A large suburb of Rio, Copacobana is perhaps best known for its amazing, wide, sandy beach that stretches four kilometres (2.4 miles). The most popular of the city's beaches, it is popular with both residents and tourists and usually lies beneath a mass of beautiful and fit bodies. Carioca girls in minimalist bikinis, bask in the scorching sun alongside families with their youngsters. Business dealings are conducted on the sand, while the soccer fields and volleyball courts are constantly in use, displaying the passion Brazilians have for their sports. Traders negotiate the throngs of bodies in their efforts to sell snacks, drinks, sarongs, sun tan oil and just about every beach accessory that you may have forgotten. Having said that, it is advisable to bring the very minimum of possessions and money along with you as the white pasty-looking tourist is an obvious target for petty thieves. Strong currents can prove dangerous for swimmers but an excellent lifeguard system exists.

Rio de Janeiro's sights and activites are plentiful, but Copacobana beach is where everybody wants to be. Many of the great Rio de Janeiro hotels are situated on around Copacobana so you will be able to get your fill during your visit to Rio de Janeiro.