The Aterro do Flamengo is the park that runs along Guanabara Bay between the Centro and Botafogo, with Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. You can explore it on foot or by bike, and along the way you reach the Museu de Arte Moderna, MAM Rio, which has free admission. This guide helps you plan the walk and choose the best day to do it.
At a glance
- What it is: a park on land reclaimed from the sea, stretching from Santos Dumont Airport to the start of Botafogo Beach, according to Riotur ↗.
- MAM Rio: free admission. It is open Wednesday through Sunday and on holidays; last entry is at 17:30, according to the museum ↗.
- On Sundays: the park's roads are closed to cars from 7:00 to 18:00, according to Riotur. It is the best day to walk or bike.
- Getting around: on foot, by bike share, or combined with the metro.
A park built on the sea
The park was the idea of Lota de Macedo Soares, was designed with architect Affonso Eduardo Reidy, and has landscaping by Roberto Burle Marx. It has been protected by Iphan, Brazil's national heritage institute, since 1965, according to Diário do Rio ↗. The same article reported in 2025 on revitalization works on the Orla Burle Marx, with completion planned for June 2026; some stretches may have changed.
If you are interested in the landscape architect, the Sítio Burle Marx is the companion visit, in Barra de Guaratiba.
MAM Rio
The Museu de Arte Moderna is at Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85, inside the park. According to its visit page ↗, accessed October 27, 2026:
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| Wednesday to Saturday | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 to 11:00, reserved for people with intellectual disabilities, autistic people, or people with sensitivity to visual or sound stimuli; 11:00 to 18:00, general public |
| Holidays | 10:00 to 18:00 |
- Admission: free. Last entry is at 17:30.
- Monday and Tuesday: not listed in the museum's opening hours.
- Children under 12: must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Also on site: a cinematheque with daily screenings and a cafeteria.
Beyond the exhibitions, the building and its gardens by the bay are worth the stop on their own.
What else to see along the way
- Marina da Glória: the park's marina, with views of Sugarloaf Mountain. Some boat trips leave from here; if you would like to go out on the water, see boat trips on Guanabara Bay.
- Monument to the Dead of World War II: the large memorial next to MAM, known as the Monumento aos Pracinhas. Check on site whether it is open to the public.
- Flamengo Beach: it is inside the park. Before going in the water, check the INEA bulletin.
- The courts and lawns: Riotur mentions soccer, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, plus plenty of people running, skating, and biking.
How to plan the walk
- Pick the day. On a Sunday, with the roads closed to cars, the park fills with people. If you want to see MAM, avoid Monday and Tuesday.
- Pick the stretch. You don't need to cover it all: for example, from MAM to Marina da Glória, or from Flamengo Beach toward Botafogo, facing Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Add a bike. With bike share you can cover more ground; how to use it in Bike Itaú for visitors.
- Protect yourself from the sun. There is some tree shade, but much of the walk is in the sun: bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
How to get there
The park runs parallel to metro Line 1, which has stations at Glória, Catete, Largo do Machado, and Flamengo. Work out the last stretch on foot with a map on the day. For more ideas in the area, see the Flamengo guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does MAM charge admission?
No. According to the museum, admission is free.
Is it an evening outing?
It is better to go during the day, when the park is busier. For getting around the city, see the tips on safety in Rio.
Can I combine it with Sugarloaf Mountain?
Yes. From the south end of the park you continue toward Botafogo and Urca. Hours and tickets in how to plan the cable car.
Sources: MAM Rio: visit ↗, Riotur: Parque do Flamengo ↗, and Diário do Rio: works for the park's 60th anniversary ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.