The loop path
Walk or cycle.
Rodrigo Soldon from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — CC BY 2.0 · Halley Pacheco de Oliveira — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cyro A. Silva from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil — CC BY 2.0 · Kisselgrj — CC BY-SA 3.0
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon sits in the Lagoa district of Rio's South Zone, behind Ipanema and Leblon, and is linked to the Atlantic by a canal along the edge of the Jardim de Alah park, so sea water flows in. The Tamoio people lived on its shores before the Portuguese, a royal sugar mill was set up nearby in the 16th century, and it took the names of a series of owners before settling on today's. A 7.5 km path for walking, running and cycling circles it, with parks, sports courts and coconut-water kiosks along the way, under the gaze of Corcovado and the Tijuca forest. Two small islands belong to sports clubs, and pedal boats are hired from the docks at Parque dos Patins and Parque da Catacumba for about R$30-50 a boat depending on size (two to six people). Early morning and sunset are the best times, and the lagoon is free and open all day.
Walk or cycle.
Two to six people.
Behind the hills.
Lagoa district, South Zone, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Botanical GardenPrince Regent John, later King John VI, founded Rio's Botanical Garden in 1808 t17 minutes walk4.6
Parque LageParque Lage is a public park at the foot of Corcovado, beneath the Christ the Re18 minutes walk4.7
Ipanema BeachIpanema is Rio's stylish beach, between the Arpoador rock and Leblon, made world20 minutes walk4.87.5 km, about an hour and a half on foot or less on a hired bike.