catumbi is located within the historical central zone of rio de janeiro, with a population of over 12,000 residents, it is bordered by the neighborhoods of centro, cidade nova, estácio, rio comprido, and santa teresa. the native tupi term 'catumbi' can be loosely translated as 'water of the dark forest' or 'river in the shades'.

one of the eldest neighborhoods of rio de janeiro, catumbi was once set in a valley, between the santa teresa hill and a nearby  water stream. prior to urbanization and road development, catumbi was an area with sugarcane farms and large gardens.