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Copacabana and Ipanema beaches
Copacabana
Located in Zona Sul, Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach runs for 2.2 miles (4 km) in an east west direction running from Postos Dois to Posto Seis. In the 80s and 90s, Copacabana couldn’t be slowed down.
Cariocas (Rio natives) stretched for miles along the neighborhood’s sandy coastline, and highly fashionable yet hardly visible bathing suits characterized this south Rio destination. Copacabana’s fabulous crowds have since abated—many have migrated to the shores of neighboring beaches.
Copacabana is still a culturally rich neighborhood, but for seaside relaxation or stylish shopping options, it’s best to head west to Ipanema or Leblon.
Ipanema
Ipanema shares a border with Copacabana, but this world-class beach destination is more poised than its south Rio counterpart. Like a samba that swings so cool, this neighborhood is known for culturally enriching contributions and nonstop parties. Ipanema is home to universities, art galleries, elegant restaurants, hip nightclubs, and a robust cafe culture. The neighborhood’s mix of vocations creates a colorful beachside dynamic— students, surfers, professionals, and a thriving LGBT population frequents its sandy banks.
Take a walk along the beach to enjoy the warm sand and when you get thirsty try some of the agua de coco or coconut water straight from the coconut. Ipanema is life as a painting. In this seaside neighborhood, tan skin contrasts white sand and blue water.
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