Before the end of the 19th century Ipanema was an unknown fishermen beach. In 1984 José Antonio Moreira, the Earl of Ipanema, bought the lands and urbanization began.

Nowadays Ipanema is often referred to as the most famous beach in the world, thanks to the epic song, “The Girl from Ipanema”, written by Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim. Throughout the times the beauty of Ipanema beach has been an inspiration source for artists, musicians, poets and writers.

Ipanema is also remembered for being the birthplace of important cultural and political movements. There is an interesting story in the history of Ipanema beach, about how it became a cultural center just for few short years and changed lives of a whole generation. At the end of 1960s the goverment started a project of taking waste water through a pipeline to the ocean, far away from the coast. As a part of this project a pier was built at Posto 9 in 1971. This construction made Ipanema the best place for surfers due to big waves created in the area of the pier. Along with surfers the beach became extremely popular among intelectuals, musicians, artists, writers, jornalists, etc. It was a small oasis of liberty, an escape from military dictatorship reality. In 1975 the pier was taken down and life on Ipanema beach went back to normal. But people's minds had already changed. Gradually it all lead to the end of the military regime in 1985.

Ipanema beach safety

Don´t leave your belongings unattended on the beach, there are many occurancies of theft. It is best not to bring valuables on the beach, but if you do, keep them close, as grab and run crimes are common. Otherwise the beach is safe.

The girl from Ipanema

The song that made Ipanema beach world famous.