The first Vitacura shop was opened in 1996 inside the Maracanã stadium where there were hardly any facilities for the tourist. Most tourists wouldn´t even be aware that the Maracanã was open daily for visitation. The founding and managing partner of Vitacura undertook an arduous campaign geared to all tourism-linked segments such as: The travel agencies association – ABAV; the municipal tourism company – RIOTUR; Rio´s Convention Bureau; tourist operators and its guides; Hotels and Restaurants in general. The result has been most rewarding inasmuch as a majority of tourists from overseas nowadays include a visit to the Marcanã and to the Corcovado. The train – originally constructed in the late 19th century by then emperor Pedro II – is Latin America´s foremost transportation system exclusively dedicated to tourism.
With Rio de Janeiro as Brazil´s main entrance and exit gate, Vitacura expanded its line of local souvenirs to a wide range of regional products from all over the country, including indigenous handicrafts, often at more advantageous prices than offered in distant locations thus, allowing you to travel light, all over the country, leaving your souvenir-shopping for the day prior to your overseas departure from Rio.
 
In June of 2002 we opened the Vitacura shop at the Corcovado´s train station former administrative offices. It´s immediate success allowed us to add two more units at the same location, one dedicated exclusively to “Brazilian handicrafts”, a showcase to the world of the country´s popular culture.
 
This is how Vitacura, with the cooperation of over 750 registered tourist guides who take their visitors to the Maracanã and the Corcovado, promote our local and nationwide choice of products and Brazilian popular culture.
 
In view of the fact that many visitors to BUZIOS (Brazil´s St. Tropez) and its fourteen crystalline beaches – return from there directly to Rio´s international airport, Vitacura opened a store in Buzios in late 2003, allowing them to do their pre-departure shopping without the need of coming in to the city of Rio for that purpose.