Rio de Janeiro Hotels near Ipanema

What to Bring to Ipanema Beach

Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen. Otherwise the Brazilian sun can ruin any vacation. Come dressed like a local. That means dental floss bikinis for women of all ages. Other parts of the world like the U.S. would frown on older women wearing teeny tiny bikinis but that is the norm here on Ipanema, so don’t be shy. Men should wear the Speedo suits, or what is called “sungas” in Rio de Janeiro. If you wear anything else like long swim trunks you will instantly be identified as a tourist.

Locals do not bring towels to the beach. Women sit on their tangas, or cover-ups. Men sit on their shirts or on the sand. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas from the local shops on Ipanema Beach. Make sure to bring plenty of water. Beer is cheap on the beach, but if you’re a rookie you may want to stay away from stronger drinks as the alcohol and the sun combined can really take its toll.

One interesting thing about the beaches in Rio like Ipanema and Copacabana is the obvious divisions. A guide will tell you that the beach is divided into sections, such as Posto 9 is for the most fit and tanned bodies are, next to that is the gay beach identified by a rainbow flag, Posto 8 is for all the kids from the slums, and further on in the Leblon section are for mostly families.

Hotel on Ipanema Beach

There is a premier hotel located 50 meters from the beach called the Ipanema Plaza Hotel. It is also 5 minutes from Copacabana Beach. It has modern rooms with plenty of amenities including a gym, pool, and sauna. There is an onsite bistro and bar for casual atmosphere dining. You will pay a little more to be so close to Ipanema Beach, but if you are visiting Rio for the beaches, this is the perfect place to stay.