Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach one of the most famous beaches in the world
Located in Zona Sul, Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in the world. The atmosphere is very vibrant and the people are colorful and fun loving. Get to her by taking the subway on Line 1 or take one of the pubic buses. Copacabana beach runs between Princesa Isabel Avenue and lifeguard Post 6.
The Beach
The view to the left of Copacabana beach is the towering mountain of Sugar Loaf and Fort Duque de Caxias built in 1779. On the right is Copacabana Fort, which dates back to 1914. It houses the Army Historical Museum. The beach runs for 2.2 miles (4 km) in an east west direction running from Postos Dois to Posto Seis. Stop by one of the several beach bars and enjoy a gold cup of chopp (draft beer) and refeicao (herbed meat and fried onions). Take a walk along the beach to enjoy some of the most incredible sand sculptures and when you get thirsty try some of the agua de coco or coconut water straight from the coconut.
Sports on the Beach
The locals or Cariocas really enjoy their sports. As a result the government has provided many sports facilities along the beach. Volleyball nets are strung along the shores. There are also football courts. Cariocas also like to stay in shape, there are several places on the beach with training equipment where locals can pump iron and build muscles.
Around the Beach
Running for 2.2 miles (4km) parallel to the beach is the promenade. Completion of the project was in 1970. Designed by Roberto Burle Marx it is made of a black and white wave design. It is a popular route for cyclers, joggers and roller-skaters. Across the street from the promenade are some first class hotels including the 5 star Copacabana Palace Hotel, Sofitel, JW Marriott, and the more affordable Tulip Inn. There are several excellent Brazilian restaurants in the area. Try Siri Mole (Seafood), Carretão (Churrascaria) or Amir (Arabic food). Try also Rondinela or Taberna on Av. Atlantica for some real local cooking. Order peixe frito na brasa, a fried fish plate or aipim com carne seca which is dry meat with a fried root called manioc.
.
Carioca Tips
Enjoy the Sunday at Avenida Atlantica, half closed to cars. From Friday to Sunday there is a touristic fair in front of Rio Othon Hotel that starts at 6pm. There you can find great souvenirs and artwork. Have breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo at Copacabana Fort, one of the best places to eat in the shine mornings in Rio de Janeiro.
