Copabacana and Ipanema.
Where to stay? For business, vacation, carnival.
Misertravel recommends you stay at a hotel right off the beach in the center of Copacabana or Ipanema beach depending on your budget and likeness. Use the map function when booking.
Here you can enjoy all the events in the two top rated beaches in the world by walking. You will find all kinds of restaurants and Brazilian buffets here. Shopping for general merchandise is really reasonable just in case you forgot something.
Walking from one end of Ipanema beach to the other end of Copacabana takes a great part of your day, whether on the sand or boardwalk. It’s a great way to burn all those calories from the Brazilian buffets. Misertravel favorite activity when in Rio along with day trip to the Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Beach vendors/Beach chair rentals.
The vendors on the beach are the friendliest and are not aggressive. The only problem with beach chair rentals vendors is no structure of pricing and what’s available. Misertravel don’t recommend using them and bring your own supplies or bring supplies provided by your hotel. When buying food and drinks, ask how much and pay immediately for each item. Don’t start an account. No need to bring valuables to the beach.
There are public restrooms along the boardwalk. You can use them for a small fee of about 1 real.
The waves off these rocks are really strong. Be careful.
Beach volleyball, soccer, tennis, paddle are the main sports on the beach. Bring your own sunblock.
How to get Brazilian cash/Brazilian Reals?
Avoid changing money at the airport or using the ATM’s at the airport.
Misertravel don’t recommend changing any foreign currency into Brazilian reals at the airport when you land in Rio De Janeiro or Sao paulo. You will get ripped off. The first indicator is that they don’t advertise any rates or fees. If you don’t have transportation already arranged, use the official airport taxi and use your credit/bank card to pay.
Use the ATM’s inside the banks with the secure doors in Copacabana, and Ipanema to withdraw cash. You will get the best rates here minus your own bank fees of course. From here on, misertravel recommends paying everything in cash to avoid credit/bank card scheming frauds. You definitely need cash if you want to spend time in Lapa for the nightlife.