Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches

Copacabana and Ipanema are the two best-known city beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, running along the Atlantic in the South Zone. Copacabana stretches about four kilometres along Avenida Atlantica, backed by hotels, apartment towers and the black-and-white wave-patterned pavement designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Ipanema, roughly two kilometres long and separated from Copacabana by the granite outcrop of Arpoador, is fronted by Avenida Vieira Souto and is known for its more residential, fashionable atmosphere and the Dois Irmaos mountains at its western end. Both beaches are lined with kiosks selling coconut water, grilled cheese, beer and snacks, and with volleyball and footvolley nets, football pitches, cycle lanes and outdoor gyms. Beach chairs and umbrellas are rented from licensed kiosks and vendors. Each stretch is divided into lifeguard posts called postos, and locals gather at particular postos: Posto 9 in Ipanema is a well-known meeting point, while Copacabana's Posto 6 is close to the Forte de Copacabana. The sea has strong currents and waves, so swimmers should stay near lifeguard posts and heed flag warnings. A stroll along the promenade takes about two hours, and most visitors spend two to four hours on the sand. Early mornings are calm and used by walkers and joggers, while weekends and holidays fill the beach from late morning. Copacabana hosts huge New Year's Eve celebrations, and Ipanema is the focus of many local events. Petty theft is a known problem, so visitors are advised to carry only essentials and to leave jewellery at their accommodation. Metro Line 1 serves both neighbourhoods, and Arpoador offers a short climb to a sunset lookout between the two.