Rio de Janeiro walking route: Ipanema to Copacabana
This 78.5 km route through Rio de Janeiro covers the city's most iconic beaches including Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana, with views of Morro Dois Irmãos mountains and the Rocinha Favela. The itinerary includes cultural stops at Santa Teresa's live samba venues, Pedra do Sal, and the Salgueiro Samba School, plus natural attractions like Tijuca Forest and dining at Braseiro de Gavea.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Ipanema Beach
- End
- Salgueiro Samba School
- Stops
- 11
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Ipanema Beach — One of the best beaches in Rio where you don't need to bring anything; posh beach boardwalk.
- Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Mountains) — Mountains visible in the distance from the beach; popular sunset hike location.
- Leblon Beach & Copacabana Area — Iconic seaside neighborhoods featuring crescent beaches, vibrant promenades, and upscale dining that epitomize Rio's glamorous coastal lifestyle.
- Rocinha Favela — One of the largest favelas in South America; informal settlement visible from beaches and mountains.
- Braseiro de Gavea Restaurant — Restaurant specializing in generous portions of grilled meats; crowded with locals daily.
- Santa Teresa Neighborhood & Live Samba — Historic hilltop district with colonial architecture, bohemian culture, and live samba venues showcasing Rio's musical heritage and artistic spirit.
- Pedra do Sal Evening Samba — Waterfront gathering spot where locals and visitors celebrate traditional samba music and dance during evening street celebrations.
- Copacabana Beach Boardwalk — Famous beachfront promenade lined with mosaic pavements, cafes, and vendors offering Rio's most recognizable seaside social experience.
- Rio de Janeiro Overview — Dramatic towering granite peaks with vibrant colors of favelas; magical mountain landscape.
- Tia Rainforest / Tijuca Forest — One of the three largest replanted urban rainforests in the world, visible from the favela.
- Salgueiro Samba School — One of the most famous samba schools in the city; hosts Carnaval celebration rehearsals.
Useful for your trip
- Food
- At Rio beaches, you don't need to bring food or drinks. Beach vendors come by all day selling umbrellas, bikinis, alcoholic beverages, and snacks.
- Food
- Try Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil made with cachaça (sugar cane liquor), lime, sugar, and ice. It's deceptively sweet.
- Food
- Beiju is a classic Rio beach snack—a light, airy cracker that tastes like cheese.
- Food
- Try charcoal grilled cheese coated in oregano and topped with molasses at Rio beaches.
- Tip
- Visit Rocinha Favela with a local guide to experience the community's views and real stories beyond media stereotypes.
- Tip
- Watch a Carnaval rehearsal at a samba school to experience Rio's local culture.
- Tip
- Attend evening samba at Pedra do Sal on Monday nights for live local music and nightlife.
- Tip
- Watch a football match at Maracanã Stadium to experience Rio's sports culture.
- Save money
- Rio's beaches (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon) are completely free and accessible to everyone, making them great equalizers regardless of income.
- Transport
- Get a Holafly E-Sim before arriving to have seamless cellular data for calling Ubers, using Google Maps, and finding activities without hunting for a physical SIM card.
Video on this route
RIO DE JANEIRO IS THE WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY!