Home › Destinations › Lago Paranoá
Lago Paranoá, Brasil - Things to Do in Lago Paranoá

Lago Paranoá

Lago Paranoá, Brasil - Complete Travel Guide

Lago Paranoá is an artificial lake located in the heart of Brasília, Brazil's modernist capital city. Created in 1959 as part of the urban planning for the new capital, this impressive 38-square-kilometer reservoir has become one of the city's most beloved recreational areas and a symbol of Brasília's innovative design. The lake serves not only as a beautiful centerpiece for the city but also as a hub for water sports, leisure activities, and upscale residential developments along its shores. Surrounded by the distinctive architecture that defines Brasília, Lago Paranoá offers visitors a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The lake's crystal-clear waters provide a refreshing contrast to the city's concrete and steel, while its well-developed infrastructure makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. From luxury resorts and marinas to public beaches and parks, the area around Lago Paranoá represents the best of modern Brazilian urban planning, where nature and city life coexist harmoniously.

Top Lago Paranoá

Water Sports and Sailing

Lago Paranoá is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering excellent conditions for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and jet skiing. The lake's consistent winds and calm waters make it ideal for both beginners and experienced athletes. Several sailing clubs and water sports centers around the lake provide equipment rental and instruction.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental typically costs R$80-200 per hour depending on the activity. Book lessons in advance during weekends and holidays. Look for certified instructors and well-maintained equipment when choosing operators.

Pontão do Lago Sul

This upscale lakeside complex is the premier entertainment and dining destination on Lago Paranoá. Featuring a collection of restaurants, bars, and shops with impressive lake views, Pontão offers everything from casual dining to fine cuisine. The area comes alive in the evenings with live music and a busy nightlife scene.

Booking Tip: Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends when prices range from R$60-150 per person. Visit during sunset hours for the best ambiance and photo opportunities.

Ermida Dom Bosco

This small but architecturally significant chapel sits on a hill overlooking Lago Paranoá, offering panoramic views of the lake and city skyline. Built in honor of Saint John Bosco, the patron saint of Brasília, the chapel is particularly popular at sunset when the light creates spectacular photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Entry is free and the chapel is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. Visit during golden hour (one hour before sunset) for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

Boat Tours and Lake Cruises

Explore Lago Paranoá from the water with guided boat tours that showcase the lake's beauty and the surrounding architecture. These cruises offer unique perspectives of Brasília's skyline and provide opportunities to see local wildlife including various bird species that inhabit the lake area.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost R$40-80 per person and last 1-2 hours. Book afternoon tours for better weather conditions and sunset views. Choose operators with covered boats during rainy season.

Prainha and Piscinão do Lago Norte

These popular beach areas offer sandy shores and swimming opportunities right in the heart of the capital. Prainha features a more natural setting while Piscinão provides family-friendly facilities including playgrounds, sports courts, and food vendors. Both locations are perfect for picnics and relaxation.

Booking Tip: Entry is free to both areas. Arrive early on weekends to secure parking (R$10-15) and good spots. Bring sunscreen and water as shade can be limited during peak hours.

Getting There

Lago Paranoá is located in central Brasília and is easily accessible from Brasília's international airport (BSB), which is about 20-30 minutes away by car or taxi. The lake area is well-connected to the city's main transportation networks, with several major avenues providing direct access to different points around the lake. Visitors can reach the area by rental car, taxi, ride-sharing services like Uber, or public transportation, though having a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the various attractions around the lake's perimeter.

Getting Around

Getting around Lago Paranoá is best done by car, as the lake's attractions are spread across its 80-kilometer shoreline. Rental cars are widely available and parking is generally accessible at most destinations, though it can be crowded on weekends. Taxis and ride-sharing services are reliable options for specific destinations like Pontão do Lago Sul or Ermida Dom Bosco. Some areas offer bike rental facilities, and cycling along the lake's paths is a popular activity. Public transportation is limited around the lake itself, so private transportation is recommended for maximum convenience.

Where to Stay

Lago Sul
Lago Norte
Asa Sul
Asa Norte
Setor Hoteleiro Sul
Águas Claras

Food & Dining

The dining scene around Lago Paranoá is diverse and sophisticated, with Pontão do Lago Sul serving as the epicenter of lakeside gastronomy. Here you'll find everything from traditional Brazilian churrascarias to contemporary international cuisine, many featuring outdoor terraces with impressive lake views. The area is known for its fresh fish dishes, particularly those featuring local catches from the lake itself. Casual dining options include beachside kiosks and food trucks near the public beaches, while upscale restaurants in the Lago Sul and Lago Norte neighborhoods offer fine dining experiences. Don't miss trying local specialties like pequi dishes and traditional Goiás cuisine, which reflects the regional flavors of central Brazil.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Brasilia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Mangai

4.6 /5
(23882 reviews) 3

Fogo de Chão Brasília

4.8 /5
(12271 reviews) 4
bar

Asa Gaúcha Restaurante

4.7 /5
(8730 reviews) 3

Steak Bull Churrascaria: Rodízio, Carnes, Buffet, Adega, Vinhos, Asa Sul

4.6 /5
(8091 reviews) 3

Caminito Parrilla Asa Sul

4.9 /5
(6916 reviews) 3

Restaurante Universal

4.7 /5
(4385 reviews) 3
bar

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Lago Paranoá is during the dry season from May to September, when rainfall is minimal and skies are typically clear and sunny. This period offers ideal conditions for water sports and outdoor activities, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 15-28°C (59-82°F). The wet season from October to April brings afternoon thunderstorms but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. For water activities, the dry season provides more consistent conditions, while the wet season can offer dramatic sky views and better rates at accommodations. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends year-round.

Insider Tips

Visit Ermida Dom Bosco just before sunset for the most spectacular views and perfect lighting for photography
Many restaurants at Pontão do Lago Sul offer happy hour specials from 5-7 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers
The lake's water levels can vary seasonally, so check current conditions before planning water sports activities during the dry season

Activities in Lago Paranoá