at a glance

this initiative came in response to the heavy rains of 1967 and 1968, which caused the death of 300 people due to crumbling rocks and poorly constructed housing on the city's hills.

the four huge concrete columns sustaining the mountain morro do cantagalo visible from the edges of lagoa, on the ipanema side, were built in the 60's to prevent rocks from dislodging and falling - these events have lead to the present legacy of lagoa, which is the only neighborhood in rio without a favela.

currently lagoa is one of the most exclusive and sought after neighborhoods in the city, and with a population of 18.500 people, it is also one of the most sparsely populated parts of rio - it is filled with numerous parks, conservation areas and tree-lined streets, making it the perfect place for recreational activities.

being predominantly residential, lagoa offers less commerce than the neighbouring ipanema and copacabana, however there are a number of restaurants and kiosks along the waterfront.