Pan American Games Energize Rio de Janeiro’s Barra da Tijuca Neighborhood

The fact that the Pan American Games are taking place in Rio de Janeiro has placed the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood in the spotlight. The neighborhood in the west side of
Rio de Janeiro is an excellent choice for accommodation, outings and entertainment for tourists visiting the city for the Games.

The Auto Racing Sports Complex –where the basketball, swimming and cycling tournaments will take place, among others- and the Pan American Village, where athletes are staying, has meant improvements to Barra’s infrastructure. It has also rekindled the region's economy, tourism and services.

Made up of 17 buildings, the Pan American Village is providing accommodation for around 8,000 athletes and members of the delegations of the 42 countries participating in the Games. It has the advantage of being located just over 6 miles from 60 percent of the competition's venues, as well as being very close to the Media Press Center (MPC) and the International Broadcast Center (IBC).

It is not new for modern and sophisticated Barra to attract important companies and institutions. The Brazilian Olympic Committee recently built an impressive headquarters in the neighborhood. The curious thing is that only around 30 years ago the region was viewed with reservations because it was almost entirely covered by vegetation.

Barra is currently popular with Rio’s middle and upper classes, who are moving there attracted by a lifestyle similar to that of Miami, with luxury condos, cars and shopping malls. But the neighborhood is also noteworthy for its natural beauty, with a flagship beach stretching 11 miles, as well as lagoons and canals.