Paquetá Island, Car-free island in Guanabara Bay, Brazil.
Paquetá is a 1.2 square kilometer island in Guanabara Bay featuring twenty baobab trees, sandy beaches, and colonial buildings. Walking and cycling paths connect the different parts of the island through its compact layout.
The French explorer André Thevet recorded the island in December 1555, establishing French control at first. Portuguese forces later gained dominance over the region and its settlements.
The Casa de Artes hosts regular musical performances and Brazilian music events within its restored orange-painted building. You can experience the local artistic life through concerts and a film club that brings the community together.
Ferries depart regularly from Praça XV in downtown Rio de Janeiro with a journey time of about 70 minutes each way. Expect longer travel times compared to other destinations, so plan your day accordingly.
Transportation here relies exclusively on bicycles, electric golf carts, and horse-drawn carriages instead of cars. This unusual blend of modern and traditional transport creates a slow-paced experience that feels quite different from typical urban settings.
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