Aterro do Flamengo, also called Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes Park, is a large waterfront park in Rio de Janeiro, stretching from Santos Dumont Airport toward Botafogo Beach. Its paved paths follow Guanabara Bay, with routes for cycling, walking and running, plus sports courts, lawns and playgrounds. Stop for views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, or bring a picnic and spend time on the grass. The park also includes the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) and hosts cultural events. On Sundays, the car-free roads make space for extra leisure activities.
How the waterfront park took shape
Aterro do Flamengo was created with successive landfills along Guanabara Bay. The project reshaped Rio’s waterfront, filling the area between Lapa and Flamengo with earth removed from Morro Santo Antônio. The park is also known as Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes Park, the official name used for the area around Glória.
The park covers about 1.2 million square metres and extends from Santos Dumont Airport in Centro toward Botafogo Beach. Landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx worked on its gardens, while Lota de Macedo Soares designed the park. The result is a broad stretch of green space beside the bay, with paths and recreation areas set among the city’s waterfront routes.
Paths, sports and park life
A paved seaside route links Botafogo Beach with Marina da Glória. Separate lanes accommodate cycling, walking and jogging, so you can choose a route on foot or by bike. The park also has sports courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and lawns, with space for activities ranging from tennis to skateboarding.
Flamengo Beach draws morning fitness classes and volleyball clubs. For a quieter stop, settle on the grass with a picnic and watch planes arrive and depart at nearby Santos Dumont Airport. Dogs are allowed, and a broad grassy area outside Assador Rio’s is a popular place for them to play on weekends.
On Sundays, cars are kept off the park’s roads, creating more room for leisure activities. The Feira da Glória is another nearby Sunday stop: browse local stalls, then continue along the waterfront by bike, or stay for samba in the afternoon.
Museums and nearby sights
The Glória section of the park includes the Museum of Modern Art (MAM), as well as Cine Glória. Cultural events and public gatherings also take place in the park. If you want to add another stop, the Feira da Glória combines local shopping with samba on Sundays.
The park’s seaside route passes the Environmental Protection Area of Morro da Viúva. Along the way, views across the bay include Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. To reach Flamengo Beach from the Rua Tucumã side, use the underground walkway opposite Boteco Belmonte Flamengo.
FAQ
Can you cycle at Aterro do Flamengo?
Yes. A paved seaside cycle lane runs through the park, alongside paths for walking and jogging.
What can you do at Aterro do Flamengo?
You can cycle, walk, run, picnic, visit playgrounds and use sports courts. MAM is also within the park.
Is Aterro do Flamengo good for dogs?
Dogs are allowed. On weekends, dogs gather on a large grassy area outside Assador Rio’s.
What is special about Sundays at Aterro do Flamengo?
Cars are kept off the park roads, and extra amenities such as kiosks and restrooms are available. The nearby Feira da Glória has local shopping and afternoon samba.
