Leblon Beach

Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with samba and bossa nova, sun, heat, caipirinhas, and beaches. If you want a bit of peace and quiet, there are secluded beaches in Buzios, a paradise just 100 kilometres from Rio. But if you want to see Carioca life up close, take a bus to the beginning of the Avenida Delfim Moreira and the famous black and white sidewalk, and begin walking. This adventure will take you for miles along the most famous beaches: Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. The three are spectacular. The first, Leblon, is protected by the Two Brothers hill and is the quietest. Ipanema is more refined, and Copacabana is always crowded with sunloungers and sun-baked tourists.