Rio's Beaches

Copacabana


Flamengo


Ipanema

Rio de Janeiro is blessed with three stunning beaches alongside each other. Ipanema Beach on the north side is where the you will find the cleanest sand and waters and this is where the wealthy Brazilians go. In the middle of Ipanema and Flamengo is Copacabana beach which also attracts the middle class crowd.

My favorite is Flamego Beach where you will find the best scenery.The polluted sea is more than compensated by the real great views of the Pao de Acucar and the Cristo Redentor. Across the beach is the Parque do Flamego where there a number football fields and sports courts, and paths for joggers and skaters.

Sweet Pao de Acucar

Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf) provides stunning views of Rio de Janeiro confirming that Rio may indeed be the most beautiful city by the sea in the world.

Again there was a huge crowd when I got there, but still the breathtaking scenery from the peak of Pao de Acucar did not disappoint! To get to the peak, you need to take a cable car. Another option for those who are really physically fit and adventurous is to do the granite hugging climbing tours to the summit.

Rio's Peak

Atop the Corcovado Mountain, the statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) stands watch over the city of Rio de Janeiro. This world famour statue on top of the mountain as seen from the Flamengo beach area is impressive. But what is more awesome are the spectacular views of Rio and its surroundings at the top of the Corcovado Mountain.

Unfortunately, I was there during Good Friday of the Holy Week which is long weekend holiday in Brazil, and the place was crowded with local tourists. Furthermore, I was with a tour group and we had only a short time to enjoy the place. This top tourist attraction of Rio de Janeiro is a place to be enjoyed and savored at leisure. I would have wanted to linger and enjoy the awesome views at my own pace. Maybe next time...