The other of the two world famous beaches in Rio. Ipanema has however slightly cleaner sands than Copacabana.
Two mountains called the private://Dois Irmãosprivate:// (Two Brothers) rise at the western end of the beach. The beach is divided into segments by marks known as private://postosprivate:// (lifeguard towers). Different groups of people occupy different segments like in Copacabana. Beer is sold everywhere on the beach along with the traditional cachaça. There are always circles of people playing football, volleyball, and footvolley, a combination sport of volleyball and football originated in Brazil.
In the winter the surf can reach 9 feet. The water quality varies with days of light-blue water to a more murky green after heavy rains. Constant swells keep the water clean. The often treacherous beach break regularly forms barrels.
The gay-friendly area private://the gay beach,private:// is situated near in the area of private://posto 9private:// (lifeguard tower 9).
Just west of this colorful section and towards Leblon is another popular stretch of sand known as Posto 10 (aptly named after the 10th lifeguard tower) where young and often beautiful carioca men and women hipsters congregate.
The Travel Channel listed Ipanema Beach as the sexiest beach in the world.