A place where the car does not enter, with dirt roads, where the locals know each other, and the houses resemble the bucolic atmosphere of a countryside city. This peace haven is one of the secrets that Barra da Tijuca, a district in the Western Zone of Rio de Janeiro, hides a few minutes away from its busiest avenue: Avenida das Américas. Surrounded by nature, Gigoia Island, part of an archipelago of 10 islets in the lagoons of Marapendi, Tijuca and Jacarepaguá, is a paradise that must be discovered by those who visit the second largest metropolis in Brazil.
To get there, take one of the ferries that carry both residents and tourists. It costs R$ 5 and the trip lasts just over a minute. During the ride, the impressive Pedra da Gávea right in front of you, making the ride even more beautiful. With about 3,000 inhabitants, the island is close to the Jardim Oceânico subway station, but far from the typical busy lifestyle of big cities. In addition to charming houses, the island also has restaurants and inns. Yes! You can spend the night in this oasis that many cariocas still do not know.
The island is easily visited in less than 30 minutes. If you like quaint and charming places, you’ll probably spend more time than distracted with the details. It’s so much green and so much peace that getting lost in the alleys may be a great finding. In them, between a good morning and good afternoon, what is most heard is “it doesn’t even look like we are in Rio de Janeiro”.
In addition to having lunch at one of the many restaurants, anyone visiting the island may choose to enjoy a happy hour at one of the bars. The menu is varied and caters for all tastes and pockets. From pizza to seafood and homemade burgers. All this accompanied by a breathtaking view. The place is also the stage for concerts of independent artists. Many of them are residents of the island. If you want to take a tour on the neighboring islands, such as Primeira Island, and the mangrove, the ride costs R$ 25, and we guarantee you’ll have beautiful photographs. With luck, you’ll cross with alligator cubs, crabs, monkeys and wild birds that inhabit the lagoons. Let’s go?
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