How about enjoying a lazy afternoon to pedal and then to sit back and enjoy the sunset while listening to music and savorying a good wine? So, be my guest. Let us discover the gem:  Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.Located in the heart of the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, the Lagoa is one of the recreational spots favored by locals.

It is connected to the sea by a canal and it is this channel that separates the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Leblon.

 

Surrounded by mountains and the Tijuca National Park, reveals a natural look that contrasts with the residential buildings.

See a 360º picture of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas here.

 One of the venues of the 2016 Olimpic Games.

Flamengo and Vasco da Gama, two traditional  soccer clubs of Rio de Janeiro, have their Nautical Headquarters there and its rowers train on its waters. It is here, in front of the Rowing Stadium of the Lagoa, that the rowing events will take place, as well as speed boating and Paracanoe, for  the 2016 Olympics and Paralimpics.

Around it there are 9.5 kilometers of trails for biking and jogging.

Parque dos Patins.

There are, also, two parks on the banks of the lagoon, the biggest, the Parque dos Patins, has activities for the whole family. Skating rinks and skating. Games for children as well as paddleboat rides.

You can also rent bikes and ride around the lagoon. Bicycles are for one, two and up to 4 people. You pay for each half-hour period.

Kiosks of Gastronomic Center, you can find everything from Japanese to Italian food. Some have live music. All facing the lagoon, overlooking the Christ the Redeemer.

The Parque dos Patins is opposite the Jockey Club Brasileiro.

The Helipad of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

From helipad, departing helicopters that are scenic flights around the city. The tours can be scheduled every day from 9: 00h until sunset.

There are 7 different routes ranging from a flight over to Christ the Redeemer, even a walk through the edge of the South Zone, across the Guanabara Bay to Niterói and returning by the downtown. 

See the price chart and the flights routes.

Christamas in style.

Every year, at Christmas, a gigantic tree is mounted. The numbers are impressive: the tree measures generally 279 feet (the equivalent of a 28-storey building), has 3.1 million light bulbs and 75 miles of light strings.

Altogether, it weighs 542 tons and is mounted on 11 floats. During December it floats across the pond, displaying a show of sound and light effects.

On Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, the place is very busy and lively. The tour is worth it for those who want to get involved with the day-to-day city, meet some of the local leisure and mingle with families attending the Lagoon on weekends.

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