beach · Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Praia de Ipanema
It stretches from Arpoador to Jardim de Alah, with Morro Dois Irmãos framing the landscape in the background. It gained international fame with the song The Girl from Ipanema, from 1962, and the sunset seen from Pedra do Arpoador (rock) is one of the most admired on the waterfront.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Praia de Ipanema
Ipanema runs from Arpoador to Jardim de Alah, the canal that separates it from Leblon beach, over about 2.6 kilometers. To the west, the two peaks of Morro Dois Irmãos close off the view, with Pedra da Gávea behind them. As in Copacabana, the waterfront is divided by lifeguard stations, from 7, at Arpoador, to 10. The sand is wide, and the sea usually has strong waves.
The beach became world famous with The Girl from Ipanema, written in 1962 by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes. The inspiration was a young woman from the neighborhood, Helô Pinheiro, who walked down the street on her way to the beach. Each stretch has its own crowd. Posto 7, at Arpoador, is the surfing spot. Posto 9 draws a younger crowd. Posto 10 is the most popular with families.
The tip of Arpoador is the most sought-after spot. Pedra do Arpoador is a granite rock that juts out into the sea. In the late afternoon, hundreds of people climb to the top to watch the sun drop behind Dois Irmãos, and many applaud when it disappears. From the top, the view takes in the entire waterfront of Ipanema and Leblon. From May to September the sky is usually clearer. Next to the rock is Parque Garota de Ipanema, and near Posto 7 there is a statue of Tom Jobim with his guitar.
Away from the water, the neighborhood has tree-lined streets and street shops. On Sundays, Praça General Osório hosts a craft fair. The three subway stations are a few blocks from the sand, which makes it easy to come and go without a car.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A beach day. For the sunset at Arpoador, save the late afternoon.
Best time
Late afternoon, on Pedra do Arpoador, to watch the sun set behind Morro Dois Irmãos. From May to September the sky is usually clearer. Early in the morning the beach is emptier.
How to get there
Subway Line 1: General Osório, for Arpoador and Posto 8; Nossa Senhora da Paz, for Posto 9; Jardim de Alah, for Posto 10.
Tip
On a clear day, arrive early to get a spot on Pedra do Arpoador. The way to the top has uneven ground: wear sturdy shoes and stay away from the wet edge, where the waves crash. In the sea, the rules are the same as along the whole waterfront: near a lifeguard station and with a green flag.
A look at the place
Praia de Ipanema in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praia de Ipanema
Where can I watch the sunset in Ipanema?
On Pedra do Arpoador, at the end of the beach. In the late afternoon, many people climb the rock to watch the sun set behind Morro Dois Irmãos.
Can you swim in Ipanema?
Yes, near a lifeguard station and with a green flag. The sea often has strong waves, and you should check water quality in the Inea report.
Which lifeguard station is best for whom?
Posto 7, at Arpoador, is the surfing spot. Posto 9 draws a younger crowd. Posto 10 is the most popular with families.
Which subway station is closest?
It depends on the stretch: General Osório for Arpoador and Posto 8, Nossa Senhora da Paz for Posto 9 and Jardim de Alah for Posto 10.