Rodrigo de Freitas is a huge lake that is in the middle of Rio surrounded by Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. The surrounding paths around the lake are much quieter than the beach areas of the city. It is a good area to go jogging, bike riding, and there are swan pedal boats for rental too. I also noticed a few restaurants and food carts along the lakefront as well. I wouldn't call this place a must see for visitors, but you should pass by in a car to see what it looks like. The lake is also supposedly very polluted however, so it would be advisable to avoid swimming or jumping in. read more

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas - Lakes Near Me - Rio de Janeiro, RJ

It's not until you're drinking in the view from the top of Corcovado (aka Christ the Redeemer) that you take in just how large this lake actually is. From that viewpoint though, you see every step of the 4.5+ miles of flat perimeter trail that surrounds it and you begin to understand how it is that this can be the venue for canoeing and rowing competitions during the 2016 Summer Olympics. Before my trip to Brazil I'd been led to believe that there was danger around every corner but my family walked around this lake late in the day, concluding after dark, without hint of incident. In fact, the scariest thing that happened was suddenly coming upon a giant Capybara mere feet from the footpath. He was not armed. The path around the lake is perfect for walking, jogging or bike riding and is well patrolled by trios of bike-riding police and never for a minute did I fear for my safety. As you make your way around there are numerous opportunities to stop for drinks or food. There's a Cine-plex, a food truck, bars/cafes, and even swan-shaped pedal boats for rent (in the daytime). If you're there in December, the lake sports a giant floating, moving, lit Christmas tree which is quite the attraction. The perimeter path around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is well-lit and well-used and is a great place to get in some non beach-based exercise. The water here is supposedly polluted (something that's being worked on) so contain your swimming to the nearby shores of Ipanema. read more

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas - Artsy view of the lake (no special effects employed) at sunset. - Lakes Near Me - Rio de Janeiro, RJ

See all

Well, this lagoon is basically the epicenter of the "Zona Sul" of Rio - the trendiest center of the three historic neighborhoods of the area - Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana, which are basically triangulated around it. It's a great place to exercise and people watch, and the real estate around here has skyrocketed as Rio has been further developed. I still miss seeing the rickety old amusement park that I used to beg my parents to bring me when I was a kid - Tivoli Park, but I am sure that my own memories of the park are much better than the park itself was. Walking around the Lagoa on the trails is always fun, since there are so many beautiful sights to see - both geographic and human. It's a great place to people watch, since there are folks from all walks of life parading around. If you are planning a stay in one of Rio's "apart-hotels," try and get one that is convenient to this area, close to Ipanema beach, because of the many shops, restaurants, and other fun things to do here. If you get the opportunity to swim in the lagoon, don't. I'm not sure you would come out alive - there's nastiness in those waters. Great sights all around, though. read more

We saw the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon from the Christ statue and by driving by it. It's adjacent to Corcovado Mountain and in the Zona Sul of Rio. It's a very nice body of water. When we saw it, there was nobody there. The lagoon is cool because it's connected to the Atlantic Ocean. But it's a bit disappointing because it's quite polluted. Still, worth seeing if you're in Rio. read more

I've been here three days in a row. Even though it's been raining in Rio, biking around the Lagoa is always fun. Beautiful view, nice bars, and you always get a glimpse of attractive people exercising. read more

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas - One of the decks at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas - Lakes Near Me - Rio de Janeiro, RJ

For many the main postcard of Rio de Janeiro, ahead of any beach landscape, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, or only the lagoon, is a breathtaking scenery from anywhere around it. There is a shared cycle and walking path which is encrusted with restaurants and also pertain some seats for contemplating the view or just to rest. You also have a pedaloo spot, where you can hire them to have a more inner experience at the venue, literally, and several sports courts, ranging to skating and tennis to basketball and baseball. There are many popular spots where people traditionally organize their own picnics for free. You can have the Corcovado view holding the Christ monument, the Dois irmãos (two brothers) mountains, which are equally beautiful and also the Pedra da Gávea (Gávea rock), a breathtaking huge flat rock where people do paragliding. You can also check my Yelp review on the lagoon complex, where you can find several eating options and a cinema with several exhibiting rooms. The stands for the rowing competitors held at the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas are can also be found at this very complex. read more

You have to go here. For a picnic, for a sunset, for the Christmas tree lighting, whatever. It's just a gorgeous spot to see and be seen.

Whether you are here for working out or just checking out the amazing views, this is a great place to take a walk and enjoy Rio's landscape. If you enjoy working out, I strongly suggest this place. There are plenty of restaurants near by that allow this to be a great late afternoon breather. read more

Great view, excellent for waking and hiking. From there you are in the middle of the important places of the city, like the beaches and the Forest of Tijuca. You have walking place all around the lake were people go by foot or bike. The lake also have places for riding skate, playing sports, dog park, clubs and great restaurants and bars. Must to go place. read more