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Photo: Edson S. Moreira, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This 560,000-m² park is one of the most visited green areas in the Zona Oeste, with a lake, walking trails through the woods, large lawns, playgrounds, and sporting facilities.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
City of Arts
Large complex with cultural events at the heart of Barra.
Praia do Recreio dos Bandeirantes
Praia da Barra da Tijuca
Parque Ecológico Chico Mendes
This 43-hectare park has walking trails through a preserved section of the Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest). They also offer a guided tour of the habitats of several local endangered species, including the three-toed sloth, the broad-snouted caiman, and the red-footed tortoise. There is an exhibit hall with exhibits on local wildlife.
Planeta Água
A water park with over 40 attractions, located in Vargem Grande.
Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca
The largest ecological park in the city, and the largest urban forest in the world, with 12,500 hectares. Vegetation is typical of the old Atlantic forest, and fauna includes ocelots, sloths, armadillos, and toucans. Beyond the nature, there are also ruins of several structures, such as old farmhouses.