copacabana beach is among the most famous beaches in the world, and to this day this is the most important beach in rio de janeiro, along with nearby ipanema beach. having been an international destination for a century, the white sands of copacabana and the spectacular views of the bay and of the sugar loaf have attracted visitors from all corners of the globe.

located in the copacabana neighborhood, in rio's zona sul, copacabana beach is 4 km long (2.2 miles), very well developed, safe, and full of kiosks, restaurants, small markets, street vendors, street entertainers, and sports facilities.  beach sections in rio's zona sul are referred to by the number of the lifeguard tower for any given stretch, called 'postos'.