Beachside
district in the southwest part of the city of
Rio de Janeiro. Largely populated by the richest people, it is distinctly different from other urban districts in this city for its
USA-like feel. Everything is spread out, with big
shopping malls here and there. It is, in practice, a car-only place.
Its beaches are somewhat cleaner than the better-known Copacabana and Ipanema. Although rapid urbanization is spoiling those too.