Urban Sherpa was created to solve a problem we experienced ourselves.
Many international renters face the same dilemma: sign a lease sight unseen or spend thousands on a scouting trip just to view apartments in person. We believed there had to be a better way. So we created Urban Sherpa.
Instead of relying on listings alone, we visit apartments on your behalf, film detailed walkthroughs, and evaluate each property using a relocation-tested checklist. We give you clear, honest feedback so you can make confident decisions from anywhere in the world.
Because we don't list apartments and don't take commissions from landlords or agents, our advice is completely independent. Our only goal is to help you find the right home.
Why Clients Trust Urban Sherpa
Independent advice
We don't take commissions from landlords or agents — ever.
Bilingual support
Fluent Portuguese and English across every interaction.
On-the-ground verification
We personally visit every apartment we report on.
International perspective
We've relocated across countries ourselves — we get it.
Our Story
Urban Sherpa was founded by Mayra and Adam, an international couple who both grew up moving around the world thanks to their families' global careers. Mayra was born in Brazil and raised abroad, while Adam is originally from England.
Together they speak fluent Portuguese and English and have lived in multiple countries, giving them a unique perspective on both how the local system works and what it's like to navigate it as an international renter.
Having gone through the process themselves, they created Urban Sherpa to provide the kind of on-the-ground support they wish they had when searching for a home in Rio.
