Hostel Rio de Janeiro, Beach Backpackers Hostel

See and be seen! People watching on the beach is a popular activity, especially because of the gym culture here in Rio de Janeiro, everyone likes to look their best while catching some sun. If you are seeking some sun and sand you have a number of options when it comes to beaches in Rio.

First off, we recommend getting your postcard perfect picture down at Botafogo Beach. You can get a really great shot of the beach with the Sugar Loaf in the background. We don’t recommend swimming at this beach as the water is often polluted by the boats in the harbour, but the view and the very short walk from Beach Backpackers Hostel makes it worth it!

After this you have the choice of Copacabanna or Ipanema Beach. Both beaches are quickly accessible from the metro which is two minutes walk from the entrance to our hostel.

How to get there from Beach Backpackers Hostel

Botafogo Beach

To get to Botafogo beach turn right after exiting the hostel
Turn left at the corner and keep walking straight until you get to the beach. Be careful when crossing the road as it is very busy at this intersection, make use of the underground walkway.

Copacabana Beach

To get to Copacabana Beach turn right after exiting the hostel
Turn left at the corner and keep walking straight until you see the metro stop
Take the metro one stop to Cardeal Arcoverde Station or two stops to Siqueira Campos Station (Depending on how far down the beach you want to be!)
Exit the station and walk downhill to reach the beach

Ipanema Beach

To get to Copacabana Beach turn right after exiting the hostel
Turn left at the corner and keep walking straight until you reach Botafogo Metro station.
Take the metro five stops to Ipanema/Gal. Osorio Station.
Exit the station and simply follow the crowds a few hundred metres to reach the beach.

What to know before you hit the beach

The sun is strongest from 12-3pm, so cover up with plenty of sunscreen or better yet head indoors for a drink during this period. You can rent an umbrella for BR$5 and a chair for another BR$5.

You can buy drinks and snacks at the beach, it is usually cheaper to buy your drinks from the sellers who walk along the beach rather than from the stands that rent out the umbrellas and chairs.

If you are going to Ipanema Beach head to Posto 9 or 10 for the young, lively crowd, you will also find the gay section of the beach nearby here.