10/09/2015
The beauties of West Zone
Get to know what the West Zone has to offer: from great restaurants to spectacular beaches.
To the west of the Tijuca massif -the chain of forested mountains which includes the Tijuca National Park- are some of the most attractive neighbourhoods in Rio. The location away from the city centre makes the area something of a refuge, an opportunity for cariocas and tourists alike to escape the hustle and bustle. With its skyscrapers, condominiums and shopping malls, Barra da Tijuca is not the most representative neighbourhood when it comes to this sense of tranquillity - but it is the gateway to the numerous attractions of the West Zone (Zona Oeste). From beaches to country cottages, by way of gastronomy and a vast cultural heritage, this region of the city deserves special attention from visitors. There’s much pleasure to be had in uncovering its hidden delights.
The white sands of Pepê beach welcome those who arrive in the Zona Oeste. Next comes Barra da Tijuca beach, which, with its good waves and strong breeze, is a favourite of surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. Beyond, in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, are three of the most beautiful beaches in the city. Starting at the outer limits of Barra is Recreio beach, almost three kilometres long with attractive kiosk bars and a long cycling trail. The beach at Pontal, meanwhile, is known for its clear waters; and Macumba beach for strong waves formed by the rocks around it.
After this, the journey along the beaches of the West Zone becomes more adventurous. Separated from Recreio by the Pedra Branca massif is Prainha (‘little beach’). This narrow strip of white sand, and the restinga vegetation (coastal forest) that surrounds it, forms one of Rio’s most beautiful settings. A refuge for both surfers and ecologists, the beach is part of the Prainha Municipal Ecological Park. Next in sequence is Grumari beach, marked by its paradisical landscape of cashew trees. Grumari hides a secret: within its first kilometre, between rocks that protect bathers from prying eyes, is Abricó - the only nudist beach in the city.
Following forward, you’ll find Barra de Guaratiba, an area known for greenery and nature. A great option in Guaratiba is a visit to the ‘wild’ beaches: Inferno, Funda, Meio, Perigoso and Búzios. Leaving the main road through Barra de Guaratiba, a track leads you on a walk of approximately one and a halfhours until you arrive at Pedra da Tartaruga (‘Turtle Rock’), the rock that separates the small strips of sand that form these beautiful beaches. It’s a relatively unknown corner of the city, a refuge, despite being quite easy to access. Even so, it’s recommended to walk the trail with a guide.
Also in this area is the Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, an area of 365 square metres given to the Federal Government by the celebrated landscape gardener it’s named after. With native vegetation made up of mangroves, restinga (coastal forest) and Atlantic rainforest, this large sítio (country house) is famed for the species grown there by Burle Marx himself. It was his home from 1973 until his death in 1994, and there’s much to see beyond the wonderful plants. The Santo Antônio chapel, constructed in the 17th Century and renovated in the 1970s with the help of the renowned architect Lúcio Costa, is used on Sundays by the faithful of the neighbourhood, who celebrate mass there. Enjoy the best of what the West Zone has to offer you.
SERVICES
More information:
Sítio Burle Marx
Estrada Roberto Burle Marx, 2019 - Barra de Guaratiba - 2410-1412
Visitas guiadas de terça a sábado, às 9h30 e 13h30.
www.sitioburlemarx.blogspot.com.br
Author: Hellen Silva
