The fame usually goes to Copacabana but it's Ipanema beach (seen above) that takes the prize for one of the world's best beaches. Unlike it's neighbour, Copacabana, Ipanema beach doesn't have legions of prostitutes or bag snatchers preying upon tourists. It's clean, safe and stunning.

Around posto 9 is where the cool crowd come to hang out, all of Rio's middle class come to get a tan, smoke and eye each other up. With there being more beauty salons and gymnasiums in Ipanema than just about anywhere else in the world (except Los Angeles perhaps!) it's like a beauty contest on the sands.

Beach culture is practically a way of life in Rio and worship of the body is practically a cult. It's more or less taboo to get topless but instead the girls wear as tiny swimming costumes as they can get away with, whilst the guys pose around in speedo swimming trunks, flexing their muscles.

The water at Ipanema can be quite fierce though and swimming is better at Copacabana. For all the vice associated with the beach, the view at dusk from Copacabana is spectacular and is well worth a walk.

There are also quieter, more remote beaches a short drive out towards the suburb of Barra de Tijuca or, if you want to really hang out on the sands for a few days, we can take you out to stay at a guesthouse in Buzios, a peninsula with a variety of beaches and nightlife.