The city districts Ipanema and Leblon belong to the most elitist and expensive areas of Rio de Janeiro and thus of entire Brazil. They are separated by Jardim de Alah, a small canal with close-by park. Many expensive boutiques, luxurious bars and discos are located here. Almost everything (food, drinks, accommodation) is about 30% more expensive than at the Copacabana.
The term “Ipanema” is an Indian expression and means “rough waters”. Not without reason as the surf and the offshore current may be quite strong. Thus caution is advised. Lifeguards (Postos) are in charge of security. Their posts are helpful orientation points.
Very popular is the area between Posto 9 and Posto 10. Here you find a vitality, which you will hardly see anywhere else in the world.
On the left hand side of the beach of Ipanema is Arpoador. This rock lies right in the middle between Ipanema and Copacabana. There are many surfers and the sunset is a real vision.
Ipanema is also beautiful on the side opposite to the sea at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Around this lake are esplanades, an elitist sports club, a jockey club and various restaurants.