Despite some negative associations and prejudices, Macumba continues to be a well-loved, creative and thriving religious group in Rio.

the beach is edged one one side by pedra de itapuã, a natural monument land-marked by the city to commemorate a failed attempt by the french jean françois duclerc to disembark here and conquer the city in 1710. in 1711, rio was actually taken hostage for two months during the last attempt by the french to create 'antarctic france' - readers interested in knowing more about this episode can read more on this page.   

ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, macumba beach has been nicknamed 'hawaii carioca' by the local surfers and long boarders, who qualify the waves on this beach as the most constant tide throughout the year. edging praia da macumba, past the canal de sernambetiba, there are many rocks that are ideal for recreational fishing.