the zona central of rio is the cultural center of the city - home to museums, cultural centers, and theaters. perhaps not as known is the fact that the part of town is also home to a few beaches, all located on a small island in guanabara bay, and officially part of the zona central. paquetá island is located in the north-central area of guanabara bay, somewhat closer to the metropolitan regions of duque de caxias and são gonçalo than niterói or rio de janeiro.
