Arara'y'u-aba

Cabo Frio projects into the Atlantic east of Guanabara Bay, beside lagoons and coastal inlets. Its stands of brazilwood attracted European traders in the sixteenth century, and French visitors formed alliances with Tamoio communities. Portuguese forces later fought for control of the coast. In 1615 Constantino Menelau established a fortified settlement at Cabo Frio after driving foreign ships from the region.