Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, National park in Macaé, Brazil.
Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park is a coastal conservation area in Macaé that stretches along the northeastern shore of Rio de Janeiro state and features multiple saltwater lagoons. The park consists of sandy beaches, shallow lagoon waters, and vegetated dunes that form a flat coastal landscape with distinct ecosystems.
The area was originally home to the Goytacazes indigenous people who lived along these coasts for centuries. A section of the park includes a canal that was dug in the 17th century as an ambitious engineering project of that era.
The lagoon names come from Tupi language, reflecting the indigenous past that shaped this region. Fishing communities here have worked these waters for generations and know the coastal rhythms in ways only local experience teaches.
The park is easy to walk through thanks to its flat terrain, and visitors can explore the lagoons and beaches on foot. It is best to bring water and sun protection, as there is little shade and the sun exposure is strong throughout the day.
The lagoon waters shift in color depending on the season and water source, creating surprising visual changes. These color shifts happen naturally due to salt content and rainfall patterns rather than any human intervention.
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