Ipanema Beach

Ipanema is a district located on the southern zone of the city Rio de Janeiro, between Leblon and Arpoador. The beach at Ipanema was immortalized in the song Girl from Ipanema, written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and performed by Jobim, João and Astrud Gilberto, and Stan Getz.

Character

Ipanema is a five minute walk from Copacabana beach but it's worlds apart. Gone are the sleazy prostitute bars and sex tourism and in are lots of classy boutiques and chic cafes. Ipanema is not quite as upscale a neighbourhood as Leblon or Barra de Tijuca but the rent prices rise and the area is much better policed. It's also where Rio de Janeiro begins to look truly beautiful without fears of getting mugged.

The Beach

The beach in Ipanema is one of the most beautiful in the world. It's actually quite dangerous to swim here with the unpredictable currents but a better view you will never find. The sands are full of some of the hottest bodies in the cities and at the end of the beach two hills rise known as the 'two brothers'. The beach is marked with points known as postos. Posto 8 marks the beginning of the gay stretch of beach which lasts up until posto 9 where the marijuana smokers gather. This is the most chic points on the beach and where the young rich kids go to tan. There are always circles of people playing football, volleyball and footvolley, a sport only to be found in Brazil.

Nightlife

Ipanema has a few bars that attract a crowd though it's a little mainstream. There are a couple of Irish bars - a craze in South America - and otherwise there are small cafes knowns as botequim where Brazilians like to sit, drink, eat and flirt. Then over on Rua de Maria Quiteria there is the Emporio, a bar where the crowd pours out into the street. It closes at 4am and then people drift down to one of the kiosks on the beach.

Safety

Ipanema has two favelas close by and so although it's safe during the day you still shouldn't walk down a dark street at night. Never go up a hill (that's where the slums are) and after midnight it's best to take taxis.

External Sites

• Ipanema Nightlife - A rundown of Carioca culture
• Guide to Beach life in Brazil - Brazilian culture on the sands