Description: You’re likely to find more than just one girl from Ipanema Beach. Heck, you’ll even see a few guys. Everything you’ve ever heard about this world-famous beach, popularized by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes’ 1962 hit "Girl from Ipanema," is true. The rolling waves crashing to shore with a loud clap, drawing local surfers and boogie boarders brazen enough to ignore the power of the Atlantic. The arching hills and mountains, cradling a large favela (shantytown) that lights up the Leblon end of the beach at night. Bodequims every hundred yards or so peddling strong liquor drinks and fresh coconuts. And of course, the beautiful people lying out in the hot sun or diving into the ocean.
Now, there isn’t some kind of beauty patrol scanning the beach, only allowing those with perfectly toned bodies onto the shores. Judging by the majority of Ipanema photos, you’d think there were. Remember, this is a public beach, just like all the beaches in Rio. All kinds of people flock to these sandy shores—from the incredibly skinny to the appallingly overweight. No one cares or even takes notice if you aren’t sporting a chiseled six-pack or legs like Cameron Diaz, so check your modesty with your bags at the airport.
There’s all kinds of activity going on at Ipanema: vendors selling everything under the sun, pick-up fútbol and volleyball games, little kids running around in the Baixo Baby area under the watchful eyes of their parents, and, of course, the ever-health-conscious locals going for a jog or bike ride. There’s an excellent bike/running path that stretches from the tail end of Ipanema and runs its course all the way to the end of Copacabana Beach. We rented bikes on our last day and took advantage of it.
But don’t just hit the beach during the day. When the sun goes down, grab a drink and listen to the waves. Kick back. And then grab another cold one.
Basic common sense prevails at Ipanema Beach: don’t bring a ton of stuff (suntan lotion and a towel is sufficient), and don’t stick out by wearing an oversized swimsuit. Follow those two simple rules, and you’ll be set for bliss.
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