Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Praia de Copacabana
One of Rio's most celebrated beaches, Copacabana stretches from the Morro
do Leme hill in the northeast to the Arpoador rocks in the southwest. It is a
year-round tourist hub, famed for its incredible New Year's Eve celebrations.
Until the construction of a tunnel connecting the area with Botafogo in 1892,
Copacabana was an unspoilt bay with picturesque dunes. The introduction of
trams in the early 20th century made the area fashionable, and by the time
the Copacabana Palace was built, the neighborhood had more than 30,000
residents. Today, it is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.
Top 10 Features
1 Copacabana and Leme
Neighborhoods
2 Fishermen
3 Copacabana Palace
4 Beach Soccer
5 Forte Duque de Caxias
6 New Year's Eve
7 Morro do Leme
8 Forte de Copacabana
9 Beach Vendors
0 Dragon's-Tooth Pavements
!
Copacabana
Morro do Leme
Do not walk along
the sand after dark
as muggings are
not uncommon.
Although the sea in
Copacabana is
generally clean,
certain tidal
conditions bring
garbage from
Guanabara Bay.
Ask lifeguards at
the
postos
(stands)
for the pollution
levels before going
for a swim.
and Leme
Neighborhoods
Copacabana beach fronts
two neighborhoods - Leme
and Copacabana itself. The
area is filled with hotels,
vibrant restaurants and
bars, and eclectic shops.
@
Fishermen
In the late 19th
century, southern
Copacabana was
home only to a fort
and a tiny fishing
community, whose
descendants own the
colorful fishing boats
(left)
that sit on
the sand next to
Forte de Copacabana.
The beach is lined
with numerous
little cafés and
stalls selling cold,
fresh coconuts.
• Map Q5-R3
Copacabana
Palace
Many famous visi-
tors have stayed at
this grand Art Deco
hotel
(right)
. Pictures
of past celebrity
guests are displayed
on the second floor
(see p112).
£
24
