Overview:

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is an urban lagoon located in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro. One of the most popular attractions in Rio, the lagoon is an important ecological reserve bordered by the neighbourhoods of Lagoa, Ipanema, Leblon, Jardim Botânico, Gávea and Copacabana. The lagoon is 5.5 km long, 0.8 km at its narrowest point and 2.2 km wide at its widest point, with an area of 8.5 km². It’s surrounded by parks, cycle paths, leisure and entertainment areas, sports facilities and many boating clubs, and is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Visitors can take boat trips, practice water sports, and hop on any of the floating restaurants to catch the sunset and stunning views of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most beautiful sites. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Brazil
Prominent Features:

- Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, meaning "Lake Rodrigo of Freitas" is a large lagoon located within the city of Rio de Janeiro. - It is considered to be one of the most important spaces in the city, being used for a variety of activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, biking, rollerblading, jogging, and more recently, stand up paddle-boarding. - Its banks have become a location for many of Rio’s bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. - It also hosts special events, such as the Pan American Games, where the Olympic Cauldron was lit in 2007. - The lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by channels, such as the famous canal de Marapendi, and on sunny days the lagoon is heated by direct sunlight. - In recent years, the lagoon has faced problems caused by pollution, however efforts to clean it are being made. - To get to the lagoon, take the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) to Jardim de Alah Station, or take the Metro via the green or yellow lines to Teatro Municipal. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Brazil.

History:

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a lagoon located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was initially known to the indigenous people of the region as Buraco da Areia. The first record of the lagoon can be traced back to 1624 when Dutch conqueror Hans Staden encountered the lagoon on his travels in Brazil. At the time, the lagoon was surrounded by a belt of swamps and small islands. In the 1700s, the Portuguese missionary Father Rodrigo de Freitas arrived in the area, giving his name to the lagoon. From 1808 onward, the lagoon became an important destination for wealthy Rio de Janeiro locals on their excursions out of the city. In the 1950s, the area underwent a major land reclamation project and was beautified by the installation of a 3.5km long pathway. By the 2009, the lagoon was revitalized and received a large number of visitors. In 2011, it became part of the Olympic Regatta Course in preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro. Today, the lagoon is one of the biggest attractions in the city, having become a popular place for fishing, boating, running, jogging, cycling and sailing. Visit one of the famous monuments of Brazil with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is one of the most iconic and popular places in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is located in the South Zone of the city, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery and stunning views of the city. 2. The lagoon was originally formed by the combination of three smaller lakes. It was named after Rodrigo de Freitas, a nobleman who owned the area in the 1750s. 3. The lagoon is an important water source for Rio de Janeiro, and serves numerous recreational activities such as fishing, rowing and sailing. 4. At the south end of the lagoon, there is a man made islet named Parque dos Patins, which is home to sports facilities and a jogging track. 5. Every year in December, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas lakeed hosts the fireworks displays for the Copacabana new year’s celebration. 6. The lagoon is the location of the water polo, rowing and swimming competitions of the 2016 Summer Olympics. 7. The lagoon is part of a larger network of green-blue open spaces in Rio de Janeiro that also includes the Parque Lagoa (Lagoa Park), and nearby Parque do Flamengo. One of the historical monuments of Brazil, it tells the story of a bygone era