The rock
Walkways to the top.
Mayra Pavanello Munerato — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jose Rocha from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil — CC BY 2.0 · Rodrigo Soldon from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — CC BY 2.0 · Rodrigo Soldon from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — CC BY 2.0
Arpoador is a rocky outcrop and small beach between Ipanema and Copacabana in Rio's South Zone, with only about 500 metres of sand. Its name means «the harpooner», and historians trace it to colonial times, when fishermen watched from the rock for whales coming close enough to harpoon. It is one of the best surf spots inside the city, as the rock shapes steady breaks, but the line-up is crowded and the rip current along the rock is strong, so it is no place to swim near the point. The rock itself is open to everyone, with walkways that make the climb easier. Its fame is the sunset: for some weeks around the height of the southern summer the sun sets over the sea, a rare sight on a Brazilian coast that mostly faces east, and crowds gather on the rock and applaud as it disappears. Entry is free, and you can walk there along a promenade of about 4 km from Leblon.
Walkways to the top.
The crowd applauds.
A top city break.
Between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Rio de Janeiro
Fort CopacabanaFort Copacabana stands on the headland at the southern end of Copacabana beach, 7 minutes walk4.7
Ipanema BeachIpanema is Rio's stylish beach, between the Arpoador rock and Leblon, made world18 minutes walk4.8
Copacabana BeachCopacabana is Rio's most famous beach, a curve of white sand about four kilometr24 minutes walk4.6The small beach is fine on calm days, but the rip current is strong along the rock; swim away from it and watch the lifeguards' flags.