Brazilian Eco Development

Maricá is a paradise just 50 km/25mi from Rio de Janeiro, that shares a coastal bor- der with Niterói, and has 46km of coastline. The first municipality of Costa Do Sol (the northern coast of Rio), it is going through a time of many changes. New business ef- forts in the city, starting to appear, con- tribute directly to these new changes, and are causing immediate effects. Add the fact that development and sustain- ability are the goals of the city of Maricá, seen through the department of tourism. They believe tourist activity is integral to growth and development of the city, and support investment in projects that start to develop local tourism, attracting tour- ists, and investors alike, thereby ensuring viable side-by-side development, offering a higher quality of life for the community, and better tourist services. The area offers abundant natural trea- sures, and unique beauty. There are 9 oceanic beaches of the Atlantic. Recanto de Itaipuaçu, Itaipuaçu, Francês, Zacar- ias, Barra, Guaratiba, Ponta Negra - with it’s historical lighthouse, and Sacristia, and Jaconé beaches. In addition there are several lakes such as Araçatiba, Bo- queirão, Jacaroá, Gamboa das Amendoei- ras, Saco da Lama, Ponta da Preguiça and Guaratiba. In addition to the beaches, one of the biggest tourist spots is Maricá itself, a key highlight with its own natural heri- tage and culture, and eye-popping sights for any person that visits the town. The Pedra do Elefante, in the park of Es- tadual da Serra Tiririca, with the height of 412m/1351ft provides visitors with a stun- ning panoramic view of all of Maricá and the Ocean Beaches, as well as amazing views of Niterói, Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf), Corcovado and even the Copaca- bana beach.