Arporador is a beach, but there's also a big rock jutting out into the water there, where people gather to watch the nightly sunset. It can get crowded (we were there on a Rio holiday) so arrive early for a good spot. But any place that provides applause for a sunset is tops in my book - and it was applause-worthy. Probably the second-best place to view the sunset (after Sugar Loaf.)

The beach of Arpoador itself is a narrow strip on the East side of Ipanema. The beach changes names at cross-street Rua Francisco Otaviano. The rocks at the end of the beach offer a priviledged overlook to the beachs of Arpoador, Ipanema and Leblon on one side, and a strip of Copacabana Beach on the other. Diabo Beach is small and the rough waters are good for surfing, but it can be treacherous if you are not familiar with the undertow.

THis is the top end of Ipanema before you come to the Rocks and just around the corner is Copacabana - to be perfectly honest you wouldnt know this was a separate beach - just a continuation of Ipanema!! Would be a perfect place to watch the sunset!!!

Arpoador is a good beach just to take a quick walk and going back. Whatever you do, dont get into the water or seat at that beach. It is in fact the beach of the people that lives in the Fabellas. I personally saw many robberies in that area, and even I personally saw a guy get shot by the police in the beach beacuse he was stealing. Go to Ipanema instead!!