Be enchanted by Brasília on a boat ride on Lake Paranoá

Reserve your spot-on board, let yourself be carried away by the magic of the waters, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Brazil.

Located in the city center, Lake Paranoá is a true natural gem that offers a unique perspective on the modernist architecture and natural beauty of Brazil’s capital. Aboard a boat, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the tranquil waters of the lake and enjoy the panoramic views of some of the city’s main tourist attractions.

The Works of Architect Oscar Niemeyer Are Everywhere

Brasília is a landmark of modern architecture and urbanism, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and also a Creative City of Design. Throughout the city, you will find buildings and monuments, many of them designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer, that leave everyone in awe. As you navigate, you can admire the impressive Palácio da Alvorada – the official residence of the President of the Republic – and the Palácio do Jaburu – the official residence of the Vice President of the Republic.

When you see the Esplanada dos Ministérios, you will also see the National Congress – the seat of the legislative power. Continuing the tour, you can see the Dom Bosco Sanctuary, the Digital TV Tower, the Brasília Palace Hotel – the first and most traditional hotel in the capital – and the JK Bridge, where you can admire a wonderful sunset, when the colors of the sky blend into golden and red hues, creating a truly stunning scene.

Fun Fact: Remember that childhood game where we used to stand on the riverbank and throw a stone to see how many times it would skip on the water? The design of the three arches of the JK Bridge was inspired precisely by this movement of a stone skipping over the water. Interesting, right?

A Moment to Relax and Enjoy Nature

Besides the breathtaking views, a boat trip on Lake Paranoá also offers a unique opportunity to relax and unwind as you move away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is a moment to let yourself be carried away by the serenity of the waters and to immerse yourself in a state of tranquility and contemplation.

Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscapes surrounding the lake, including lush green areas, tranquil islands, and white sandy beaches. If you are lucky, you may see capybaras diving into the lake or enjoying a sunbath on the shores.

Even by boat, it is possible to visit some places designed for everyone to enjoy the lake, such as Brasília’s official golf course, Prainha dos Orixás, Pontão do Lago Sul, Parque das Garças, Parque Ecológico Península Sul, Centro de Lazer Beira Lago, Parque Asa Delta, and much more. Moreover, depending on the type of tour you book, you can even dive into the lake and cool off.

Lake Paranoá Also Has a Lot of History to Tell

Did you know that at the bottom of the lake there is a village with houses, bars, restaurants, shops, general commerce, and even a mini amusement park? That’s right. Called Vila Amaury, it was formed during the construction of Brasília by about 16,000 workers and their families who worked on building the National Congress and the Ministries.

Of course, the workers living there knew the place was temporary, and everyone had to leave when the floodgates of the Paranoá Lake dam were closed. At the time, it was raining heavily, and the lake filled up very quickly, which is why they couldn’t remove the shacks from the village and clean the area that would be flooded. The families of Vila Amaury were relocated to Taguatinga, Gama, and mainly to Sobradinho.

Stay Informed!

The tour of Lake Paranoá can be done in two ways. The first is to rent a speedboat for a private and more personalized tour. In this case, you can choose the duration and the places you want to visit during the trip. But there is also the option of buying a ticket for one of the boats registered to do this type of tourism. Of course, the itinerary is already pre-defined by the company, without the possibility of alteration. You also share the boat with several other people, but it is still an experience worth living.

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