Paranoá Lake

Paranoá Lake is an artificial reservoir in Brasília that covers roughly 48 square kilometers with a shoreline extending about 80 kilometers. The average depth reaches around 12 meters at an elevation of 1000 meters above sea level.

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.