Thing to do
Copacabana Beach
A 4-kilometre curve of white sand along Avenida Atlântica, framed by Roberto Burle Marx's wave-patterned promenade and two historic forts.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
A lagoon in the South Zone ringed by a 7.5-kilometre path for walking and cycling, with food kiosks and an Olympic rowing venue.
At a glance
- Type
- Lagoon, cycle path and kiosks
- Area
- Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Good to know
- Free
- 7.5 km cycle and walking path
- Food kiosks
- Rowing stadium
Why we recommend it
The Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a lagoon of about 2.4 square kilometres in the South Zone, surrounded by the neighbourhoods of Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea, Jardim Botânico, Humaitá and Copacabana. A paved path of about 7.5 kilometres runs around its shore, and walking, running or cycling the loop is one of the most popular ways for residents to spend a morning or an evening.
The lagoon has had many names. The Tamoio people called it Piraguá, still water, and Sacopenapan, path of the herons; later it was the Lagoa de Amorim Soares and then the Lagoa do Fagundes. Its present name comes from Rodrigo de Freitas de Carvalho, who married Petronilha Fagundes in 1702. In 1808 the prince regent took over the sugar estate on its shore to build a gunpowder factory and the Royal Botanical Garden, which still lies beside the lagoon.
The lagoon is linked to the ocean by the Jardim de Alah canal, dredged in 1922, which runs between Ipanema and Leblon. Two small islands hold private clubs: Piraquê Island, home to the Clube Naval, and Caiçaras Island. On the shore stands the Estádio de Remo, the rowing stadium, which hosted rowing, canoeing and water-skiing at the 2007 Pan American Games and rowing and canoe sprint at the 2016 Olympics, as well as rowing at the Paralympics. The Eva Klabin Foundation is also on its banks.
Around the path are food kiosks serving regional and international dishes, which make good stops on a walk or ride. At Christmas a giant illuminated tree is built on a floating platform that moves around the lagoon, drawing large numbers of visitors in December.
The lagoon has had problems with pollution of its water and shore, and a private company now sponsors a clean-up project, so it is a place for walking, cycling and watching the rowers rather than for swimming.
The loop suits families, runners and cyclists, and kiosk stops make it easy to break up the circuit. The Botanical Garden, created in 1808 on the old lagoon estate, sits beside it, and the Jardim de Alah canal leads down to the sea between Ipanema and Leblon.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas FAQs
How long is the path around the lagoon?
About 7.5 kilometres, paved for walking, running and cycling.
Which neighbourhoods surround the lagoon?
Ipanema, Leblon, Gávea, Jardim Botânico, Humaitá and Copacabana.
Can you swim in the lagoon?
It has had pollution problems and is better for walking, cycling and watching rowers.
Is there food around the lagoon?
Yes. Food kiosks around the shore serve regional and international dishes.
What sporting events has it hosted?
Rowing and canoeing at the 2007 Pan American Games and rowing and canoe sprint at the 2016 Olympics.
What happens at Christmas?
A giant illuminated tree is built on a floating platform that moves around the lagoon.
Who is it named after?
Rodrigo de Freitas de Carvalho, who married Petronilha Fagundes in 1702.
How is it connected to the sea?
By the Jardim de Alah canal, dredged in 1922, between Ipanema and Leblon.