Lago Paranoá

What makes it special

Paddle or sail under the Ponte JK to see its arches from below. That is the view the shore cannot give you.

The sunset boats follow the shore past the lakeside clubs of the Setor de Clubes Sul, the large houses of the Mansões do Lago and the Península dos Ministros. Further on, they pass the Prainha dos Orixás, a small lakeside beach, and the golf club.

The shoreline runs for about 80 kilometres, so one outing covers only a short stretch of it. At its deepest point the lake is 38 metres deep.

Lake and shore sit inside a protected area, the APA do Lago Paranoá, and boating on the water follows its management plan. The lake is a reservoir, made when the capital was built, to bring moisture to a dry site.

Visiting

Two stretches of shore are set up for a visit. The Pontão do Lago Sul is a waterfront deck with kayak and stand-up paddle rental tents along it.

Walk the deck, pick a tent and take a kayak or board out from there. When you are back on land, reach the deck half an hour before sunset to find a place on it.

On the north side, the Calçadão da Asa Norte has kayak tents of its own and room for a long walk beside the water. Come here for a paddle and a stroll; the sunset boats leave from the Pontão.

Guided or on your own

Sunset boats leave the Pontão do Lago Sul in the late afternoon, around 5pm, and stay out for about an hour. Departure times vary by operator, so check the day’s time at the Pontão. Most boats carry an audio guide in Portuguese with a short history of the lake.

The boat covers far more of the shore than a paddle does. Rent a kayak or board instead if you want to steer yourself and stay close to the deck.