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Rio Travel Planner

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A Week in Rio: Day 4

Copacabana, Princess of the Sea

Now that you already have a pretty good idea of what Rio is all about, you are ready to explore the city's most eclectic neighborhood. Copacabana has a little of everything -- from rags to riches, from culture to sleaze, it's all here!

To watch a spectacular sunrise, wake up early and go to Posto 6. The fishermen arrive at the beach before the first rays of light, and you could even help them pull the fishnet. They are soon joined by joggers, young mothers or nannies with babies, and later by the typical beach fauna of beauties, athletes, peddlers, etc.

Go to one of the 5-star hotels along the beach, and have a super breakfast. It's going to cost you some, but there are so many treats to snack on, that you may take over an hour to finish your meal! Spend the morning at the beach relaxing, people-watching, and working on your now almost decent tan.

Staying across from a major hotel is not a bad idea. A number of service providers tend to gather at these areas. You can have a massage, drink coconut milk or sip a beer, buy a hat or sandals, without ever leaving your towel. Walk around a little to watch the different tribes. Copacabana has a high percentage of senior citizens, and the combination of silver hair and a deep tan is almost de rigueur.

After you are done with the beach, we will explore some of Copacabana's attractions. As you had a big breakfast, we will have something light for lunch. We are starting at the Leme end of Copacabana, and a sandwiches of Cervantes is not a bad idea. For something more substantial try the seafood at Shirley's or a rodizio barbecue.

Walk along the main street, window-shopping, and stopping at small malls, and specialty shops. In Lido you may visit Hotel Copacabana Palace, enter a legendary working class building on Rua Barata Ribeiro, and pass by charming art-deco buildings next-door to famous go-go clubs. A quick stop at Bairro Peixoto will reveal the quiet side of Copacabana.

Neighborhood malls of interest include Centro Comercial de Copacabana, Galeria Menescal, and Santa Clara 70 a major fashion wholesale center in the city. From stone toucan bird and chessboards made of butterfly wings, to creative underwear, discount goods, leathers, shoes, you will find everything you could be looking for, and then some. Cultural highlights include Forte de Copacabana, Forte do Leme, and the IBEU art gallery.

We suggest a night of contrasts. Start with a sophisticated dinner in a fancy hotel restaurant. You could try Cipriani, on Copacabana Palace, Le Saint-Honor�, at Le Meridi�n or Le Pr�-Catalan at Sofitel. If you are game, you can later watch a hot performance at one of the go-go clubs in Lido. For some dancing and serious cruising, go to mammoth Help club along the beach. There are also clubs for gays and lesbians, and the action should be hot at Le Boy or Encontrus. Save some energy for your first weekend night tomorrow.

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https://ipanema.com/citytour/ -- Revised: July 99
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