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Rio beachcombing

Description:

Copacabana and Ipanema are famous the world over, but have you heard of Prainha, Praia Vermelha, or Grumari? This two-day beach combing trip outlines an ideal itinerary for exploring the best of Rio's beaches, from the crowded city sands to isolated spots in the suburbs.

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Author: Lucy

Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro

Arpoador beach is perfectly located between the famous sands of Copacabana and Ipanema, and Apoador Inn sits right in front of the beach, on a quiet pedestrianised street. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel with a perfect view of the sands and the surfers, before heading on foot down to Copacabana. Find a spot on the sands (don't take a towel - girls should spread a sarong, guys should remain standing!), grab a beer or a soft drink from a street vendor and soak up some sun. If you're a keen surfer, (or keen to learn) speak to one of the instructors on the beach who can offer lessons and/or board rental. After a couple of hours catching some rays and some waves, take a bus west from Avenida Atlantica (the main road that runs past the beach), heading for the beach suburb of Barra. On weekdays the vast beach here is virtually empty, so you can sunbathe and swim/surf in peace. For a bite to eat that won't ruin that beach body, head for Pepe - a beach bar specialising in healthy sandwiches and juices. If you're looking for something more secluded, head further out to the shady, surf beaches of Recreio, Prainha and Grumari. When the sun starts to go down, take a bus back to Aproador and head up to Arpoador Rock for gorgeous sunset views. After a quick shower and change at the hotel, stroll up the beachfront to Ipanema, where you can grab a beer or a caiprinha and a good meal at Barril 1800, the only bar/restaurant in Ipanema with views right over the beach. When you're sufficiently fed and watered, browse some of the neighbourhood's chic stores, before stopping at Choperia Torre do Barao for a few drinks, before either heading back to the hotel or taking in some of the neighbourhood's many plush drinking joints.

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Praia do Arpoador

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Location:

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Copacabana / Ipanema
22410-003 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2259 6165 (Tourist Information)

Arpoador Inn

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Rua Francisco Otaviano 177
Ipanema
22080-040 Rio de Janeiro, BR

Phone:

+55 21 2523 0060

Barra da Tijuca

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Location:

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Avenida das Americas
22649-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Barril 1800

Location:

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Avenida Vieira Souto, 110
Ipanema
22420-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 523 0085

Copacabana Beach

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Avenida Atlantica and Xavier da Silveira
22010-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2542 8080

Leme

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Location:

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Between the Morro do Leme and Avenida Princesa Isabel
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2217 7575 (Tourist Information)

Choperia Torre do Barão

Location:

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Rua Venicius de Moraes 146, Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

55 21 2247 1835

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro

Take a cab into centro to catch the ferry over to Niteroi - the trip only takes 20 minutes but offers great views over Rio - and once there take a bus 38 or 52 for 20 mins, to find some wonderfully uncrowded ocean beaches. After topping up your tan, you can enjoy a drink at one of the many beachside kiosks before taking a bus back to the ferry terminal. From Centro, grab a bus to Leblon, and a few hours sunning or surfing, while admiring some of the city's most beautiful (men and women!). If you're a sporty type, make like the locals and buy a frescobal kit. In Leblon you can fill up on salads and other healthy dishes at Celeiro, an organic restaurant with a great range of fresh, light meals. If there's still time before sundown, head to Urca, and lovely Praia Vermelha beach, which sits directly below Sugar Loaf mountain. In the evening, head to Ipanema, and grab a tasty meal or snack at New Natural, before doing the rounds of the many nearby bars.

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