5Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro
Fantasy
The Copacabana is without question the most famous beach in the world. On the four-kilometer beach promenade in Rio de Janeiro, hotels, bars and restaurants line up like a string of pearls. Along the entire length of the crescent-shaped beach under the legendary Sugar Loaf, there are great offers for water sports and entertainment.
Young women stand like grapes around the numerous kiosks, dressed in bikinis that would fit in a matchbox. In the lagoon surfers cavort with steel-hard bodies in the spray of turquoise water. As you watch the hustle and bustle of a lounger against the backdrop of a scenic sunset, you’ll find yourself tuned in to the beat of a nearby bossa nova band.
The sun acts like an aphrodisiac and in the shimmering air there is a hint of pleasure. You can feel it clearly in the abdominal area.
And then there’s the big Sambashow during carnival …
Reality
Due to the popularity of Copacabana, the beach is packed with tourists, especially in summertime. You feel like a sardine surrounded by oily bodies.
According to the high demand, the prices are also. To get hold of a sunbed with sunscreen is almost hopeless. The turquoise water turns out to be a dirty pool. Viruses and germs from sewage are regularly found in the waters of Guanabara Bay.
Also, the crime rates at the tourism strongholds are notoriously high. Rio the Janeiro is certainly no exception. So keep your purse in mind.
