the perfect way to end the afternoon. More than just a day trip, Paquetá offers a different side of Rio — serene, charming, and full of quiet surprises — a peaceful escape that feels far away, yet is just a short ferry ride from the city.