Ipanema is a neighborhood located in the South Zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), between Leblon and Arpoador. The beach at Ipanema became known internationally with the popularity of the bossa nova jazz song, "The Girl from Ipanema" ("Garota de Ipanema"), written by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes.
Ipanema is one of the most expensive places to live in Rio, and private investment has led to the building of world-class restaurants, shops, and cafes. At the forefront of its beach culture are the many surfers and sun worshipers who socialise daily at the beach. Every Sunday, the roadway closest to the beach is closed to motor vehicles allowing local residents and tourists to ride bikes, roller skate, skateboard, and walk along the ocean.
Ipanema has played a role in the culture of Rio de Janeiro since its beginning, with its own universities, art galleries, theaters and cafes. It holds a street parade, the Banda de Ipanema, during Carnival festivities, separate from those of Rio de Janeiro, attracting up to 50,000 people to the streets of Ipanema.
The beach at Ipanema is known for its elegant development and its social life. Two mountains called the Dos Hermanos (Two Brothers) rise at the western end of the beach, which is divided into segments delineated by postos, or lifeguard towers. Beer is sold everywhere, along with the traditional cachaça. There are always circles of people playing football, volleyball, and footvolley, a locally invented sport that is a combination of volleyball and football.
In the winter the surf can reach nine feet. The water quality varies from clear light-blue water to a more murky green after heavy rains.
The Travel Channel listed Ipanema Beach as the sexiest beach in the world.
Read more about tour of beaches we offer at: www.marcelomeurer.com/tours/beaches-and-mangrove-lagoon/14
ARPOADOR
Arpoador is a small peninsula between Ipanema and Copacabana.The name comes from the rock formation, once used for whaling (banned in Brazil since the 80's). It is a favorite overlook with a wonderful view to Ipanema, Leblon beaches, Morro Dois Irmaos and Pedra da Gávea. Part of its territory belongs to the neighbourhood of Ipanema, and part to Copacabana.
Arpoador is a very popular place for tourists and locals to walk. Arpoador lies at the end of a 4km walk from Leblon, with a number of cafes located there to allow people to stop to look at the sea or enjoy the sun. The rock itself is open to the public, with a number of walkways in place to make it easier to scale the rocks.
During some time around midsummer it is possible to see the sun setting over the sea from Arpoador, a rare event on the generally eastward-facing Brazilian coast. On these occasions crowds gather around the place and cheer when the sun disappears.
Read more about the several tours we often in the Marvelous City: www.marcelomeurer.com
(References: en.wikipedia.org)
