at a glance

Recreio dos Bandeirantes, or the 'recreio', as it is usually called by the locals, is part of the zona oeste (west zone) of rio de janeiro.

it is a relatively new neighborhood which sits outside the main tourist hotspots, a little further along the coast from barra da tijuca - It is graced by wonderful, golden beaches and a calm, relaxing atmosphere, as well as number of parks, trails and recreational facilities.

ownership of the territory changed multiple times over the centuries without significant development - it was up to a group of bankers to invest into the urbanization of the region, taking advantage of the construction of avenida das americas.

The district was at one time a long beach lined by salt marshes, owned by the Banco de Crédito Móvel (Mobile Credit Bank) - The expanse was bought by Joseph Weslley Finch in the 1920s, who portioned off and sold the land to holidayers from São Paulo. This is what lent the district its name, which translates as 'Explorers' Recreation'.