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This stretch of golden sand achieved legendary status in the 1960s with the phenomenal success of "The Girl From Ipanema," a widely recorded bossa nova hit inspired by a pretty young woman passing through the fashionable Rio de Janeiro neighborhood on her way to the beach. Today more than ever, Ipanema is a popular seaside hangout for Rio's young and lovely set, and while the beach itself has plenty of charm, the scenic urban setting is largely upstaged by the beauty of the tanned and fit Rio residents who come here to frolic and flirt in the teeniest of swimsuits. Different sections of the waterfront, identified by a series of lifeguard stations known as postos, are favored by different crowds. Posto 8 marks the heart of the gay scene. Posto 10 is a popular spot for volleyball and other active pursuits. Posto 9 in between is the traditional nexus for university students and counterculture types. Wherever you choose to settle in, an unusually attractive parade of girls (and guys) from Ipanema is virtually guaranteed.

Brazilian Tourism Office: www.braziltourism.org
Empresa de Turismo do Municipio do Rio de Janeiro: www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com

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