the city of maricá is only minutes away from rio de janeiro, yet it is virtually unknown by foreign visitors who come to rio on vacation. this small and quiet fishing community is located to the northeast of rio in an area known as the região dos lagos (lakes region), and is characterized by almost deserted beaches for most of the year.

long stretches of white sand, strong waves, dirt roads, and a very basic infrastructure along the beaches make this town an easy way to experience a simpler and disappearing brazil. this protected area is made up of both marine areas and mountains that span in a southeast and northeast direction, ending at the rodovia 106 (state highway 106).