5 places to watch the sunset in Rio de Janeiro
A beautiful sunset has the power to stop you in your tracks, leaving you breathless in its beauty and more appreciative of the world around you. In Rio de Janeiro, sunsets are a special affair, and you’ll even find cariocas (Rio locals) stopping to snap a photo or two.
Luckily, there are tons of spots to watch the sunset in Rio de Janeiro. Here’s a guide to help you discover them.
SUNSET GUIDE TO RIO DE JANEIRO
ARPOADOR ROCK
This spot is conveniently located between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, and is fun for kids and adults alike. It’s a giant series of rocks you can climb and boulder all over to check out the waves crashing against the rock formation. It’s also a popular spot to watch surfers, and of course, the famous Rio sunset.
DOIS IRMOIS
Dois Irmois (Two Brothers) is a popular hiking destination that takes you through the (relatively safe) Vidigal favela. The hike is of medium difficulty, and you can hire a mototaxi to take you close to the hike entrance. The view from the top is spectacular, overlooking the oceans and multi-million dollar apartments.
LAGOA
Lagoa refers to the large lagoon situation in Southern Rio, and attracts hundreds of travelers each day around the 4.5 mile walking trail. While almost any spot around the lagoon will be ideal for a sunset, I recommend heading for a bite and snack to Palaphita Kitch to seal the deal.
MIRANTE DONA MARTA
They say that visiting Mirante Dona Marta is like going to Christ the Redeemer without the crowds. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or Uber, and the views are sweeping. It’s also in direct view of Sugarloaf, oceanfront and the lush urban rainforest.
BAR URCA
The quintessential sunset spot in Urca is my favorite option for sunset. The move here is to order snacks and a cold beer at the bar, and claim a spot across the street to settle in and enjoy the views. With any luck, you’ll befriend a friend or two for the night as well!
