Located in one of the wealthiest areas in Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach is between Leblon and Arpoador, adjacent to the famed Copacabana Beach. Although the word Ipanema literally translates to “stinky lake” in the Tupi language, this description doesn’t fit what you’ll find along this stretch of white-sand beach where the rich and chic come to worship the sun. Beyond the western limit of the beach, there is a beautiful view of the two mountains, Dois Irmãos.
Originally, Ipanema referred to the homeland of a previous landowner instead of the stretch of coastline. Western culture recognizes the famous beach from the 1960s hit song The Girl From Ipanema, which was written by two local residents.
The local weather is mild year-round, but the best time to visit Ipanema Beach is from July through September when the weather and sunlight are ideal. During Rio’s Carnival, Ipanema hosts its own celebration, Banda de Ipanema, which draws in nearly 50,000 visitors. Regardless of when you visit, make sure you swim only in areas with designated lifeguards, as the water can be treacherous. Multiple lifeguard towers are located along Ipanema’s coastline.
You’ll find devoted surfers and sunbathers every day of the week, but you can expect a larger crowd on Sundays when the nearest road is closed to traffic, but open to walkers, runners, bikers and all varieties of skaters.
The area right near the beach features high-end restaurants and retailers. Wander down Rua Vinícius de Moraes where there is the highest concentration of shops and boutiques. Take a seat at a table in a botequim, which is the Portuguese term for bar or café. Watch the passing parade of people while you sip Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha. Note that prices in bars, cafés and restaurants in the Ipanema Beach area are higher than most other parts of Rio.
Ipanema Beach is about 30 minutes by taxi or bus from downtown Rio during normal traffic. Avoid renting a car if possible, as parking is hard to find and almost never free. If you must rent a car, read your hotel details carefully and see if parking is included. If you visit during peak times, make reservations early for either New Year’s Eve or Carnival, which is typically near the end of February.
Ipanema Beach Tours
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Tours & day trips
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Full Day in Rio - Christ the Redeemer by Van, Sugarloaf, City Tour & BBQ
Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 604 reviews
Free cancellation available
Food, drink & nightlife
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Full-Day in Rio Christ by Train, Sugarloaf, City Tour & BBQ
Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 98 reviews
Free cancellation available
Cruises & boat tours
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Arraial do Cabo with Boat Tour
Activity duration is 14 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Attractions
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Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard
Activity duration is 4 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Reviews of Ipanema Beach
4.5
Top Destination
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Very gay friendly, not a family beach
Popular places to visit
Leblon Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Leblon Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the local tours.
Praca General Osorio
After visiting Praca General Osorio, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Rio de Janeiro. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's mountain views.
Rua Farme de Amoedo
During your trip to Rio de Janeiro, you can do some window-shopping at Rua Farme de Amoedo. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Hippie Fair
Admire colorful folk art, stock up on Brazilian clothing and souvenirs, and savor some of Rio’s original fast food at one of the world’s largest open-air markets.
Garden of Allah
Enjoy an outing to Garden of Allah during your stay in Rio de Janeiro. Stroll along the area's beaches or simply enjoy its bars.
Arpoador Beach
Considered the birthplace of Brazilian surfing, this small beach is also one of the most popular places to catch Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular sunsets.
Best Lodging Options Near Ipanema Beach
Check availability on hotels close to Ipanema Beach
Hotel Arpoador
Rua Francisco Otaviano 177 Rio de Janeiro RJ
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Avenida Atlantica, 3668 - Copacabana Rio de Janeiro RJ
Mar Ipanema Hotel
Rua Visconde De Piraja, 539 Ipanema Rio de Janeiro RJ
Sol Ipanema Hotel
Avenida Vieira Souto 320 Rio de Janeiro RJ
Rio Othon Palace
Avenida Atlantica 3264 Rio de Janeiro RJ
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Avenida Atlântica, 4240 - Copacabana Rio de Janeiro RJ
Hotel Vermont Ipanema
R. Visconde de Piraja, 254 - Ipanema Rio de Janeiro RJ
Ipanema Inn
Rua Maria Quiteria 27 Rio de Janeiro RJ
Hotel Atlântico Rio
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112 Rio de Janeiro RJ
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Best time to go to Ipanema Beach
The best time to visit Ipanema Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
 Calendar Month |  Temperature |  Precipitation |  Cloudiness |  Occupancy |  Pricing |
| January | 80.1°F (26.7°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Slightly High |
| February | 80.2°F (26.8°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Slightly High |
| March | 78.6°F (25.9°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| April | 75.4°F (24.1°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Average |
| May | 72.0°F (22.2°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Average |
| June | 70.3°F (21.3°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly Low | Slightly Low |
| July | 70.0°F (21.1°C) | No Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Slightly Low |
| August | 70.5°F (21.4°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Slightly Low |
| September | 72.9°F (22.7°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| October | 74.3°F (23.5°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| November | 75.2°F (24.0°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Average | Average |
| December | 78.1°F (25.6°C) | Light Rain | Mostly Sunny | Slightly High | Slightly High |
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