Such a beautiful paradise. I have visited that area several times over the last two years. I like how they close down Avenida Atlantico (I think that is the name) on Sunday's to allow foot and bicycle traffic only on the streets.
Realy, on Sundays the road from Leblon (1st Beacht) to Aterro do Flamengo (last beach) stay closed to walk and ride by bike only, but there is also a year I dont go to Rio de Janeiro.
Most of my family lives there, but I leave in a town called Itamonte, 250 km far from Rio de Janeiro and 300 km from São Paulo.
I dont like big cities.
Much noise, trafic, violence....
Here we have clean air, clean water, waterfalls, rivers, creeks, natural pools.
The poeople are more simple.
I love the neigborhood cities: Itanhandu, Passa Quatro, Pouso Alto, Alagoa, Baependi and Aiuruoca.
So many waterfalls and natural beauties.
Regards.