the barra da tijuca neighborhood is one of the most affluent areas of the city - typified by its large supermarkets and shopping malls, it is a beautiful district, with modern spaces and exotic natural vegetation.

among nature seekers, some of the most popular destinations in the zone, include the pedra branca state park, the reserva ecológica and prainha beaches, and the virgin beaches of barra de guaratiba.

as far as the most pristine beaches in the city, reserva and prainha are the most popular beach spots in the west zone, but no other beach in rio combines the ocean and the mountains like the virgin beaches - only reachable via hiking, they offer deep blue water against a backdrop of steep hills and flush vegetation.