Praia do Arpoador
Arpoador Beach
"A small rocky beach between Copacabana and Ipanema famous for its sunset. Locals gather on the rocks every evening to applaud as the sun sets behind Two Brothers Mountain."
Logistics
Free
Vibe
Local tradition
Duration
1-2 hours
Best For
Sunset ritual
The Backstory
Named 'Arpoador' (harpooner) because 19th-century whalers used the rocks to spot whales. The sunset clapping tradition started spontaneously in the 1970s and continues today.
Local Secret
"Arrive 30 mins before sunset to get a good rock spot. The tradition is to clap and cheer when the sun touches the horizon. Bring a beer and join the ritual."