Outdoor sights in Rio De Janeiro
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A
Parque do Flamengo
Officially called Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, Parque do Flamengo was the result of a landfill project that leveled the São Antônio hill in 1965, and now spreads all the way from downtown Rio through Glória, Catete and Flamengo, and on around to Botafogo. The 1.2 million sq meters of land reclaimed from the sea now stages every manner of Carioca outdoor activity. Cyclists and rollerbladers glide along the myriad paths, while the many soccer fields and sports courts are framed against the sea. On Sundays and holidays, the avenues through the park are closed (from 7am to 6pm).
Designed by famous Brazilian landscaper Burle Marx (who also landscaped Brasília), the park…
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B
Pista Cláudio Coutinho
A paved 2km path, Pista Cláudio Coutinho winds along the southern contour of Morro da Urca. It’s a lush area, shaded by trees, with the waves crashing on the rocks below. Keep an eye out for families of small micos – capuchin monkeys with ringed tails. About 300m along the path, there’s a small unmarked trail that leads up to Morro da Urca. Pão de Açúcar can also be climbed – but it’s not recommended without climbing gear.
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C
Parque Ecológico Chico Mendes
This 40-hectare park was created in 1989 and named after the Brazilian ecological activist who was murdered for his work. The park protects the remaining sand-spit vegetation from real estate speculators. The facilities include a visitors’ center and ecological trails leading to a small lake. Animals protected in the park include butterflies, lizards, tortoises and the broad-nosed caiman.
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D
Parque Lage
Beautiful Parque Lage has English-style gardens, a lovely café, little lakes and the Escola de Artes Visuais (School of Visual Arts), which often hosts art exhibitions and an occasional performance. Native Atlantic rain forest surrounds Parque Lage. This is the starting point for challenging hikes up Corcovado (it’s best to go with a guide).
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E
Morro Do Leme
East of Av Princesa Isabel, Morro do Leme contains an environmental protection area. The 11 hectares of Atlantic rain forest are home to numerous species of birds, such as the saddle and bishop tanagers, thrushes and the East Brazilian house wren. An hour-long tour is available by booking ahead. Tours meet at the Praça Almirante Júlio de Noronha.
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F
Parque do Catete
The small landscaped park on the grounds of the Palácio do Catete provides a quiet refuge from the city. Its pond and shade-covered walks are popular with neighborhood strollers and children. Special performances in the park include concerts and plays.
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G
Parque Garota de Ipanema
This small park next to the Arpoador rock features a tiny playground, a concrete area popular with skaters and a lookout with a view of Ipanema Beach. On weekends in summer, there are occasional concerts here.
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H
Parque do Marapendi
At the end of Av Sernambetiba in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, this biological reserve sets aside 70 hectares for study and has a small area for leisure, with workout stations and games areas.
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I
Bosque da Barra
Covering 50 hectares of salt-marsh vegetation, the park is a refuge and breeding area for many small birds and animals. The woods have a jogging track and cycle path.
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