Rio Das Ostras: Coast, Nature and Culture

Rio das Ostras brings together a coastline, opportunities for observing nature and historic sites. The city has 28 kilometers of coastline with 15 beaches, where visitors can find calm waters. Costazul, Lagoa de Iriry and Parque Natural Municipal dos Pássaros represent different natural and coastal landscapes; historic buildings and an archaeological museum round out the picture. If you’re looking for hotels in Rio das Ostras, the variety of destinations can help you decide which aspects to focus on during your stay: beaches and waterfront, nature trails or local history.

Coast and Landscape

Costazul is a 2.3-kilometer-long ocean beach that attracts surfers and people who fish from the shore. The waterfront promenade includes a bike path, an outdoor gym, kiosks and playgrounds. The promenade also includes 15,000 square meters of protected Restinga vegetation. The Píer de Costazul offers views across the beach’s entire waterfront promenade.

In comparison, Costazul is an ocean beach that attracts surfers and people who fish from the shore, while Lagoa de Iriry is characterized by dark water colored by vegetation. The lagoon is a protected area. It also has kiosks, paths and a viewpoint about 20 meters high.

Nature Trails and Access

At Parque Natural Municipal dos Pássaros, visitors can observe wildlife and vegetation typical of the Atlantic Forest along ecological trails. The visitor center also features environmental art exhibitions.

Praia de Itapebussus is accessible only on foot, either along the beach or via the hiking trail. Monumento Natural dos Costões Rochosos comprises an extensive stretch of rocks and beaches between Praia da Joana and Praça da Baleia. A hiking trail in Monumento Natural dos Costões Rochosos passes by Praia das Areias Negras and Praia Virgem.

History and Culture

Poço de Pedras do Largo de Nossa Senhora da Conceição was built by enslaved people in the mid-18th century and served as a landmark for the development of Rio das Ostras. Museu de Sítio Arqueológico Sambaqui da Tarioba features an excavated area with skeletal remains, as well as exhibits of jewelry, giant oysters, shells and stone tools. They illustrate the settlement of an ancient civilization estimated to be about 4,000 years old. Check current visiting arrangements before planning a visit.

These two historic destinations focus on different periods: Poço was built in the mid-18th century; the museum illustrates a settlement estimated to be about 4,000 years old. Casa de Cultura Bento Costa Júnior is considered one of the oldest buildings in Rio das Ostras. Praça da Baleia is home to a 20-meter-long humpback whale sculpture: a metal structure clad in bronze plates and a brass alloy. Rio das Ostras also hosted the Jazz & Blues Festival.

Discover more destinations: Tanguá, Tarituba, Trajano de Morais, São Gonçalo, Itaboraí, São Fidélis, Rio Das Flores, Duque De Caxias

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