Contemporary Art Museum, Niterói, Metropolitan Region
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro. Below, Feia Lagoon, State North/Northwestern Region
Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro
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Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon Feia Lagoon One of the most famous views of Rio de Janeiro is Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. From the top of Corcovado Mountain, there are privileged views of this lagoon surrounded by urban buildings. It is possible to enjoy a walk or a cycle ride around the lagoon, which stretches for 7 kms. It is a great place to enjoy the sunny mornings where you will find relaxed leisure activities. There are many tennis, football, basketball and even baseball courts and there are paddleboats available for hire, which share the water harmoniously with rowers, sailors and water-skiers. Around the 204 thousand square metre lagoon, is the largest outdoor gastronomic centre in Latin America and another one of the recreational areas of the city.
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Feia (Ugly) Lagoon is among the largest freshwater lagoons in Brazil and is on the border of the cities of Campos dos Goytacazes and Quissamã in the northern region of the state. Feia Lagoon is approximately 170 km² and is quite popular for artisanal fishing. In the last hundred years, its surface has reduced to one third of its original size. Contrary to what its name signifies, it is a very beautiful and majestic lake. The origin of the misnomer is due to it being discovered on a stormy day.
Jurubatiba Located in the Jurubatiba National Park, in the midst of northern Rio de Janeiro, is Jurubatiba. Here there are several species of flora and fauna, especially orchids and bromeliads. The lagoon has important diversity, as there are remains of the northeastern hinterlands and the Amazon rainforest, also trees typical of the most arid of regions. Alligators, capybaras, armadillos, otters, anteaters, also a considerable number of birds and fish that live in the park next to the lake still remain unstudied.
Araruama Located in the region known as Sun Coast, Araruama Lagoon stands out mainly for the water sports and beauty of its shimmering surface. Depending on the winds, the lake is considered ideal for kitesurfing, windsurfing, hobie cats, jet skiing and sailing. There, are many sailing competitions that take place here too.
Guanabara Bay Guanabara Bay is the backdrop to most pictures that represent Brazil abroad. Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf and the mountains that frame them are the bestknown Brazilian images worldwide with hundreds of islands, cliffs, islands, coves and ridges form its landscape. Among the main ones are: Paquetá, Ilha do Governador, Niterói and Magé. Some islands are part of the city’s history, such as the Fiscal Island, that became famous for having housed the famous Baile da Ilha Fiscal, the last big party of the Empire before the proclamation of the Republic in November 1889. Others, such as Cobras Island, were strategic points of defence against foreign pirate invaders who arrived in Brazil in search of riches.
coastline and mountains is impressive with numerous beaches, such as Barra de Guaratiba, Restinga da Marambaia, Capela, Aterro (which is also known as Brisa), Cardo, Recôncavo and Sepetiba. The Bay is home to several islands, such as Bom Jardim, Jaguanum , Guaíba and the most famous, Itacuruçá. The estuarine dolphin, a species of dolphin, can be seen throughout the year in the region of Itacuruçá Beach and Cardoso Island.
Angra dos Reis The largest island in the Angra dos Reis Bay is a paradise for adventurers and those who just want to enjoy beautiful beaches. Ilha Grande (Big Island) has many beauties and stories to enrich everyone´s trip. One third of its territory was transformed into a State Park in 1971 to preserve the Atlantic Forest. Its 192km² are home to 106 beaches, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, mountains and peaks. On the side facing the open ocean are deserted beaches within a paradisiacal setting. On this side is the Biological Reserve of South Beach, with fully preserved Atlantic Forest.
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Sepetiba Bay
Located one hour and 30 minutes from the city of Rio de Janeiro, the extensive Sepetiba Bay offers one of the most beautiful and fascinating maritime tours along the Green Coast. The diversity and mixture of
Janeiro Photos: Hugo Denizart
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he State of Rio de Janeiro is toasted by a unique set of factors, which combines everything a tourist could want in a destination. The exuberant nature appears in two distinct regions: the highlands and the lowlands. Moving away from the coast on parallel tracks, they extend into the countryside and have created two very different delightful destinations. Add to this a the unique culture, the big events such as the Carnival and New Year’s Eve Party, and the local people who are renowned for their friendliness and charisma, and are always ready to welcome you. The capital amalgamates characteristics from many places as people from all over the country and the world have chosen to live privileged setting, which now has 16 million inhabitants. If a person was born in the City of Rio de Janeiro they are known as ‘cariocas’, and if the person was born in the State of Rio de Janeiro, then they are known as “fluminense”. As a gateway to Brazil, Rio is blessed by the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, which, from the top of Corcovado Mountain, opens his arms over the beautiful Guanabara Bay. This magnificent sight continues to inspire singers, poets and painters.
ParKs Itatiaia National Park Located in the Itatiaia Massif at Serra da Mantiqueira, between the states of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, the Itatiaia National Park is the oldest in Brazil and was created on June 4, 1937. With a tupi origin, its name means “Spiked cliff or pointed stone”. Inside the park is one of the highest peaks in the country, standing 2800 metres high. Hiking, climbing and even scuba diving are some of the activities available for the adventurous. The site has eight waterfalls and 15 trails that are visited by more than 80,000 people a year. In the lower part of the park, the Blue Lake is a good choice for diving, but it takes a little courage, because the average water temperature is only 12 degrees.
Serra da Bocaina National Park Between the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the Serra da Bocaina National Park comprises of an approximate area of 134,000 hectares and is of significant biodiversity. It is estimated that 60% of the vegetation is from the Atlantic Forest, and the remainder is regenerated forest. Among the species of flora you can find many
kinds of trees and plants, but the most common and easy to spot are pines, cedars, trumpet trees, palm trees and bromeliads. Bird watchers in the park will have a field day as the wild animals aren´t shy. A good tip is to venture onto the Gold Trail, a 3-day walk that passes through historic places, linking São José do Barreiro to Paraty.
Tijuca National Park A fragment of the Atlantic Forest biome and an integral part of the Biosphere Reserve in Rio de Janeiro, the Tijuca National Park is currently the most visited national park in Brazil, receiving over two million visitors per year. Divided into four sectors (Tijuca Forest, Serra da Carioca, Pedra Bonita/Pedra da Gávea and Pretos Forros/ Covanca), the Park represents about 3.5% of the area of the city of Rio de Janeiro. It stands out in the landscape as it´s a great “green” mass in the centre of the metropolis that has about six million inhabitants. Currently, the Tijuca Park is an important recreational area, providing sports sites and the opportunity to contemplate over the nature. There are some of the city’s major landmarks, such as the Christ the Redeemer Statue, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Vista Chinesa (Chinese Belvedere), Mayrink Chapel, Mesa do Imperador (Emperor’s Table) and Lage Park here, which have helped turn the park into an international tourist attraction.