Ipanema Beach (Praia de Ipanema)
Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil
Although less famous than its neighbor Copacabana Beach, Ipanema holds its own with quiet charm, and it does so without skimping on any of the white sands, blue waters, or local character that give Rio de Janeiro’s beaches their claim to fame.
The basics
While it’s easy to spend a day lounging on the sand, you can have a more immersive experience on a guided city tour that combines a stop at Ipanema with other top Rio attractions, such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Lapa neighborhood, or the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Bike tours are a popular way to cover more ground in less time, while private tours ensure that you see everything of interest to you.
Things to know before you go
Ipanema is divided into various postos (sections), each with its own vibe—some are best for sunset barbecues and others are especially gay-friendly or suited to sunbathers.
Chair and umbrella rentals are available on Ipanema Beach.
Vendors walk the beach selling everything from snacks to hammocks, so you can stay put all day.
If you’re not sure which Rio beach is right for you, take a guided beach tour of the favorites, such as Arpoador and Leblon, before you commit.
Ipanema means “dangerous waters” in the local Indigenous language; only swim in designated areas, as the waves can be big and the undertow strong.
How to get there
The easiest way to visit Ipanema is on a guided tour, many of which include door-to-door transportation from your hotel. Otherwise, catch the metro to Ipanema/General Osorio or take any of the buses marked “Ipanema” from Centro.
When to get there
The beach is open and crowded year round, but plan your visit during Rio’s warm season—December to March—to enjoy the water. Visit in the morning for smaller crowds and less heat, or head to the beach in the evening to watch the sunset.
All about Ipanema
Bordered by Arpoador Beach and Leblon Beach, Ipanema Beach is perhaps one of Rio's most well-known stretches of sand. Situated on the ritzy side of Rio, the Praia de Ipanema backs onto the upper-class neighborhood of Ipanema, which is full of high-end hotels, fine-dining establishments, boutiques, and avant-garde galleries. For the full Rio experience in Ipanema, get in on a game of Frescobol (a cross between beach volleyball and net-free tennis) before taking a dip in the ocean.
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