Paranoá Lake, Artificial reservoir in Brasília, Brazil.

Paranoá Lake is an artificial reservoir in Brasília formed by damming the Paranoá River. It covers 48 square kilometres, has a perimeter of about 80 kilometres and reaches a maximum depth of 38 metres at an altitude of 1,000 metres. Its shores hold the Palácio da Alvorada, the University of Brasília and the Lago Sul and Lago Norte districts.

The reservoir was formed in 1960 alongside the founding of Brasília as the new capital and formed part of the urban plan. The flooding transformed a shallow river valley into a large body of water that shaped the cityscape.

The name comes from the Tupi language, combining paranã for sea with kûá for cove. Today locals use the shoreline for jogging, cycling, and weekend picnics along the water.

The water works well for sailing, kayaking, and sport fishing along accessible shoreline sections. Early mornings or late afternoons offer more comfortable conditions and less activity on the water.

Three islands in the reservoir serve as protected nature reserves and provide habitat for native species. Paranoá Island, Retiro Island, and Clubes Island remain largely uninhabited and allow quiet observation of wildlife and plants.