because of the particular architecture of the homes in this
area, with white walls and
red rooftops, and their distribution
on the hills surrounding the beach, many have compared this area
to a mediterranean town.
the name guaratiba, name derived from the name
given to this area by the
tupi, the
indigenous inhabitants of the region, means
'place of many
herons.'
herons
are white,
long-legged, freshwater and coastal birds in the
ardeidae family,
commonly known in rio as garças.