The namesake of the beach, however, has nothing to do with surfing - it gets its name from the massive rock outcropping that separates Copacabana and Ipanema. Heading to its flat end, you can sit down and watch the waves crashing against the rock and foaming into white. Two centuries ago, this is where harpooners stood and hunted whales, hence its name “Arpoador”, which literally means “the harpoon thrower”. Arpoador Beach is well-known for mainly two things: surfing and the sunset. After all, this is where surfing became popular in Brazil and it’s no wonder, for the rock helps in the formation of stable left breakers that can go as high as 10 feet!

Even at night, bright lights flood the area, providing the perfect lighting for some night surfing as well. As for the glorious sunset that crowds flock to every midsummer season, you can be sure that it's worth staying around for. From this part of the eastward-facing Brazilian coast, it is practically impossible to see the sun sinking into the ocean - that is, until the magical months of midsummer. Join everyone else and head onto the rock, settle down on a picnic mat and lean against your significant other as the golden glow of the sun appears behind the mountains beyond Ipanema Beach, spreading a canvas of colors across the horizon. Head to Arpoador Beach to experience the magic for yourself!