Carioca River, River with INEPAC heritage designation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Carioca River starts in Tijuca Forest and flows through multiple Rio neighborhoods before emptying into Guanabara Bay at Flamengo Beach. Three sections remain visible to visitors today: at its source in the forest, near Largo do Boticario in Cosme Velho, and where it meets the beach.
During the colonial period, the river supplied fresh water to Rio through the Carioca Aqueduct, completed in 1750, which was essential for the city's growth. This structure remained a vital water source for the expanding population over many decades.
The river shaped how Rio's neighborhoods like Cosme Velho, Laranjeiras, and Flamengo developed and organized themselves over centuries. Its name and presence remain woven into the identity of these areas.
You can typically see the river at Flamengo Beach where it meets the ocean, or explore the forest around its source in Tijuca by following hiking trails. Visit during the drier season when water levels are lower for easier viewing.
The river's water now passes through a treatment facility near its mouth that cleans contaminated runoff from the underground drainage system. This reflects how the city manages the quality of this historical waterway today.
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